CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

The Columbia Market House is Back!

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Photo courtesy of Columbia Market House.

After undergoing extensive renovations, the Columbia Market House will officially reopen on May 29, with a weekend of events planned to celebrate. The revitalized market features year-round farm stands and vendors, a restaurant and an event space for weddings and other special occasions.

The historic market has been closed since 2017, when it shut down due to slowing business. It was able to reopen through a public-private partnership between CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health and the Borough of Columbia. The market will be managed by CHI and embody their commitment to a healthy Columbia, providing residents with access to healthy, affordable food within walking distance.

The multi-million-dollar renovation project included newly installed polished concrete floors, air conditioning, new bathrooms, a seating area and a kitchen for the anchor restaurant, Gypsy Kitchen.

Owned by husband-and-wife restaurateurs Ed and Ellen Diller, Gypsy Kitchen offers take-out and full-service dining within the market. Their menu features colorful dishes using fresh, local ingredients. For dessert, Ellen crafts tempting baked goods, cookies and homemade ice creams. One day per week, Gypsy Kitchen will offer a pay-what-you-can option; meals will have a suggested contribution amount, but patrons are not required to pay. Payments for meals will support the restaurant in feeding neighbors who may not be able to afford a healthy meal.

The market will also feature 20 vendors, with an emphasis on healthy offerings. Bear Fruit will feature healthy alternatives to sweets, such as chocolate-covered bananas and strawberry skewers. Fuel Madness and Pulire will both offer wholesome options, such as fresh juices, smoothies, chia bowls, salads and prepared meals. Other food vendors include Andy’s Market, The Golden Whisk, Dough Heads Stuffed Waffles and The Freinschaft Soup & Cellar, to name a few.

As far as non-food vendors, flowers from Fulton Street Flora, handmade pet treats from Just 4 Paws & Hooves and all-natural products from Norse Naturals will be available.

For a full list of vendors, click here.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Market House.

Opening Weekend Events:

Friday, May 28: Taste of the Market House – Sneak Peek Event (Sold Out).

Saturday, May 29: Grand Opening (7 a.m.-3 p.m.). At noon, there will be guest speakers, a ribbon cutting and a soda toast (featuring handcrafted soda selections from one of the Market House’s new vendors – Soda Depot). Throughout the rest of the day, explore the market’s vendors and enjoy live music from local musicians. All are welcome.

Sunday, May 30: Food Truck and Family Day (11 a.m.-2 p.m.). The celebration continues with food trucks and family-friendly activities, including caricature and balloon artists. Food trucks include Cajun Culture, Mara-Leo’s Italian Food Truck, Scoops Ice Cream & Grille and TJ’s Ice Cream Truck. The market’s vendors will not be open during this event. All are welcome.

The market is located at 15 South Third Street, Columbia. Hours are Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call 717-947-6524 or visit columbiapamarkethouse.org. 

 

It’s a Beautiful Day With Kristin Groff Barry

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Imagine Covid doesn’t exist and you have a day off from work. You are free to spend the day doing exactly as you please. Inspired by U2’s It’s a Beautiful Day – “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away” – we asked Kristin Groff Barry to describe her perfect Lancaster County day.

About Kristin

Kristin grew up in Kirkwood in southern Lancaster County. Her green thumb can be traced to her great-grandmother whose gardens – at the family homestead in Kirkwood and later at her home in Quarryville – developed into show-stoppers. Her young grandson, Carlton Groff (Kristin’s father), became her gardening assistant at the house in Quarryville, where she tutored him about ecological and economical strategies such as composting and dividing plants. At one point, the savvy gardener and her protégée had divided so many plants that one of the garden beds grew to 30-by-200 feet in size. As Carlton notes on Groff’s Plant Farm’s website, he became “hooked” on plants.  

The Groffs’ family farm, which originally specialized in tobacco and cattle, was launched by Kristin’s great-grandparents, who operated it from 1912 through World War II. When her grandparents took over, an orchard operation was added, offering pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, cherries, apples and in the fall, pumpkins. The farm was also known for its cider. 

When Carlton and his wife, Carol, took over the farm in 1976, he saw it as opportunity to diversify into plants and greenhouses began to spring up on the acreage. Fourteen years later, the Groffs sold a portion of the farm (including the orchard) in order to focus on growing plants in their five greenhouses. 

Groff’s Plant Farm, which opened to the public in 1992, has grown into a complex of 28 greenhouses and outdoor areas offering annuals, perennials, herbs, native plants, vegetable plants, shrubs and more. For many gardening enthusiasts, a visit to Groff’s is a rite of spring. Pull into the parking lot on a busy Saturday in May and it’s not unusual to see license plates from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. 

Kristin grew up helping first in the orchards and then in the greenhouses. Always interested in plants and genetics, she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Carleton College in Minnesota, and a doctorate in environmental horticulture from the University of Florida. Career-wise, she has worked as a plant breeder for PanAmerican Seed Company in Chicago, and briefly managed a cotton-breeding biotech greenhouse for Bayer Crop Science in Lubbock, Texas, before returning to Lancaster County.  

The move home in 2006 was prompted by her parents’ looming retirement. Kristin and her husband, Jon Barry, took over the business in 2012. Family ties were also important, as they wanted their now-teenage children, Liam and Alison, to enjoy a close relationship with their grandparents. “My kids are very close to their grandparents and their cousins who live only a few miles away,” Kristin notes.   

What’s New and a Must-Have for 2021? 

“We are known for our wide variety of perennials and native plants,” says Kristin. “One of my favorites is the spring-blooming Amsonia hubrichtii, blue star. In the fall, the foliage turns a blazing yellow.” 

Kristin is also a fan of the 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year, Calamintha nepetoides, lesser calamint, which she describes as “a fantastic plant that is underrated. It has fragrant minty foliage and is covered with delicate white flowers for most of the season. It’s great for sunny, well-drained spots. It attracts pollinators and is rarely bothered by rabbits or deer.” 

She also predicts that vegetable gardening will continue to be on trend in 2021. “Last season, veggies and herbs were popular since people were home and had the time to devote to their gardens. I expect that trend to continue.” She adds that the staff at Groff’s “is excited about the downy-mildew-resistant ‘Devotion’ basil.”   

In Her Own Words

Kristin’s Perfect Lancaster County Day 

As you can imagine, April, May and early June are prime time at Groff’s. We’re busy from sunup to sundown, so having a day off would be a luxury. Spending it in a relaxing  way would be my idea of a perfect day. 

The Southern End is home to so many beautiful natural and recreational areas and we are fortunate to live within walking distance of one in particular – Theodore A. Parker III Natural Area. I love to take the kids or dogs on that easy hike along Stewart Run in the spring. Of course, I like to take note of what’s growing and blooming. At this time of the year you’ll see a ton of ferns and spring ephemerals like trout lily, bloodroot and trilliums. The exposed glacial-till rock formations and little waterfalls are beautiful. There are good swimming holes to be found in the summer, too.

After working up an appetite on our hike, we’d take the kids to Maplehofe Dairy for hand-dipped ice cream cones or milkshakes. For dinner, we’d grill out. The menu would include steaks or seafood from Yoder’s Custom Cuts & Grill at the Oxford Farmers Market. We’d end the day by watching the sunset from our patio.  

For more information, visit groffsplantfarm.com. 

Hillside Public House at Doneckers: Eat, Drink & Relax

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Hillside Public House, which opened last October in a space formerly occupied by the Restaurant at Doneckers, aims to be a gathering place that celebrates community, good food and Pennsylvania’s distilling and brewing heritage.

Brewster’s Bar-B-Que provides Hillside’s menu items, including pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis-style ribs and a nacho plate. The beer selection represents local and regional craft breweries.

John Male, who is a co-owner of Hillside Public House, admits that opening a new restaurant during a pandemic poses its own unique challenges. “We received most of the approvals just before COVID-19 hit in March, but we needed to secure a few additional things before we could open,” he explains. Biding their time, John, who owns the building that houses the restaurant, and his partner, Steve Funk, decided to wait until spring shutdowns ended and seating capacity restrictions improved to launch their business. By fall, they felt the time had arrived to open the restaurant. 

Steve, who is a longtime friend of John’s, brings a knowledge of distilling to Hillside. He became involved with some start-ups in the Dewey/Rehoboth Beach area in 2013. Three years later, he founded Hillside Spirits Distilling Company in Paradise. When John purchased the Doneckers building, he reached out to Steve about expanding his distilling business into Ephrata.  

“Ambassadors of the brand” include Krista and Leo Ryan.

A former teacher, John also operates a real estate brokerage, Infinity Real Estate. Although he’s a Manheim Township resident, John has strong ties to Ephrata. His grandfather, George Male, was a longtime football coach at Ephrata Senior High School in the ‘40s and ‘50s. (The George Male Trophy is named in his honor and is presented annually to the winner of the Ephrata-Warwick football game.) John’s wife, Linda Carroll Male, is not only from Ephrata, but she and her twin sister, Shannon Sensenig, worked at Doneckers during high school. John’s brother-in-law, Gary Sensenig, of Ephrata-based Mad Dog Rustics, contributed to the restaurant by crafting the rectangular high-tops in the bar area.

Visitors will immediately notice that the French Country décor that once distinguished the Restaurant at Doneckers has been replaced by a more modern, minimalist vibe. John notes that he has retained some of the Doneckers heritage via the names of the dining areas. Adjacent to the bar, the Provincial Room seats about 50 with a mix of tables and round high-tops. Two VIP lounges are known as the Chateau rooms. Other areas include the East Room, which features casual seating for 15, while the West Room, which seats about 35, boasts tables and one of Hillside’s six large-screen TVs. (Of course, seating capacity is dependent upon COVID-19 health and safety restrictions issued by the state.) The Provincial and Chateau rooms are available for private functions. There’s also outdoor sidewalk seating at picnic tables. Plans call for a rear patio to be added either this summer or by next year’s outdoor dining season.  

Hillside’s modern vibe replaces the Country French décor that distinguished the Restaurant at Doneckers.

For its menu items, Hillside partners with two Ephrata-area establishments – Brewster’s Bar-B-Que and Tsunami Express Sushi. “Food is what they do best, so we’re offering them an additional outlet,” John says. “Brewster’s is our main food partner, but sushi will be available a few nights a week.”

Brewster’s Bar-B-Que owners, Barry and Kathy Fair, smoke the menu items at their main restaurant on Steinmetz Road, which is adjacent to the Warwick to Ephrata Rail-Trail (WERT). Brewster’s Hillside menu features sandwiches such as pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey and Texas-style sausage, as well as meals that include St. Louis-style ribs. Special items include a pretzel braid, chips & salsa and sausage bites & cheese. There are also homemade sides such as chili, potato salad and mac & cheese. Take-out is available.

Local and regional craft brewing companies are represented on Hillside’s menu board.

The beverage selection reflects Pennsylvania’s long-held heritage for brewing beer, distilling spirits and making wine. Cocktails are made using Pennsylvania spirits, including Hillside’s own vodka, rum and gin (all crafted by Steve Funk), whiskey from Stoll & Wolfe (Lititz) and vodka and tequila from Faber Distilling (Quakertown). There are 12 craft brews on tap, including selections from Yuengling, Pour Man’s Brewing Company (Ephrata), Troegs, Lancaster Brewing Company and Spring House Brewing. Craft beer is also available in cans from such companies as St. Boniface Brewing and Victory Brewing. Hard seltzers are also available by the can. Ciders are represented by Levengoods of Lancaster and Wyndridge Farm. Selections from wineries such as Grandview Vineyard, Galen Glen and Pinnacle Ridge are available by the glass. 

Hillside Public House also offers entertainment via a jukebox, table-top shuffleboard, corn hole (the game boards were crafted by Gary Sensenig) and video skill games. “We want people to come to relax and enjoy,” John says.

Hillside Public House at Doneckers is located at 333 N. State St., Ephrata. Hours are Wednesday-Friday, 4-10 p.m., Saturday, 12-10 p.m. and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. (Hours are subject to change per Covid restrictions.) Parking is available in the former Doneckers lot across the street from the restaurant. For more information, call 717-863-5156 or visit hillsidepublichouse.com and on Facebook and Instagram. 

A Family Enclave

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Family is important to Jennifer and Justin Albright. Their parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins all live within a mile or so of their West Hempfield Township home that features four acres of trees, gardens, an outdoor-living area, a screened porch, a swimming pool and hilly areas that are perfect for sledding. It’s provided them and their extended family with a way to stay connected – and entertained – over the past 14 months. 

The Albrights’ four-acre property revolves around outdoor living and entertaining friends and family. On fall weekends, the patio is equipped with a television for watching football.

The manner in which Jennifer and Justin met and married is straight out of a Hallmark movie. The two lived about a quarter-mile from each other and carpooled to Our Lady of the Angels School in Columbia during the school year. They are both graduates of Columbia High School. However, their three-year age difference provided few opportunities to socialize. “Our mothers never tried to get us together, either,” Jennifer recalls. 

That all changed on the night Jennifer was out with friends to celebrate her 21st birthday. Justin happened to be at the same bar and came over to the table to wish her happy birthday. “I think he bought me a drink, too,” she smiles. A week later, he called her for a movie date. “We just kept running into each other that summer,” she recalls. 

Part of their developing bond was a love for the Susquehanna River. As children, each of their families had summer cabins along the river. “We grew up on the river and have always been big river people,” Jennifer notes, adding that Justin recently purchased a boat, which will allow them to spend more time on the Susquehanna this summer. “We’re either here,” she says of home, “or on the river.” 

Despite the distance that separated them – Jennifer was a student at Penn State and then furthered her education at Slippery Rock, where she completed graduate work in physical therapy, while Justin, a graduate of Elizabethtown College, had launched his IT career locally – their relationship flourished. Justin made it a practice to send Jennifer a dozen roses every week. 

The screened porch provides an outdoor option for rainy days, as well as a quiet place to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.

The two were wed in 2004. They began married life in a rowhouse Justin had bought in Columbia. “He bought it without me seeing it!” Jennifer says, adding that she approved of his choice because of the “character” that came courtesy of its centuries-old age. The arrival of two children prompted them to buy a newly built and larger house on the outskirts of town. The house never felt like “home,” Jennifer explains. “It just didn’t have any character,” she continues. “I like houses that have character.” 

Fortunately, such a house existed nearby. Built in 1984, the New England-style saltbox appears to have been built closer to 1784. Jennifer and Justin immediately recognized that it would offer the character and qualities of what they envisioned as possibly being their “end-all, be-all house.” They looked at the house (several times), loved what they saw and bought it in November 2015. They spent the winter working on the interior of the house in an effort to transition the Colonial Williamsburg color scheme to modern farmhouse. 

Painting the exterior of the house is the Albrights’ next home project. Jennifer hopes to change the color scheme to gray and white, which will reflect the modern farmhouse styling of the interior spaces.

The Classic Saltbox
The saltbox, which is regarded as a prime example of Colonial American architecture, emerged in New England during the 1600s. (The country’s second president, John Adams, was born in a saltbox. After marriage to his wife, Abigail, the couple moved into their own saltbox-style home, which is where the sixth president, John Quincy Adams, was born.)

Named after a wooden-lidded container that was used to store salt in colonial times, the saltbox is known for its steep roof that is longer in the back than it is in the front. The differentiating rooflines served multiple purposes. One had to do with taxation. It was Queen Anne’s policy to tax a homeowner according to how many stories his house had. Technically, the saltbox was one story, hence it was taxed as such. Another had to do with New England’s harsh winters – the steep slope at the rear of the house allowed snow to easily slide off. The third reason accommodated growing families – additions could easily be constructed on the back of the house.

The heyday of the saltbox was 1650-1830. Many survive today and are listed on city, state and federal historical registries.

When spring arrived, it occurred to them that they may have bitten off more than they could chew. “We weren’t prepared for the level of work that is required here,” Jennifer admits, explaining that preparing for the growing season requires 24 scoops of mulch. Justin, however, was game to take on the challenge and “jumped in head first,” relying on his long-held experience with aquariums and his genetically gifted green thumb. “My grandmother and mother have always been into gardening,” he notes. “I find that working in the garden and even mowing the lawn are very therapeutic.” According to Jennifer, her husband is “also naturally curious and likes to constantly learn new things.”

Jumping In 

The first thing on Justin’s agenda was revamping the water garden. He thinned out and repotted the myriad of plants that were growing in and around the pond, making room for fish. While the Albrights contemplated stocking it with koi, they took the inexpensive route (goldfish) because of predators such as herons and raccoons. Justin also devoted the first year in the house to cataloging all the plants that grow on the property. 

Jennifer relies on Eve’s Garden near Millersville to create her larger container gardens. This one is composed of lantana, verbena and purple heart.

Justin also delved into vegetable gardening and began experimenting with a German raised-bed method called hügelkultur, which is also known as mound or hill culture. Used for centuries by German and eastern European gardeners, the methodology entails piling rotting wood and plant debris and topping it with compost and soil. 

Justin’s hügelkultur-style beds in his vegetable garden are used to grow Swiss chard, radishes, lettuces, herbs and other edibles. Another bed is dedicated to salsa ingredients, while in another, the theme is hot peppers.

Justin utilizes hügelkultur to grow all sorts of vegetables, lettuces and herbs. “We eat lots of salads in the summer,” Jennifer says of the bounty the garden provides. 

The garden is also home to a bed of hot peppers. “I’ve always liked hot sauce and now I can make my own,” he remarks. Another specialty garden in which tomatoes, peppers, onions and herbs are grown, provides the makings for salsa. 

Justin also sows his own seeds, which he uses to make seed packets. “Our laundry room becomes a growing room in late winter and early spring,” Jennifer adds. 

There’s also an orchard in progress that is filled with apple, peach and cherry trees. “He calls it his ‘farmette,’” Jennifer says of the area Justin has carved out for his garden and orchard. 

Explore Hügelkultur
Used for centuries in Germany and other eastern European countries, hügelkultur takes raised-bed gardening to new heights. Justin Albright has been experimenting with this growing method and is impressed with the results. Essentially, you take dead/rotting wood – he begins with logs and then adds smaller branches and twigs – atop which you add plant debris such as leaves, grass clippings and garden foliage. Finally, you top the pile with compost and soil. There are elements to avoid, including wood and bark from black walnut, redwood and black locust trees, as well as diseased plant matter. The mounds can be as high as five or six feet. Over time, the elements decompose, allowing the pile to shrink down in size.

The method could also be described as the ultimate in recycling, as many gardeners start the process in the fall during the clean-up process and by spring they have beds ready for planting. The end result is a super-fertile and moisture-retaining bed, earning the name “living sponge.” Because of the heat that is generated, the growing season can get a jump start in the spring and last into the fall.

A good resource is rurallivingtoday.com/gardens/hugelkultur-gardening.

Baby Steps 

As for Jennifer, gardening was more akin to taking baby steps. After all the tulips and daffodils she “inherited” bloomed the first spring after the Albrights moved to the property, she was uncertain what she should do with the unsightly foliage. In the beginning she followed an aunt’s instructions to roll the foliage into small mounds and bound them with rubber bands. “That was so time-consuming!” she says. “Now, I just cut everything back and hope for the best.” 

The patio includes a dining area and outdoor kitchen. The grill/fireplace is used primarily for roasting marshmallows. Because of Jennifer and Justin’s work schedules, their mothers, Cathy Jones and Joni Albright Groom, volunteered to style the area for the photo shoot.

She has also become a student of Eva Diller, who owns Eve’s Garden near Millersville. “She’s taught me a lot,” says Jennifer, who now derives pleasure from tending to her gardens. “There’s just something about having your hands in the dirt,” she says. 

She’s also learned that in some instances, it’s better to put some aspects of gardening in the capable hands of the pros. “Eve’s does all my containers,” she says of the five large containers she tends to – with the aid of Jack’s Petunia Feed – each summer. “They bring me joy,” she says of the colorful combinations that have become Jennifer’s “annual” Mother’s Day gift to herself. 

Soon after moving to the property, Justin catalogued all the plants. Here, hosta and hummingbird mint bring color to a bed inside the pool enclosure.

Art in the Gardens
Columbia’s annual garden tour will be held Saturday, June 12. Gardens will cover the spectrum and range in size from small, pocket-sized getaways to larger properties on the outskirts of town. The Albrights’ property will be making an encore appearance. Artists will be working on projects at each stop. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in the gazebo at Locust Street Park (560 Locust St.) between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Details will be posted on Create Columbia’s Facebook page closer to the date of the tour.

Learning Curves 

There were a few learning curves along the way. For example, the expansive, sun-swept patio and outdoor kitchen were not conducive to afternoon barbecues. After exploring several options that would shade the patio (and adjacent fish pond), they found the perfect solution – a shade sail – on Amazon that makes dining and socializing outside enjoyable.

They also learned why the lounge area adjacent to the pool was “planted” in astro turf. “We replaced it with real grass and the first time we mowed it, the clippings ended up in the pool,” Jennifer explains. The astro turf has since made a comeback.    

A Home for All Seasons 

Once the Albrights became in-tune with maintaining the property – they do a majority of the work themselves – they developed a rhythm that enables them to enjoy it as well. “All the hard work gets done in the spring and then we can enjoy it the rest of the year,” Jennifer explains. “It truly is beautiful here all four seasons of the year. In the summer, we’re outside all the time and even if it rains, we have the screened porch. In the fall, the trees provide a beautiful backdrop. On fall weekends, we bring a television outside and watch football. We also like to hike in the woods that’s behind the house. In the winter, it’s so beautiful and peaceful when it snows. It’s also a great place for sledding.” 

The pool provided welcome entertainment from the pandemic last summer. The grassy area of the pool deck is actually covered with care-free astro turf.

Life has become busier as of late. The Albrights’ 13-year-old son is a member of a club soccer team, which travels on weekends for games. “Mostly to the Philly area,” says Jennifer. Their 11-year-old daughter is involved in dance, cheerleading and basketball. “Our moms help out a lot,” notes Jennifer. In fact, the dynamic duo – Cathy Jones and Joni Albright Groom – volunteered to provide styling for the patio on the day these pictures were taken because Jennifer, who is a physical therapist and clinic director at CPRS Physical Therapy in Columbia, had to work until 7 p.m. 

The year has also been one of change for Justin, who works in IT for WellSpan Health. He’s been working from home since March 2020 and sees it continuing indefinitely. He’s good with the change in scenery, as it eliminates commuting to York and provides him with more time in his garden. 

There’s also a home project looming – the exterior of the house will need painted soon and Jennifer would love to have the color scheme echo the modern-farmhouse vibe of the interior. “Maybe change it to gray and white,” she muses.   

Flight of the Butterfly

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The surest sign of summer in full bloom is the butterfly. Arriving in spring and departing in fall, these fleet fliers flutter from flower to flower in the warmth, their movements exciting joy in children’s eyes. Carried on an unseen breeze as if dancing, the butterfly dodges little hands made quick with fascination to catch the Lepidoptera. To scamper after a butterfly is almost a rite of human passage; it’s a sign of our natural connection between ethereal bliss and our everyday world.

Melody and her family turned their backyard into a butterfly haven with plants that are essential to their life cycle. The Goods’ backyard is certified by the North American Butterfly Associaiton.

The Butterfly Girl of Conestoga Valley 

As a first-grader, Melody Good always got to school early. This gave her plenty of time to chat with her favorite Brownstown Elementary teacher, Mrs. Childs. For Melody, butterflies were chief among the discussion topics. Melody was more curious, almost adventurous, than other kids when it came to bugs. Spotting the interest in the budding student, Allison Childs gifted Melody with admission to the Butterfly House at Hershey Gardens. “I remember how everything was just so vividly colorful at Hershey. They have a lot of exotic butterflies,” says Melody, now graduated from Conestoga Valley High School.

Melody’s adventurous nature sprung from outdoor time spent with her father, whom she describes as an “outdoorsy dude.” She started picking up bugs on the trail, asking her father if this one or that one bites. If they did, she put them back. If they did not, Melody was safe to learn by observing. She started liking caterpillars, the best of all the bugs, and presented an idea to her dad.

Melody inspects a milkweed plant, which is essential to the life cycle of monarchs.

“Once I realized they become butterflies, I thought that was really cool and I wanted to take them home,” Melody says. “My dad said, ‘We don’t have the host plant, so you’ll have to grow that first.’ I did the research and the first plant we brought into our yard was milkweed.”

The Plight of Monarchs
After an assessment of the monarch butterfly population, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in December 2020 that it recognizes the need to protect the species, but is not including the monarch on the endangered species list, as others are considered a higher priority. In a press release announcing the decision, former director Aurelia Skipwith was quoted, “We conducted an intensive, thorough review using a rigorous, transparent science-based process and found that the monarch meets listing criteria under the Endangered Species Act. However, before we can propose listing we must focus on our higher-priority listing actions.” According to the service, the eastern population of monarchs fell from about 384 million in 1996 to a low of 14 million in 2013. Since then, the population has rebounded to approximately 60 million (2019).

Local butterfly expert Fred Habegger confirms those numbers. “About eight years ago, there were hardly any anywhere,” he says, referencing the counts undertaken by the Lancaster Butterfly & Entomological Club two times per year.

What’s causing concern? Scientists point to the fact that milkweed, which is essential to the monarchs’ life cycle, once thrived in fields and along their edges. Because of development, farming practices and the use of herbicides, milkweed has been losing its natural habitat. Organizations working on behalf of monarchs are encouraging backyard gardeners to plant milkweed, which can be purchased at local nurseries and greenhouses, on their properties.

Scientists and horticulturalists also point to climate change for altering the bloom times for plants, which has an effect on the monarchs’ timetable.

Melody stands in front of a butterfly bush, which is a magnet for monarchs and other butterflies.

By the time she entered sixth grade, Melody was hooked (and so was her dad, by extension). The milkweed attracted Danaus plexippus, otherwise known as monarch butterflies. The orange-and-black butterflies with white-spotted wingtips are one of the most recognized fliers around. Their migratory range stretches from Canada to central Mexico.

Helping Butterflies:

Save Our Monarchs Foundation: saveourmonarchs.org

Monarch Watch: monarchwatch.org

National Wildlife Federation: nwf.org

North American Butterfly Association: naba.org

The milkweed led to the addition of more and more plants. Today, the perennial garden at her parents’ home in Brownstown consists of spicebush, salvia, dead nettle, coneflowers, butterfly bush and other plants caterpillars and butterflies need to survive.

“There’s a difference between the host plants and the nectar plants. The host plants are what the butterflies lay their eggs on and what the caterpillars eat,” explains Melody. “Nectar plants are what all butterflies drink from. Basically any flower, but there are some flowers that butterflies like more, like asters and coneflowers.”

There are four types of butterflies that regularly inhabit Melody’s butterfly garden: monarchs, spicebush swallowtails, eastern black swallowtails and tiger swallowtails. Melody and her family have timed the blooms in their yard to attract butterflies in early summer, with new plants blooming throughout the season and into fall, some as late as October. The swallowtails like carrots, parsley and fennel. Last year Melody started planting new host plants in order to get a greater variety of butterflies.

Caterpillars will eventually become monarchs.

“For the most part, the caterpillars are like the plants, they come back every year,” she explains. “We don’t have to go out and buy more caterpillars to have all the butterflies we do. Every year we get more and more because those butterflies come back, lay their eggs, and do their thing.”

She raises many caterpillars and the majority come out to visit in June. Her garden, which is now certified by the North American Butterfly Association, does not focus on the spring butterflies, rather she times her blooming periods to attract more butterflies throughout the year, even into September. 

Coneflowers are another magnet for butterflies.

Melody regrets she does not have the habitat to attract her favorite: Nymphalis antiopa, which comes from the spiny elm caterpillar. In North America, it is known as the mourning cloak. The upper side of this butterfly – found throughout North America, Europe and Asia – is a deep black-purple with a bright-yellow border running along the outer edge of the wing, followed by a row of iridescent blue spots along an inner edge. While they are rarely seen  in Lancaster County, mourning cloak sightings were recorded last year in the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and along the Susquehanna River in Safe Harbor.

After emerging from the chrysalis stage of development, a monarch resembles a moth.

“There’s nothing really extravagant about it other than its color. It was one of the first butterflies I started looking into after the monarch,” she says.

She has a small collection of butterflies and has been known to fashion jewelry out of the wings, but making a safe and comfortable home for caterpillars is her real passion. She has learned the hard way which caterpillars she can handle, and which ones will leave a stinging redness on her skin. “It doesn’t really stop me though,” notes Melody.

The Butterfly President of Lancaster

Fred Habegger also learned to love butterflies in grade school when a fellow student carried in a framed butterfly collection for show-and-tell. “I thought that was cool,” recalls the Akron resident. “That summer I collected what came to the alfalfa field behind the house. I didn’t like killing them; I’m not a collector. Now I enjoy photographing them in the field.”

Members of the Lancaster Butterfly & Entomological Club take part in a butterfly survey during the summer of 2020. Photo by Fred Habegger.

What started as a fascination 60 years ago now serves as a catalyst for Fred to lead the Lancaster Butterfly & Entomological Club, where he serves as president. The club has been meeting for over 25 years, is always looking for new (and young) members, and is currently meeting virtually. Once in-person meetings resume, the amateur lepidopterists will return to their previous location at the North Museum of Nature and Science. 

Seeing Butterflies
The Butterfly Atrium at Hershey Gardens
Walk among hundreds of butterflies from around the world in a tropical setting that features colorful plants and a soothing water feature. Only one of 25 indoor, tropical butterfly atriums in the country, Hershey Gardens’ Butterfly Atrium is home to dozens of rare butterflies from South and Central America, Africa and Asia. Please note: Due to Covid restrictions, admission to the Atrium cannot be guaranteed, especially on weekends. Strollers are not permitted inside the Atrium. For details, visit hersheygardens.org.

Meetings often include discussions and presentations on butterflies and butterfly-related subjects. The group conducts butterfly field surveys around the county and the results are forwarded to the North American Butterfly Association. The numbers are available online for anyone who is curious to learn which types and how many butterflies are floating around the county. “We see how many butterflies we can spot in a 15-mile circle in one calendar day,” explains Fred, who puts the emphasis on counting the number of species found rather than the total population of butterflies.

The monarch has come to symbolize summer.

The survey from 2020 turned up 53 different species of butterflies, from the hackberry emperor to the zebra swallowtail. The last butterfly spotted in 2020 was an orange sulphur recorded on November 29. The first butterfly documented for 2021 was an eastern comma spotted by Fred on March 9. “We have some rare butterflies and some that are here accidentally,” says Fred. “The grizzled skipper, that’s a butterfly that hasn’t been seen in many years.”

Reading About Butterflies
Fred Habegger recommends Butterflies of Pennsylvania: A Field Guide (2017) by James L. Monroe and David M. Wright.

Some documented species may have come to the area as unfortunate hitchhikers, victims of contact with cars and trains. To the untrained eye, the grizzled skipper, with its fat body, long brown wings, and checkered white spotting, may look like a common moth. A familiar sight throughout Europe, it was last seen in the eastern side of Lancaster County around the Blue Ball area. “Skippers are generally brown and drab. A lot of people just skip right by them,” says Fred, no pun intended.

 For more information about the club, visit lancasterbutterfly.org. 

Melody inspects some monarchs she has collected in her backyard.

Butterfly Gardening Basics
Learn about the butterfly species in your area and encourage them to live in (not just visit) your garden by planting both nectar food for adults and host plants that serve as food for caterpillars.

Design your garden using information gathered on local butterflies, their nectar sources and larval food. Try to extend the bloom period from May through October.

Heirloom (old-fashioned, non-hybridized) species tend to have more nectar, more scent and more appeal to butterflies. Many garden catalogues indicate which plants attract butterflies.

Butterflies are extremely sensitive to pesticides and lawn chemicals. In fact, the presence of dandelions, clovers and other “weeds” in your lawn may actually attract more butterflies. If possible, plant your butterfly garden far from your driveway and other possible sources of pollution and disturbance.

Provide sunny areas for basking (such as heat-absorbing rocks), shelter from wind and muddy areas for puddling.

As some eggs, larvae and pupae spend the winter on twigs, branches and dead leaves, it is better to cut back a garden early in the autumn in order to avoid discarding them along with your yard waste.

Source: Hershey Gardens

A Chill 21st Birthday Celebration

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When professional model Hailey Hildenbrand turned 21, she hopped on a private jet with her celeb peeps and flew to Vegas for her favorite sushi – NOT! Instead, friends and family created a beautiful celebration along the Conestoga River for Hailey’s homecoming, welcoming her back to her Lancaster County roots. 

Hailey Hildenbrand expresses her happiness upon seeing the setting for her 21st birthday party. She knew she was coming home to a celebration but Carey Bender’s lovely riverside setting was a total surprise.

New York. Los Angeles. Miami. Strasburg. It may be a challenge to connect the dots among these chic destinations and our quaint Lancaster County town, but not for Hailey Hildenbrand. Hers is a hot name in the modeling biz, a Next model whose beautiful blonde beach waves and lithe 5-foot-8-inch frame have propelled her into print modeling for swimsuits, hair products and fashion.

The vintage amber-hued goblets reflected the autumnal tones of the riverside setting.

An avid volleyball player for Lampeter-Strasburg High School’s team, Hailey was discovered while spiking the ball at a volleyball tournament at the Philadelphia Convention Center during her junior year. Who knew volleyball tourneys are a great source for talent scouts in search of lanky, athletic girls! “I was approached by Beth Boldt, the scout who discovered Naomi Campbell,” recalls Hailey. A few months later, the Strasburg-born-and-raised beauty was headed to California, eventually signing with worldwide Next Model Management.

For Ron and Jessie Hildenbrand, their daughter’s new venture was not a worry. “Hailey has always been mature and independent,” says Jessie. “She is a faith-based girl who was raised with our family values in a small town.”

Strasburg native and professional model Hailey Hildenbrand was discovered on the volleyball court. Photo by Matt Marcheski Photography.

Hailey describes her mother’s best friend, Carey Bender, as “a second mom to me,” and so, Carey sweetly offered to host Hailey’s 21st birthday celebration at her West Lampeter Township home. “I love to entertain, and it always seems more special to me when someone opens their home rather than using a rented property,” says Carey. She and her husband, Reagan, and their two young children, ages 8 and 4, enjoy a beautiful view from their 1.5 acres overlooking the Conestoga River. “It’s a little hike from the house to the river,” Carey explains. “But, it seemed like the perfect setting for Hailey’s personality and her natural beauty.”

Hostess of the party, Carey Bender, with her husband, Reagan, and their children.

Carey’s love of the “boho-chic” lifestyle shined in the outdoor setting for the party. Using neutral colors, she anchored the tablescape with a flowy textural runner, gathered and bunched in the center of a long, natural wood farmhouse table from Caroline’s Rentals in Paradise. Empty wine bottles filled with lamp oil and topped with ceramic wicks allowed for real flames without the risk of candle wax spills. Tea lights provided additional ambient light, while amber goblets added warmth to the tablescape.

The “centerpiece” was a spectacular arrangement of pastel florals and abundant greenery, suspended above the table on a 65-foot rope, tied between two trees. Christine Graham, owner and designer at Pollinate in Strasburg, conceptualized the dramatic overhead arrangement. “Christine’s work looks like it could have grown there,” notes Carey, who aims for an organic look rather than a “decorated” effect. Likewise, the soft, earthy approach reflected the guest of honor’s taste. “Bright florals wouldn’t have suited Hailey,” she notes. “This spoke to her style.” Five small arrangements on the table echoed the large hanging arrangement in a combination of dried and fresh florals.

The dramatic focal point – a floral “centerpiece” overhead – was created by Pollinate’s Christine Graham.

While the late fall event was held amid pandemic concerns, the menu for the small gathering was purposely simple. Charcuterie boards for grazing were followed by sushi from Hailey’s local favorite, Wasabi Japanese Restaurant in Willow Street, allowing for individual servings and no onsite preparation and easy cleanup. Couture Cupcakes was sourced for updated individual servings rather than a traditional cake. After dinner, guests moved to seats surrounding the nearby firepit, thoughtfully accessorized with blankets as the night turned chilly.

Last December, Hailey realized another milestone: she became engaged to L.J. Benet, a young man she met several years ago at a church service while she was in California exploring options with modeling agencies. Where did the proposal happen? In the same spot as her 21st birthday celebration, the Benders’ picturesque backyard. The couple plans to tie the knot in December 2021.

Guests wrapped up in blankets around the firepit to extend the evening. “A fire ring is a great guy hangout,” says Carey.

The Mad Scientist of Figs

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Bill Lauris amidst in-ground fig trees that grow at his backyard nursery, Off the Beaten Path, located in Lancaster.

In the world of horticulture, some gardeners collect roses, while others focus on daffodils, tulips, water lilies and hosta. Others are obsessed with orchids. Tomato connoisseurs are always searching for elusive heirlooms. Then, there’s Bill Lauris, whose fondness for figs has grown into a full-fledged nursery. 

Late last summer, our next-door neighbor, Marie Shirk, left a quart of fresh figs at our door. Having never seen a fresh fig, I wasn’t sure how to eat them. Biting into the delicate skin, my question was answered. Sweet like candy (imagine a raspberry jam-like texture and flavor) or delivering a nutty flavor (sometimes with chocolate or honey undertones), figs are perfect on their own. In fact, in some cultures, the fig epitomizes a healthy snack or addition to a meal – sort of the way Americans relate to apples. 

Oddly enough, Marie’s gift accounted for the second time that day I heard of figs being grown in Lancaster County. I took it as a sign, with all paths leading to a chemistry teacher named Bill Lauris. 

Off the Beaten Path

It was early autumn when I met Bill at his home near Rohrerstown. A full-time chemistry teacher at Veritas Academy in Leola, Bill operates Off the Beaten Path Nursery in his spare time. The unassuming turn-off from the Rohrerstown Road provides a hidden portal into a secret garden of uncommon treasures. That’s where we started our time together, with Bill introducing me to a few pet projects that were growing on his property. 

First up in a cornucopia of delights were Salavatski Russian pomegranate trees, which he planted just to see if he could get them to grow. Around the deck you encounter a small cranberry bog, ingeniously supplied with water from an HVAC condenser unit. Nearby is a jujube tree, a Chinese fruit much like a miniature apple that eventually transforms into a “red date.” A few steps later, we come to a Szechuan pepper plant and the realization I never considered how peppercorns grow. Its tangy citrus aroma and flavor come with an enduring heat that while pleasant, delivers the subtle tingling of having licked a 9V battery.

Bill points to a node on a fig tree branch. Ideal fig cuttings should include at least three closely grouped nodes dense in cells that produce roots and leaves.

Further into Bill’s property sits a quaint greenhouse that’s surrounded by hundreds of lush green trees. “As a kid, we had a peach tree and it produced so many peaches that I was thinking, when I get my first house, I’m going to put a bunch of fruit trees in and grow my own fruit,” Bill recalls.

Bill’s interest in fig trees started more than 20 years ago while shopping at a local nursery with his mother. “We were in the herb section and I noticed this interesting coconut smell,” he says of what he learned was a Black Mission fig. “I’ll never forget it,” he says of the memory. “It had some fruit on it, but it wasn’t ripe.” Intrigued, he bought it. 

That fig tree was unlikely to make it for several reasons and come winter, it indeed died. Not ready to give up, Bill later found a second fig tree at another nursery, again in the herb section. This variety grew successfully and eventually produced fruit. “That tree still lives where I planted it on Delp Road. It’s still there, right against the foundation of the house. I took cuttings and sell it as Unknown Italian Purple,” says Bill. However, Bill originally referred to it as Brown Turkey, which, he explains, “is sort of a generic term for when you don’t know what variety it is.” 

Meeting the Guru of Figs 

Looking for the answer to the mystery fig’s identity led Bill to meet Bass Samaan, the owner of Trees of Joy, a nursery in Bethlehem, Lehigh County. Bill still recalls meeting Bass for the first time – with his first fig – and saying, “I got the dark one, I just need the light one.” 

The comment was met with a smile on the part of Bass. “I didn’t get why he was smiling; [I guess] he thought it was funny.” Bill then posed the question, “There’s just two, right?” That’s when he learned the reason for Bass’s smile. “Here I am, 300 varieties later, still looking for whatever elusive thing is still out there,” Bill continues. “Every year I promise myself, I don’t have any more room; is [another variety] going to be different from an x, y or z fig? But there’s something about it that always will bring me in. If it’s history or if it’s flavor or color, there’s always a shiny new object out there. Every single season, I say I’m not falling for it, nope! We all know how that goes!” 

Bill inspects fig trees that surround the greenhouse at his nursery.

As for Bass Samaan, Bill points out, “In 2008, Bass was really ahead of the curve. He was the first one that I knew of who made money selling fig trees. He did what we all do – trade, buy, snip if a neighbor will let you do it. He developed this pretty extensive collection – specifically of Middle Eastern figs – which is what I was interested in.” 

According to an interview with NPR in 2012, the now 40-year-old Bass not only brought figs with him from his native Lebanon, but he made a habit of walking Bethlehem’s ethnic neighborhoods in search of elusive specimens. As a result, his stock has roots that extend to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The area around Bethlehem and Allentown is “the jackpot,” Bill explains. “You have Italians, Portuguese, Middle Eastern and North African folks – it was a melting pot, so Bass developed this collection really quickly,” he elaborates. “Bass is from Lebanon, so he could speak to those [communities] and find the back story.”

Bass is also looking to the future. The NPR article referred to him as one of the “world’s eccentric gardeners whose goal is to save rare and unusual fruit trees that may never have commercial value” but nonetheless are important to horticulture. He has demonstrated his devotion to the survival of fig varieties by donating trees and cuttings to the Wolfskill Experimental Orchard in Sacramento – a joint project by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of California at Davis – in which fruit trees are grown, bred, developed and preserved. The orchard is home to some 10,000 varieties of fruit trees.

Every Fig Has a Story

Bill’s interest in fruit trees grew into a business, along with the realization that he couldn’t compete with the Amish and Mennonites. “They have centuries on me,” he points out. Instead, the unique fruit trees Bill carries are, aptly put, “off the beaten path.” 

Bill began selling figs on Craigslist, which led to someone contacting him about removing a fig tree on their property in Leola. The plan was to have a swimming pool installed and, to the owners’ credit, remove and preserve a 40-year-old fig tree instead of destroying it. 

According to neighbors, the tree had a story behind it – they claimed the previous owners brought a fig cutting with them when they immigrated from Sicily and planted it in the backyard. They tended to it all their lives. 

Bill considered the task of uprooting the tree to be impossible, so he declined and went on his way. Fortuitously, Bill’s commute took him past this house and some days later after teaching his chemistry class, he was shocked to see the fig tree had been dug up and was sitting alongside the road. Bill stopped and successfully cut some of the root balls. Unable to confirm the exact variety, he has named the figs Unknown Sicilian Dark.

Longue d’Août (Long of August) figs growing on an established fig tree.

Another of the many varieties that Bill highlights is the Longue d’Août or Long of August. Grown in the foothills of the French Alps, they are often described as prolific, producing fruit both at the beginning and again at the end of August. (In Lancaster, our climate delays that timetable until September.) Their analog equivalent, the Pellegrino, grows in the Italian Alps.

Collectors often enjoy adding a variety of fig with a unique history to their garden collection. For example, Bill recently acquired the China Honey fig, which is widely known as the Nixon Peace fig. The name relates to the fact that its cuttings were taken from the tree that was presented by China to President Nixon’s delegation in 1972. The same year yielded another interesting specimen – the Godfather fig, so named for a surviving tree that was used in the film, The Godfather. Fans of the movie will recall the final scene in which Vito Corleone dies of a heart attack while playing with his grandchildren in the garden. The tree was maintained by a set-dresser who worked on the film.

Propagating Fig Cuttings

Bill has also taken to growing and selling fig cuttings. Fig trees are simple to propagate using cuttings or simply the ends of branches harvested in late fall from a dormant tree.  A key attribute of a fruit-tree cutting is that it’s a genetic copy of the tree from which it was harvested. Unlike apple trees, no grafting is required, though some collectors have grafted multiple varieties onto the same rootstock as an experiment or as a space-saving measure. Whether seeds exhibit any trait – superior or inferior to the tree that bears the fruit – will take 5 to 10 years to determine. The value of a cutting needs to be considered carefully, as it has not yet successfully rooted. A healthy cutting should be thick and energy-dense with carbohydrates ready to grow the tree. It should have no less than three closely grouped nodes (the junctions where leaves branch off). Nodes buried in soil form roots and those above branch out to form new growth. 

Fig tree cuttings purchased from Off the Beaten Path grow in a mix of perlite and vermiculite. They were planted at the beginning of January and photographed at the end of March. Varieties shown, from top to bottom, are Longue d’Août, (Long of August), Unknown Sicilian Dark (taken from a cutting in Leola), and LSU Tiger (Louisiana State University has cultivated many fig varieties).

Cuttings carry with them the genetic DNA to reproduce, hence Bill’s reference to them as the “Giving Tree.” Beyond their fruit, new cuttings can eventually be taken and yield a second tree. Even the leaves can be used in making tea or acting as a wrapper in cooking.

Digging In 

Last November, Off the Beaten Path Nursery held its annual fig cutting sale. It started at 8 p.m. on a Sunday. I refreshed the page at 8 on the dot, only to find Bill’s cold-hardy packs – a bundle of fig cuttings suitable for growing here in Lancaster’s Zone 6B –  had sold out within moments. Fifteen minutes later, I managed to place an order for five individual cuttings for under $40 shipped. (I felt like I was ordering tickets for a superstar’s concert.) He reports that more than 800 orders came in. Priced well under market, it’s no wonder why. Bill’s most expensive fig cuttings topped out at $25-30 and averaged $6-8.

FYI:
There is a group based in Lancaster called Backyard Fruit Growers whose members meet for seasonal meetings, workshops, tours and other activities. For details, visit sas.upenn.edu/~dailey/byfg.html.

The history of each variety and my connection to it influenced my selection of cuttings but per Bill’s advice, I sought cultivars that are productive, delicious and cold-weather hardy. I chose two cuttings each of Unknown Sicilian Dark and Longue d’Août, as well as one cutting of LSU Tiger, having once lived next to Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium. Wrapped in parafilm, the cuttings arrived in a padded envelope and were kept cold in the refrigerator. Come January, I planted the cuttings in recycled, clear containers using a mix of damp perlite and vermiculite.

The pots were placed in a south-facing window and in mid-February, they started warming up: green buds developed into tiny leaves. From there, I misted the cuttings with water at least daily to keep the nodes from drying out, although wrapping the ends with parafilm also works. Delicate roots started appearing two months after planting. Difficult as it is, the cuttings should not be disturbed to inspect the roots. 

When established, I’ll repot cuttings in a gallon pot. As tempting as it sounds, culling fruit the first year will divert precious energy from the developing tree. “By just resisting the urge, you’re going to have a better return in the following years,” says Bill. “First-year figs don’t compare to a fourth- or fifth-year fig anyway.”

How to Eat Figs

“I don’t like Fig Newtons,” Bill announces. (According to the NPR article, 10,000 acres in California are devoted to the commercial growth of figs, many of which are destined to become an ingredient in the cookie.) But, when it comes to fresh figs, “very few people don’t like them. Kids love figs – they’re sweet like candy. People have an appreciation and enjoyment of figs [because of] that flavor and sweetness,” he says. “I do make things with them, but they’re the perfect snack.” When the harvest allows, Bill provides the restaurant, LUCA, with figs. 

The Greek way to eat a fig is to peel it with a fig knife. Some skins are like a rind. Most, however, are thin. When the skin splits, a fig loses its juices and concentration of flavor. For the rest of us, the skin of the fig is fine to eat. Some have a bitter taste, others can be chewy and sweeter, depending on the cultivar, growing conditions and ripeness. 

The interior of a ripe Negra d’Agde fig contains a thin, white pith and flesh that delivers a sweet, jam-like flavor and consistency. Underripe figs often have a neutral, undeveloped flavor similar to a cucumber.

Once a fig comes off of the tree, it will get no sweeter with time, so knowing when to harvest figs is a game of chicken. Too soon and there will be more white fleshy “meat” around the outside, with a neutral, cucumber-like flavor. Too late and figs can become overripe or worse, devoured by hungry birds. They’re perfect on their own but are a delicious addition to cheese boards, pizza and pasta.

I’d like to say my hopes weren’t too high for all five fig cuttings to grow in the dreary days of winter, but in truth, they couldn’t have been higher. You’ll often hear folks sharing their garden’s overabundance of tomatoes or cucumbers and, in the coming years, I hope the same will be true of my fig trees. Nothing would be sweeter.

For more information, visit offthebeatenpathnursery.com.

A Local Spring Bucket List

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Spring has arrived and life is looking up! The days are growing longer and temperatures are climbing higher. It’s time to get growing. There is a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, as vaccination efforts ramp up across the state. As we begin to see some semblance of normalcy, it is the perfect time to get out and safely enjoy all-things spring in Lancaster County.

1. Celebrate Mom! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9. Make a reservation at her favorite restaurant or order take-out. Because of Covid restrictions, you’ll need to be flexible and maybe honor Mom on Friday or Saturday. But, no matter the day or manner in which you celebrate, we’re sure she’ll enjoy having a day off from kitchen duty. Don’t forget flowers and sweet treats! 

2. Go on an Adventure Created by Uncharted Lancaster. Similar to geocaching or letterboxing, the quests curated by Uncharted Lancaster aim to take locals off the beaten path in pursuit of the county’s history, lore and best-kept secrets. Visit unchartedlancaster.com for details. 

3. Visit a Local Farm, such as Spooky Nook Farm (spookynookfarm.com) or The Amish Farm and House (amishfarmandhouse.com), to meet the adorable baby animals born this spring.

4. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo. On May 5, 1862, history was made when the Mexican Army defeated French forces during the Battle of Puebla. Now, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is synonymous with celebrating Mexican culture, food and drink. Join in on the fun at such area restaurants as El Serrano, Maize Mexican Cantina, Cocina Mexicana (all in Lancaster), Chilangos Authentic Mexican Restaurante (Lititz), La Borimex (Ephrata) and Tres Hermanos (Mount Joy). 

5. Hop on a Bike. If you bought a bike during the pandemic and are tired of riding solo, check out the many rides offered throughout the week by the Lancaster Bicycle Club. Rides are held all over Lancaster County and are geared to all levels of experience. Social rides focus on breakfast, lunch/brunch and ice cream stops. Visit lancasterbikeclub.net for details. 

6. Challenge Yourself to a Race. Even if you aren’t a running enthusiast, races and runs (most of which can also be walked) are a great way to get active and support a good cause. If you are physically able, training for a long-distance run or triathlon is a great way to push yourself. Lancaster County has no shortage of options, including the Race Against Racism 5k (April 24-May 22), Be the Difference 5k (April 17-May 17), Red Rose Run (June 3-6) and TRI for Life (May 2), just to name a few.

7. Visit Longwood Gardens. Take a trip to Chester County to stroll through refreshing green foliage, colorful tulips, flowering trees and fragrant wisteria during Longwood’s Spring Blooms display (through May 2). Festival of Fountains opens with a splash on May 6 and continues through late September. For details, visit longwoodgardens.org. 

8. Catch Dinner. Trout season opened April 3! Spring is also a great time for foraging; Pennsylvania provides a wealth of natural ingredients like dandelion flowers and greens, nettles and the elusive morel mushrooms.

9. Take Your Dog to Happy Hour. Four-legged friends are welcome at Dalton’s Doggie Deck at Spring House Brewery’s Hazel Street location. A water dish and treats are provided to all canine guests. Visit springhousebeer.com for details. 

10. Catch a Drive-in Movie. To accommodate for social distancing, Penn Cinema created a pop-up drive-in theater last year during the early months of the pandemic. After closing for the winter, the drive-in is back! Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is limited. Visit penncinema.com for details. 

11. Indulge in Forest Bathing. Join naturalist Brooke Sycamore on May 2 for deep-listening meditation and mindful-walking instruction through the forest at Theodore A. Parker III Natural Area. Details about this and other Lancaster County Parks programs can be found at co.lancaster.pa.us/317/Public-Programs.  

12. Have a Tea Party. Gather a few friends and catch up over tea at Piccadilly Tea House, Sugarplums & Teas or A Tea Affair. Don’t forget your hat!

13. Support the Arts. Lancaster City’s annual Artwalk event is May 8-9, when galleries, shops, museums and restaurants will be celebrating Lancaster’s creative community with appearances by artists, special exhibits, live demos, children’s activities and more. For details, visit lancastercityartgalleries.com. 

14. Have a Picnic. Grab take-out from a local eatery, head to your favorite park or natural area, spread out a blanket and enjoy.

15. Shop at your Favorite Local Market or Roadside Stand. Be sure to check out Columbia Market House, which will reopen on May 29 after undergoing extensive renovations since its closure in 2017. The market will host a grand reopening on May 29 that will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, vendors, music, food, guest speakers and a soda toast. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the market on Facebook @ColumbiaPAMarketHouse. 

16. Have an Outdoor, Spring Photo Shoot.
Tudbink’s in Conestoga recently erected an arch on the farm that is available to the public for photo sessions. Beautiful spring blooms now decorate it. To learn more, visit tudbinks.com. 

17. Start your Garden. Lancaster County has a wealth of garden centers and nurseries whose staffs can help you create a thriving flower or vegetable garden.

18. Art & Craft Shows are Back! Heart of Lancaster Arts & Craft Spring Show (hlcshow.com) will make a return to Root’s Country Market in Manheim on May 15 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). The Lititz Ambucs Crafts in Lititz Springs Park show (lititzpa.com) is tentatively scheduled to return on June 12 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.). 

19. Tis the Season for Rhubarb. Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse celebrates the season’s first harvest May 21-22 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) with a dessert contest, homemade food, a race-car derby and other rhubarb-related activities. Visit kitchenkettle.com for details.  

20. Take your Workout Outdoors. Break your routine by going for a hike, attending an outdoor fitness class or simply doing your usual workout regimen outside. Lancaster Rec, along with the City of Lancaster and Lancaster Township, created the Big Green Gym, which provides equipment and directions for self-guided workouts in parks across the city and township. For details, visit lancasterrec.org. 

21. May the Bluebird of Happiness … Naturalist Lisa J. Sanchez will lead a walk along the bluebird trail in Lancaster County Central Park on May 8 and 18. Look, listen and learn about the life cycle of bluebirds and other cavity nesters living in the boxes. Details about this and other Lancaster County Parks programs can be found at co.Lancaster.pa.us./317/publicprograms.  

22. Pamper Yourself. Visit your favorite salon or boutique to help refresh your look. Now that it’s almost sandal weather, treat yourself to a pedicure at a local nail salon.

Dogscaping … Plants to Avoid

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As you set out to buy plants for your garden this spring, check your list to make sure your choices are dog-friendly, as many ornamental plants can pose major dangers to your four-legged family member. 

When confined inside a house or outside in the backyard, pets are often more inclined to snack on plants due to boredom, curiosity, anxiety or even hunger. Unfortunately, many gardeners are not aware of how noxious or even deadly their cherished jade plant and foxgloves are! 

Photo: Ana Minella, Unsplash

Make no mistake, the consumption of most any plant material can cause vomiting and GI upset for dogs. However, there are some plants that must be considered potentially lethal if your pet nibbles on them. It is prudent to avoid altogether those that are most toxic. Or, if there is a plant that could pose a potential hazard that you must absolutely have, be sure to place it in a less-accessible spot. 

As for dissuading your dog from making a snack of plants, Cornell University suggests adding more fiber to his or her diet in order to curb munchies. Consult your vet for guidance, but this is sometimes accomplished by adding bran to the pet’s food.

Houseplants

With the houseplant craze going strong, our homes are brimming and blooming with plants. If you’ve become a plant collector and have a dog, you should be aware that many pose a danger to pets. Happily, potted houseplants can simply be displayed out of reach of pets. 

Geranium, zonal, Pelargonium spp.Geranium, zonal, Pelargonium spp.
Snake Plant, Sansevieria trifasciataSnake Plant, Sansevieria trifasciata
Lilies, Lilium spp.Lilies, Lilium spp.

Dangerous Houseplants For Dogs

Garden Plants

Fans of mystery novels can learn a lot about poisonous plants by reading books written by Agatha Christie! Death by poison is very frequently seen in Christie’s writing, as more than 30 victims succumb to a variety of toxins, while others survive attempted poisonings. 

Christie’s knowledge was extensive, a result of her work as both a nurse and a pharmacy dispenser during both world wars. Many of the poisons used by the murderers were readily available – growing amongst the beauty of an English country garden.

Botanically, related species of plants are grouped into families. Students are often bewildered, as they try to make sense of the connections. It’s very helpful to have some knowledge of plant families, even for home gardeners, to better understand cultural requirements or susceptibility to diseases. For instance, members of the Rosaceae family tend to be vulnerable to foliar diseases; every rose and apple grower deals with this. Members of the heath family, the Ericaceae (azaleas, mountain laurel and sourwood), prefer acid soil and good drainage. 

Autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnaleAutumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale
Bleeding Heart, Dicentra spp.Bleeding Heart, Dicentra spp.
Castor Bean, Ricinus communisCastor Bean, Ricinus communis
Foxglove, Digitalis purpureaFoxglove, Digitalis purpurea
Dahlia, Dahlia spp.Dahlia, Dahlia spp.
Monkshood, AconitumMonkshood, Aconitum
DelphiniumDelphinium
ClematisClematis
Oleander, Nerium oleanderOleander, Nerium oleander
BulbsBulbs
Lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria majalisLily-of-the-valley, Convallaria majalis
Tobacco, Nicotiana spp.Tobacco, Nicotiana spp.
Yew, Taxus spp.Yew, Taxus spp.

Garden Plants Dangerous to Dogs

Others To Be Wary Of

With that said, there is one family of plants – Ranunculaceae –  whose members should all be considered toxic to varying degrees. (Unfortunately, this family contains many of my favorite garden plants.) Members of the group contain varying levels of a toxin called protoanemonin, which causes redness and swelling of the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. Larger amounts can result in blood-tinged urine, tremors and rarely, seizures. Plants in the family include: Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis); Hellebores (Helleborus); Anemones (Anemone blanda and japonica); Buttercups (Ranunculus); Columbines (Aquilegia); Delphinums; Larkspur (Consolida); Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella); Monkshood (Aconitum); Bugbane (Cimicifuga); Baneberries (Actaea) and Clematis.

Furthermore, keep in mind that fertilizers or pesticides used on otherwise safe plants can be toxic when ingested. 

An extensive list of plants potentially poisonous to pets can be found by visiting The Humane Society of the U.S. at humanesociety.org.

Seeking Help 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is one resource for any poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you have any further questions regarding the information in this article or if you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the hotline at 888-426-4435 (aspca.org). Their experts can tell you the degree of toxicity of the plant your dog ate and whether you should seek emergency veterinary care. When possible, take a picture or bring a sample of the suspected poisonous plant along to your veterinarian.

Locally, if a crisis occurs during hours when your regular vet is not open or you need immediate emergency care, you can seek help through PETS (Pets Emergency Treatment and Specialties), which is located at 930 North Queen Street in Lancaster. Open 24/7, PETS is staffed by emergency-care veterinarians, as well as veterinary specialists. Telephone is 717-295-7387. Web address is lancasterpetemergency.com. 

Lancaster City Restaurant Week – Spring 2021

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Downtown restaurant owners gather in Penn Square as a reminder that when you participate in Restaurant Week, you are directly helping the Lancaster residents behind these businesses. Photo courtesy of Lancaster City Restaurant Week.

 

Pennsylvania restaurant owners and employees let out a small sigh of relief after some targeted restrictions on restaurants were lifted on April 4 (Restaurants can now resume bar service, allow alcohol service without the purchase of food and raise their indoor dining capacity to 75%).

But even as restrictions begin to lift and we can see an end in sight, our local restaurants still need our help to recover from this past year. This spring’s Lancaster City Restaurant Week, which will be held from April 12-18, is the perfect opportunity to show your support and treat yourself to some of your favorite downtown restaurants.

Twice a year, in the spring and fall, Lancaster City Restaurant Week showcases and promotes Lancaster City’s diverse community of restaurants, cafés, coffee shops and other eateries that have gained nationwide acclaim and with it, a reputation as being a foodie destination. Fortunately, last spring’s week-long celebration concluded just before the state’s shutdown was put into effect. The fall version was held over an 11-day period in September, which allowed for restaurants to contend with limited seating and reduced hours. Take-out and purchasing gift cards were also emphasized as ways in which people could support Lancaster’s hard-hit restaurant scene.

Of course, this spring’s Restaurant Week will continue to look different than pre-pandemic Restaurant Weeks, but there are plenty of ways to participate, including indoor and outdoor dining, ordering take-out or purchasing gift cards and merchandise. As always, restaurants will be offering special dishes, prix fixe menus and drink specials.

 

Participating Restaurants

Note: Be sure to make reservations where necessary and don’t forget to tip your servers generously!

 

551 West, 551 West King Street.

Alley Kat, 30 West Lemon Street.

Altana Rooftop Lounge, 26 East King Street.

Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House, 28-30 East King Street.

Belvedere Inn, 402 North Queen Street.

Bistro Barberet & Bakery, 26 East King Street. 

Blazin’ J’s, 15 East King Street. 

Brendee’s Irish Pub, 449 West Lemon Street.

Cabalar Meat Company, 325 North Queen Street.

Café One Eight, 18 West Orange Street.

C’est La Vie, 18 North Market Street.

Chellas Arepa Kitchen, 1830 Hempstead Road.

Citronnelle, 110 West Orange Street. 

Cocina Mexicana, 112 North Water Street. 

Commonwealth Kitchen & Café, 420 Pearl Street. 

Cork & Cap, 480 New Holland Avenue, Suite #3000.

Decades, 438 North Queen Street.

Frisco’s Chicken, 454 New Holland Avenue. 

Good Life Organic Kitchen, 301 North Queen Street.

Harvest Moon Bagel Co., 47 North Queen Street. 

Himalayan Curry and Grill, 22 East Orange Street.

Home Skillet, 24 East King Street.

Iron Hill Brewery, 781 Harrisburg Pike.

Isaac’s Brewhouse, 25 North Queen Street. 

Issei Noodle, 44 North Queen Street.

La Petite Patisserie, 621 Harrisburg Avenue.

Lancaster Brewing Company, 302 North Plum Street.

Lombardo’s, 216 Harrisburg Avenue.

Marion Court Room, 7 East Marion Street. 

Max’s Eatery, 38 West King Street.

On Orange, 108 West Orange Street. 

Plough, 25 South Queen Street. 

Prince Street Café, 15 North Prince Street.

Quips Pub, 457 New Holland Avenue. 

Rachel’s Café & Creperie, 201 West Walnut Street.

Shot & Bottle, 2 North Queen Street.

Souvlaki Boys, 1 West James Street.  

Splits and Giggles, 500 West Lemon Street.

Sprout of Rice & Noodles, 58 North Prince Street.

The Exchange, 25 South Queen Street.   

The Fridge, 534 North Mulberry Street.

The Imperial, 26 East Chestnut Street. 

Yorgos, 66 North Queen Street.

Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse, 112 North Water Street.

 

For more details on participating restaurants, click here.

 

 

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