LCM | May 2023 | Backyard Living

Second opinions are common and highly recommended. Never feel as though you are hurting the surgeon’s feelings. If a surgeon takes offense, consider that a red flag. Also, if a surgeon tells you they cannot help you or that nothing else can be done to help you, you should certainly get a second opinion.

”

common and highly recommended.”

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Jocelyn Engle

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Suzanne Starling-Long Sue@lancastercountymag.com

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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

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Dr. Richard L. Bitner

Jill Brown

Celebrate SAVOR &

FROM BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS TO DATE NIGHTS to family dinners, Lombardo’s is a place to toast to life’s most meaningful moments. Serving up authentic Italian staples, sophisticated entrées, and delectable desserts, their team puts a lot of love into each dish. The freshest ingredients are chopped, mixed, and simmered to perfection, creating a vibrant collection of flavors so fragrant you’ll want to savor each bite. Pull up a chair and raise a glass—the table is set for you.

Check our website for hours and to make a reservation. lombardosrestaurant.com

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The Clinic for Special Children has a wonderful problem. Thanks to the Clinic’s major advances in both diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders over 34 years, many medical challenges that used to be fatal in childhood are now survivable or preventable. Now, the Clinic needs a larger, new facility to treat patients into adulthood and serve an ever-increasing number of children and adults.

We need your help to raise funds to build a new clinic to keep our long-standing promise to care for children as they age, seek life-giving treatments, and be here for families when they need us.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants My

Isn’t it odd how green thumbs tend to be genetically predisposed in families? My sister and I trace our interest in gardening back to Grandma Starling, whose farmhouse in North Carolina was surrounded by blooming plants. Several of her 10 children – including our father – shared her passion for growing things, as do numerous cousins. Now, a new generation is obsessed with gardening.

grandmother could grow anything, as could her daughter, Ruth, who had fabulous gardens at her home in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Aunt Ruth, who lived to be 100 and worked as a floral designer nearly all her life, was lauded in her obituary for being the first person to successfully raise

The descendants of what are believed to be some of the earliest double-orange daylily hybrids have made their way from Virginia to my backyard (pictured) in Lancaster, and now to my son’s home in North Carolina.

A DIY garden-art gift for Charlie that entailed his grandfather’s bowling ball and coastal colors.

Charlie is becoming quite the rose whisperer.

After being sold numerous times and even relocated once, my cousin, Deb, bought our grandmother’s farmhouse and had it moved back to what had been the family farm. Just as our grandmother had done, Deb has surrounded it with roses and other plants. Deb's mother (my Aunt Gerry), who was born in the house, lives next door.

pansies in that area of North Carolina and, as a result, became known as “the pansy lady.” (Maybe that’s why my sister and I love pansies.) It was also noted that she liked nothing more than to share plants and vegetables from her gardens with others.

Our father, Charles Starling, brought his love of gardening to Pennsylvania. I will always remember his frustration at not being able to grow crape myrtles. Every year he’d arrive home from a visit to North Carolina with a new specimen and, no matter where he planted it and how much protection he provided, the winter weather would do it in. When the winter-friendly hybrids came on the market, he filled the yard with them. He also loved petunias and marigolds and grouped them in the craziest color combinations that somehow looked like they belonged together. To this day, I follow suit in an area of my garden.

Always a farmer at heart, he reengaged with growing vegetables in the ’60s by renting a garden plot in an area off the Dillerville Road that Armstrong made available to employees. He later turned a portion of the backyard into an expansive vegetable garden. He added to that by gardening on a building lot he had purchased nearby. He loved to grow tomatoes. He and I were the only members of our family who ate them, so by late August, we were eating them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and giving them away to everyone we knew! He also grew Southern things like okra and sweet potatoes and gladly shared them with other “transplants.”

Many a summer afternoon was spent husking corn, shelling lima beans and snapping green beans, but we were rewarded in the dead of winter with all sorts of goodies that filled a large chest freezer.

When my sister and I became homeowners, we also became avid gardeners. Her house in Richmond, Virginia, had a huge backyard whose landscaping needed a refresh, so that first spring and summer, Ginny and her husband, John, devoted their time to that project. They also brought the third-

floor orchid conservatory back to life and transformed it into a sewing room.

Through digging in the far reaches of the backyard, they unearthed a cache of green marble. Curious, they asked long-tenured neighbors about the original owners and learned that they were avid horticulturists who owned drug stores in the area. The marble was no doubt the remnants of a soda fountain remodel. Ginny and John had the marble cut and polished and used it to frame a koi pond. It was gorgeous! As for the plants, shrubs and trees that filled the property, one neighbor mentioned that the homeowners were often privy to obtaining rare plants and the latest hybrids. Such was the case with the double-orange daylilies that emerged during their first summer at the house.

It just so happened that I had bought a new house in Lancaster and during a trip to Richmond, I acted on my sister’s invitation to dig up some daylilies to enliven my fledgling gardens. What accounted for maybe a dozen plants has grown into hundreds. My once sad-looking gardens have grown into themed plots that surround my townhouse (fortunately, I have an end unit). One plot has a Southwestern theme (and pays homage to the trips we’ve taken to the Western U.S.). Two areas have Southern themes (crape myrtles, roses, daylilies, a bottle tree and a birdbath that belonged to John’s parents, who lived on Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue). The courtyard is devoted to hosta and other shade lovers. The back gardens have a beach theme.

Thirty years later, I wonder,

“What was I thinking!” Growing and maintaining those gardens were huge chores in the beginning. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed every moment. Sometimes I’ll go out to do some deadheading and before I know it, three hours have passed. My son, Charlie, showed absolutely no interest, so it was basically a one-woman show. I viewed gardening as a choice I had made and was not compelled to force chores like weeding on him.

Fast forward 30 years and Charlie

is now a homeowner who has caught the gardening bug. He says he finds it relaxing to putter around in the garden. It’s not unusual to receive a phone call or text from him with gardenrelated questions. When you enter his favorite gardening center, Green Side Up, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, it’s reminiscent of Cheers, as the employees always greet him by name. He’s become quite the rose whisperer and is obsessed with making palms – he loves South Carolina in general and Charleston in particular – grow and survive. He and his wife, Jen, are also into houseplants.

He’s also cultivating new gardens and needs plants. So, every time I travel to North Carolina, I fill the car with daylilies I dig out of my gardens. The descendants of the daylilies that grew at my sister’s house have made their way from Virginia to Pennsylvania and now to North Carolina.

Last July, I also gifted Charlie with DIY garden art. Bowling balls embellished with glass “gems” kept showing up on my Facebook feed. I had two of my dad’s bowling balls, so I decided to give it a try. After doing a test run, I made one for Charlie that is decorated with turquoise glass and seashells (he’s into the coastal look). It’s special because the two often went bowling together.

Talk about coming full circle: Two summers ago, when I was in North Carolina, Charlie took me to see my Aunt Gerry, who I had not seen in many years. Incredibly, her daughter, Deb, now lives in my grandmother’s farmhouse, which had passed through a succession of owners and had even been moved over the course of the past 60 years. The last time it was for sale, Deb bought it and moved it back to where it belonged – the land the Starling family once farmed in Autryville. Deb has surrounded it with gorgeous rose bushes and other plants. No doubt, our grandmother would be proud. Life certainly moves in mysterious ways!

– Suzanne Starling-Long

Features

20. Good Medicine

Pam Overly has spent the last 30 years transforming her tree-shrouded property in New Holland into a gardenscape with help from her husband, Neal, and neighbors Fran and Nancy.

32. She Shed, He Shed

Once warm weather arrives, Kendra and Matt Herr are outdoors. Three years ago, they added she- and he-sheds – inspired by barns in New England – to their backyard.

Departments

4. The Long & Short of It

The genetics of gardening.

10. Uptown & Down

Bats, woodpeckers, groundhogs and snakes, oh, my! Michael Upton introduces you to Len Lambert, the owner of Backyard Wildlife Solutions.

14. Gardening Journey

Dr. Richard Bitner shares a plant list for dry and sun-splashed Mediterranean-style gardens.

46. Foodographer

Jordan Bush put his tasting skills to the test as a judge at last year’s Rhubarb Festival, where the baking contest made a post-Covid return to the celebration of all-things rhubarb at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse.

52. Table for Two

Rochelle Shenk visits Gibraltar Restaurant, whose menu and décor pay homage to the Mediterranean region.

56. Event-Full

Dr. Dennis Denenberg’s gardens are dedicated to the things he loves, including his sister, Diana, who died of breast cancer after waging an 18-year battle with the disease. Now, he utilizes his gardens to raise funds for a breast cancer-awareness program he founded.

Special Advertising Section

24. & 38. Spring Fever

The businesses seen in this special advertising section are ready to help you welcome spring, whether it’s remodeling your home, creating an entertaining backyard, improving curb appeal, dining out or seeing the sights.

Be Scene!

Live music, theatre, art gallery and museum exhibits, craft/maker shows, outdoor activities and fundraising events are back on the calendar. Visit our website, lancastercountymag.com, to make plans and order tickets for upcoming events.

ON THE COVER: Kirk Zutell photographed Kendra Herr’s barn-inspired she-shed that she has decorated with finds and repurposed items.

Pam Overly’s gardens in New Holland. Photo by Jordan Bush.

What’s your Life Lived Forward?

Kay Shanaman has a zest for life. She has always been engaged in her community and open to new experiences. At Willow Valley Communities, she’s found plenty of ways to continue her active lifestyle. “Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here,” says Kay.

With more than 100 clubs, classes, and groups to join, Kay has found easy connections over shared interests with her neighbors. Whether it’s ballroom dancing or the computer club, the possibilities for camaraderie and a happy, healthy life are nearly endless.

With the details taken care of, residents like Kay can make each day exactly what they choose. “This is your life,” she says, “and you create your own reality.”

Find your Life Lived Forward.

Explore Willow Valley Communities today.

Len Lambert’s love of animals and the outdoors prompted him to launch Backyard Wildlife Solutions, which is based in Lititz.

Thanks to a background in construction, Len is able to make repairs to damaged areas and add screening and breathable caps to chimneys and vents so that birds, bats and squirrels cannot gain access to homes.

“The snake in the basement is something that seems to send people over the edge,” Len says.

Squirrels are capable of causing considerable damage to a structure. Woodpeckers can damage the fascia, siding and other areas of a home.

Many animals can be humanely trapped and relocated to Len’s favorite out-of-the-way areas.

Photos courtesy of Backyard Wildlife Solutions

LANCASTER COUNTY’S CRITTER CATCHER

Len Lambert, the owner of Backyard Wildlife Solutions in Lititz, is the guy people call when they have a critter in their home or around their property causing a bit of a fuss. Do you have a skunk or groundhog under your deck or backyard shed? A 5-foot black snake in the basement? Len will come and relocate them.

BY MICHAEL C. UPTON

When I lived in Maine, I awoke early one morning to one of the strangest noises. As the loud clanging, ringing and steady pounding continued, I wondered if something was wrong with the neighbor’s car. After a few minutes it stopped. The following two mornings it happened again and so I had to climb out of bed to investigate.

The culprit was nothing I ever expected. Perched on the reflective stop sign was a pileated woodpecker, its flaming red crest moving at the speed of blur while it pecked away at the sign. What in the heck was wrong with this crazy bird?

“I had a similar issue with a woodpecker on my gutter, which is metal – like your stop sign – and it created a wild amount of noise. I’m not immune to these issues either,”

admits Len. “We do get some calls about woodpeckers, but they are few.” Owning and operating a residential and commercial wildlife-control service is almost a dream come true for the animal and outdoor lover, who can be found enjoying the trails and parks around southeastern Pennsylvania when he’s not working.

SNAKES, BATS, BIRDS ...

“Black snakes are very adept at finding ways into homes; we find them in both attics and basements,” Len says, adding he comes across black and garter snakes most often. There are a few other snake species Len has come across in his line of work, but he has fortunately not encountered a venomous snake. “Snakes are a bit

concerning to customers. I’ve pulled many 5- and 6-foot black snakes out of homes over the years. The snake in the basement is something that seems to send people over the edge.”

Len specializes in exclusion service, a series of humane, preventative measures to eliminate future damage, entrapment or invasion. When he is called to a home because of a trapped animal or nuisance critter, he can advise a homeowner on the necessary steps that can be taken to stop the situation from happening again and also perform physical installation of deterrents and modifications on a property or structure. “I have a construction background, which is very helpful,” Len explains. “We are fully outfitted for most repairs, from something off a ladder to a repair that requires scaffolding.”

Most of the repairs Len makes are a result of our winged friends. Two of the most prolific perpetrators are house sparrows and starlings, which are both considered invasive species. Both birds like to nest in bathroom exhaust vents, especially in the spring. They also nest behind shutters and can cause quite a

Clockwise from left:

Photo by Anya Witmer.

mess, notes Len, who even created a custom guard system to prevent the birds from returning.

His business also allows Len to work with rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, moles, voles and shrews, all of which can leave behind unsanitary conditions to remediate. He even tackles larger animals like groundhogs, opossum, raccoons and skunks.

He also frees bats from homes (and reminds homeowners bats can carry rabies). Removal of a colony of bats – not just the one that has flown into the kitchen on a summer evening – is regulated and those bats can only be moved during the months of September through May. After squirrels, bats make up the largest portion of his service calls.

A SQUIRRELLY SITUATION

“I’ve chased squirrels all around a home,” Len shares, trying to recall the craziest animal exploits he has encountered. “And I’ve used a variety of objects to try and herd squirrels out of homes.”

One of the worst cases Len has seen involved a squirrel going into a rooftop plumbing ventilation pipe, which is a rare occurrence. The squirrel did not get stuck in the pipe as one would expect, but rather the pipe became dislodged, allowing the squirrel access to the entire house … while the

homeowner was away on vacation. The trapped critter chewed its way into the ventilation system, gnawed under every door and munched on windowsills in an attempt to find a way out of the house.

After making the discovery on her return to a home filled with wood chips and vinyl shavings, the homeowner called Len, who was able to direct the squirrel out of the house almost immediately. “We installed a breathable cap on the pipe after the incident so it would never happen again,” he recalls.

MR. WOODPECKER

Woodpeckers, like many other birds in our area, are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so most of what Len can do is create a deterrent and limit a bird’s ability or desire to drill into a home. He follows all state and federal guidelines for all animals.

When animals are relocated, they are given sanctuary in one of the many designated game lands in the state. “I have a couple spots I use regularly that are less popular with humans,” Len explains. “That way there is not a crowd gathering around as the

opossum or snake goes to his new home in the forest.”

As for the woodpecker on the stop sign, I learned from the biology department at the university I was attending that he was looking for a mate; having no song to sing, the louder the banging the better chance of attracting a nearby female. He just went away after about a week … happily ever after I assume.

For more information, visit paanimalremoval.com.

Michael C. Upton works as a freelance writer specializing in arts and leisure covering subjects ranging from funk punk to fine wine. He graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maine at Farmington and is actively published by trade journals, specialized websites, and regional and national magazines. Upton lives in Lancaster County with his wife, Mel, and two youngest children, Halligan and Teagan. Tyler, his oldest son, is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.

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PLANTS FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE

You don’t need to have a villa in Greece to create the feel and advantages of Mediterranean-style gardening. In our seasonal climate, however, it will involve some experimenting and thoughtful selection of suitable herbs, shrubs and flowers. Granted, we can’t grow olive trees, but many suitable plants are already growing in the dryer areas of your borders.

BY DR. RICHARD L. BITNER

On last month’s “journey,” I discussed the recent Mediterranean-style gardening trend. (If you missed that column, you can review it at lancastercountymag.com.) This is not a fad, but a shrewd solution to combatting our increasingly hot and dry gardening seasons and wetter winters. Indeed, global climate changes are causing county gardeners to rethink their ambitions. The solution – the Mediterranean style of gardening –features heat- and drought-tolerant plants, stone gravel and pavers (rather than high-maintenance lawns) and outdoor-living areas surrounded by vibrant potted plants.

Gardening Journey

Sun-Loving Plants

Some generalizations will help you get started in your planning:

ALL PLANTS will need to thrive in full sun and be drought tolerant.

LIMIT THE PLANT SPECIES and repeat the same plants throughout your space. The goal is to put together a community of a few plant choices rather than a mishmash. This is a very important design principle for your Mediterranean-style garden. Avid gardeners who typically want to plant one-of-everything will need to take a deep breath!

ALL THE AREAS must have perfect drainage throughout the year. Otherwise, an excellent alternative is to surround your terrace with containers and raised beds.

REMEMBER: You want to create an area of casual elegance. Think Greek islands. We are not designing a vast garden for show or to constantly labor over. Breathe! But, please, no statuary.

THE FOLIAGE of plants in hot climates is often gray or silver-colored and frequently fuzzy. The color deflects the burning heat of the sun and the wooly foliage conserves water. Good news: Silvery foliage is not only eyecatching, but it integrates well with both hot (red, orange and yellow) and cool (blue and green) colors. Gray-foliaged plants are perfect to repeat and unify your assorted borders and containers.

Most of my suggestions will do well in appropriately sized containers. The smaller pots can line walls, be assembled into groups or displayed on tables. Oversized pots filled with citrus trees or bold plants can provide a screen or make a statement. Be sure your containers have good drainage by filling the bottoms with shards or gravel before adding the soil. Bear in mind that most of these plants will do fine with lean soil; there is no need to supplement with fertilizer. Breathe! Keep the pots in full sun and water them only when the soil feels

dry. Top dressing with a gravel mulch will enhance the appearance of the containers. You can always move the pots around before your dinner party. Any tender plants will need to be moved indoors or into a heated garage for winter. Also remember to check the plants for bugs before you bring any indoors.

SUITABLE PLANTS FOR A MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE GARDEN IN LANCASTER COUNTY

Shrubs

We can’t grow olive trees, but you might try a fig tree, Ficus carica, which doesn’t mind its roots confined in a large container. In fact, fig trees are said to produce more fruit when their roots are confined in a pot. And what could transport you to the Mediterranean more than a fresh fig? Many cultivars are available. (To learn more about figs, visit lancastercountymag.com/the-madscientist-of-figs).

Bay trees, Laurus nobilis, are native to the Mediterranean and are a popular houseplant. They also do well in large pots, plus you’d have leaves available for cooking or drying. Bay needs to be overwintered indoors.

A broadleaf evergreen, yucca, Yucca filamentosa, is a worthy standby in any local garden but its swordshaped spiky leaves will be ideal in our scheme. It is native to southern beaches. It will put up a very tall spike in early summer with bell-shaped white flowers that are pollinated by

Geraniums, Pelargonium x hortorum

Yucca, Yucca filamentosa

moths. Remove the spike after it fades. Grow a creamy white-and-green variegated cultivar such as ‘Color Guard’. Yuccas tolerate any conditions (except soggy) and can be divided every three years. Deer usually avoid it, but should damage occur, the plant readily recovers.

Grass-like plants

Grass-like plants can serve as accents, screens and ground covers. They provide texture and movement.

Bulbs

Hardy bulbs beat all other groups of plants in producing color in the spring garden. For the most part they are the earliest plants to bloom and many have exceptionally showy flowers. They also insist on welldraining sandy or gritty soil.

The clump-forming Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ is an exceptional cultivar of our native bluestem grass. It is tinted blue, grows 2-4-feet high and thrives in rocky lean soil and high heat. Very upright, it does not flop. Another outstanding ornamental feature is its bronze-orange winter foliage color. Cut it to the ground in late winter or early spring.

For a striking accent in May, plant ornamental onion bulbs, Allium Choice selections are A. ‘Globemaster’, A. sphaerocephalon, A. schubertii and A. christophii, but there are many available with different-sized flowers and heights. Colors vary from lavender to deep purple. All will attract butterflies and are suitable for drying. Follow the depth-planting directions for your choice.

English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, should be on the top of your list. It is, in fact, not native to England, but to the Mediterranean! Put it in full sun to stimulate the essential oils in the foliage and enjoy the fragrance across the patio. The 2-foot-tall ‘Hidcote’ is one of the most popular cultivars, flowering deep purple from June to August. It is excellent for drying and attracts butterflies. Remove any faded flowers to promote continuous bloom and prune back to 8 inches at least every other year to control plant size and ensure attractive new growth. Use only gravel mulch and be sure to plant in masses. Critters don’t eat it.

There are many cultivars of the grass-like sedges available. One I have grown for years and can recommend is Carex ‘Ice Dance’. The foliage is dark green in the center with clean white borders. It will grow under almost any condition including dense shade. The clumps spread vigorously and form a dense ground cover that no weeds will grow through. It is not a favorite of deer. It needs to be cut back with a string trimmer in late winter for fresh new growth.

Agapanthus, Agapanthus (group), grows from rhizomes and reportedly does better in a pot than when planted in the ground. Choose a cultivar that is dark blue or perhaps chalk white and expect showy 1.5-foot-tall flowers June to July. Follow the planting instructions that come with the rhizomes.

Annuals and perennials

Bougainvillea, Bougainvillea (group), is an annual vine that flowers in various colors (purple, red, pink and yellow) and tolerates hot, dry locations. Grown on a trellis, it will definitely create a seaside feeling. Don’t hesitate to trim it to direct the growth and pinch tips of growth to encourage branching. It can be grown from a container. It will need some regular watering.

Gazanias, Gazania rigens, are native perennials in South Africa, but are grown as an annual here. Typically a sunny orange, but hybrid cultivars in other colors are available. The dandelion-like foliage is silvery green. Gazanias bloom all summer to frost. Be aware, the flowers close at night. Very effective in containers or hanging baskets.

Lantana, Lantana camara, an annual available at every garden center, displays a variety of hot colors and will bloom from July to frost. It gets covered with butterflies and hummingbird moths.

Bluestem grass, Schizachyrium scoparium

Sedges, Carex ‘Ice Dance’

Allium, A. ‘Globemaster’ Agapanthus

English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Gazania rigens

Lantana camara

Red and hot-pink zonal geraniums, Pelargonium x hortorum, are great in terracotta pots, especially on a flight of steps or along a short wall. Their vibrancy will liven up any area but stick to one color! Breathe! However, unlike most plants on this list, they will need regular watering and rich soil. Pinch the stems to encourage bushiness. Let them go dormant and overwinter indoors in a cool, dark, frost-free spot.

has typical two-lipped flowers in cobalt blue with black calyces and will flower from July to frost. Stunning! If you can’t find it, other worthy selections to check out are Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’, S. farinacea and S. leucantha.

Globe thistle, Echinops ritro, is clump-forming up to 4-feet tall with golf-ball-sized blue or white spherical flowers and spiky silver foliage. It will bloom July to September and is a bee magnet. Look for ‘Veitch’s Blue’.

Agastache is another stalwart performer. This herbaceous perennial (in this area it’s hit or miss so regard it as an annual) takes its name from a Greek word meaning “large ear of grain” and refers to the abundant flower spikes – colors range from pale pink to vibrant red – that are magnets for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. The foliage exudes a minty fragrance. The plant thrives in hot weather and blooms all summer.

Scented Herbs

No garden, Mediterranean or not, should be without an annual salvia. A particularly showy 3-foot tall one is Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’. It

No need to describe rosemary, thyme, oregano and marjoram. All are suitable in small pots on the patio table or for edging or between pavers. Catmint, Nepeta racemose, ‘Walker’s Low’, has gray-green fragrant

foliage with pale lilac flowers displayed in whorls. It starts blooming in midspring and will repeat bloom if attention is paid to shearing back spent flowers. Great in masses. (This is not the true catnip, N.cataria, that drives your cat crazy, although the leaves are also enticing.) Cut back to several inches in late winter.

Add any of these plants to your garden – as well as some flickering lanterns around your patio after dusk – and you will hardly know you are in South Central Pennsylvania!

For an expanded listing of plants, visit lancastercountymag.com.

DR. RICHARD L. BITNER is a horticultural lecturer and photographer. He is the author of three books on conifers and teaches a conifers course at the Barnes Arboretum School at St. Joseph’s University.

Globe thistle, Echinops ritro

Salvia

Agastache

Rosemary Catmint, Nepeta racemose, ‘Walker’s Low’

Thyme

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Good Medicine Good Medicine

Pam Overly is convinced that gardening played a role in helping her overcome two serious health challenges. She also credits gardening for helping her to create a close bond with several neighbors. “It’s good for the body, mind and soul,” she says of her love of gardening.

BY SUE LONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN BUSH

Pamand her husband, Neal, purchased their hillside property east of New Holland 30 years ago this month. “It was all trees,” she says of the one-acre lot. To their disappointment, the towering trees blocked the gorgeous view from the house that, on a clear day, extends to Ephrata and beyond. To Pam’s dismay, she discovered the tree-shrouded lot was not conducive to gardening, either. They bided their time and remedied the situation three years later by having an arborist take down a selection of trees. Now that they had access to a view of the countryside, their next project entailed building an expansive deck on the rear of the house.

A clean canvas now allowed Pam to create gardens on the property. She credits genetics for her green thumb. “All while I was growing up, I remember my grandparents having flowers,” she recalls. Their love of gardening filtered to the next generation and now obviously influences Pam. “It’s just a hobby I enjoy,” she explains. “I like to see things grow.” She’s also passing on her love of gardening to another generation, as she has taken her nephew, Jordan Bush (who authors the column, Foodographer), under her wing and shares her knowledge and plants with him. Jordan, in turn, is tutoring her on the joys of growing fig trees.

A love of gardening (and decorating) also influenced Pam’s career path – she was a 20-year veteran of the former Flower & Craft Warehouse in Blue Ball. She now works at Shady Maple

Smorgasbord.

Opposite:

The view from the Overlys’ deck takes in the backyard gardens, adjacent farmland, New Holland and beyond. Pam and Neal purchased the property 30 years ago this month. Once nearly enshrouded with trees, they worked with an arborist to open the view and create a garden-friendly backyard.

Top to bottom:

Pam loves glass and the color blue and came up with a way to add both to the garden with wine bottles.

Bubblegum petunias are a summertime favorite of Pam’s. Here, they are displayed in an old wheelbarrow.

(Right): Pam loves hydrangeas and grows several varieties in her gardens. This hydrangea was transplanted from her father’s garden.

(Left): A sign pays homage to Pam’s tutor, gardening friend and neighbor, Fran Komancheck.

To see more photos, visit lancastercountymag.com.

Neal is also a gardener. He lays the foundation for Pam’s creative pursuits by helping her with the mulching and mowing. “We’ve put down lots of mulch, leaves and pine needles over the years,” she says of creating an optimal growing environment for the flowers and other plantings. They bounce ideas off each other and join forces to carry them out. Together they also create holiday planters for the entrance of Tyson Foods,

where Neal is the groundskeeper. They also grow peppers, which Neal shares with the Hispanic employees at Tyson to use in their cooking.

OVER THE PAST nearly three decades, Pam has created an everevolving seasonal palette that begins to bloom in the spring with daffodils, Virginia bluebells, tulips, primrose and bellflowers. But it’s in mid-summer, when the garden is at its prime thanks to daylilies, foxglove, hosta, hydrangea, ferns, yucca, coneflowers and annuals such as petunias. “Coneflowers and Bubblegum petunias are my favorites,” she shares. As fall approaches, sedum,

Clockwise from top left:

An old farming implement that belonged to Neal’s grandfather, looks right at home in Pam’s garden. Touches of blue come courtesy of glass garden art, a bowling ball and hydrangea.

Coneflowers are at the top of the list when Pam is asked to name her favorite plant.

Pam’s fondness for glass is evidenced in a bottle tree. Neal (left) and Pam Overly, with their nephew, Jordan Bush. Pam shares gardening advice and plants with Jordan, while he shares his enthusiasm for growing fig trees with her.

mums, asters and other late bloomers add rich color to the landscape. A new endeavor is to incorporate the color blue into the garden with plants and garden art. “I love to see blue in my garden,” she says.

Like many avid gardeners, Pam took advantage of the downtime that came courtesy of the pandemic. “I was off work for a year,” she says. “I got to really be out in the garden,” she says of those projects she finally had time to tackle.

In addition to her family, Pam credits a neighbor, Fran Komancheck, for broadening her gardening horizons. “She’s shared so many plants and ideas with me over the years,” Pam notes. “Sharing is part of the fun of gardening.” Another neighbor, Nancy, is an avid gardener who shares her expertise and plants with Pam. The two have diverse gardens, as Fran’s sun-splashed environs bloom with larkspur, daylilies and other flowering plants. Nancy’s woodland garden features shade-loving plants. “We like to get together and make things like cement garden art,” Pam adds of the

camaraderie gardening has created in the neighborhood.

OF COURSE, part of the fun of gardening is the hunt. Finding that rare, old-fashioned plant, the newest hybrid or an elusive houseplant is always a thrill. Pam says she is fortunate to live in an area of the county that is known for its small, family-owned greenhouses. “I just love to go to the greenhouses,” she says. “You just never know what you’ll find.”

As for the decorative elements that define her gardens, they range from family mementos and farming implements to yard sale finds. Pam also loves glass, which is represented in the garden by a bottle tree, blue wine bottles inverted atop rebar, as well as her own creations.

Wildlife also figures into the gardenscape. Birds abound thanks to the open fields, the forests of the Welsh Mountains and the protection the remaining trees in the yard offer. “We even see eagles and red-tailed hawks,” Pam notes. It’s also not uncommon to catch glimpses of foxes

and other critters along the treeline. The farm fields are a favorite gathering place for deer. “They will munch on my plants,” she says.

When winter sets in, Pam becomes an indoor gardener. Houseplants fill her living room. Again, some of them, like a decades-old snake plant, are family heirlooms, while others are new finds. “I move a lot of them outside over the summer,” she notes. Her bay window, which receives the perfect amount of light, is used as an incubator for growing plants from seed. The sunny window makes her long for warmer weather. “I can’t wait to get back outside,” Pam says on a March day that held the promise of spring.

3 of Pam’s Favorite Greenhouses

• Black Creek Greenhouses, 211 E. Black Creek Rd., East Earl

• Hoover’s Greenhouse, 236 S. Farmersville Rd., Leola

• Leid’s Greenhouse, 159 Meadowcreek Rd., New Holland

A walking path meanders across the far reaches of the backyard. The treelined area provides the perfect environment for hosta and other shadeloving plants.

PRODUCED BY KAYLEE REX

Spring Fever

Spring is a reawakening. The season adds life to a world that was cold and gray. It invites you to get organized, get outdoors and get moving. Spring welcomes you to feel the warm rays of sun on your face again and enjoy a picnic, spend a day at the park or out in the yard with the kids.

Itis the season for spring cleaning and starting a clean slate. It’s the perfect time to shake things up and redecorate a tired-looking room or an outdoor patio. Whether it’s shopping for an updated look, new kitchen lighting or new outdoor furniture, Lancaster County is blooming with retailers, landscape artists and other friendly businesses waiting to help you “spring” forward this season.

Spring has sprung at CHERRY HILL ORCHARDS AND FARM MARKET ! Their garden area is bursting with color and ready for Mother’s Day gifting and garden refreshing. The first fruits of the season will soon be ready for picking; 36,000 strawberry plants will be exploding with flavor and color by early June. Bring your family for the fun, time-honored tradition of pick-yourown cherries in mid-June. Their Farm Market is filled with fresh local produce, baked goodies and breads, as well as fresh-pressed cider. Follow them on Facebook to keep up with upcoming events and fresh fruit picking in the orchard.

JURA is the leader in automatic coffee machines, offering a bean-to-cup experience that is freshly ground, not capsulated. JURA machines produce the finest high-pressure-brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino and more. Thanks to the introduction of Cold Brew

Extraction Process, the new JURA Z10 is the first to prepare both hot and cold brew specialty coffees. Additional innovations include Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.®), which optimizes extraction time to develop the full flavor of espresso, macchiato and cortado – plus the Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.®) and integrated cleaning and maintenance systems. JURA’s app, J.O.E.® (JURA Operating Experience), allows users to operate selected machines from their phones or tablets.

LUSK AND ASSOCIATES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY is South Central Pennsylvania’s premier real estate agency, combining the experience and knowledge of their agents with the excellence of Sotheby’s International Realty. Located in Lancaster County, their sole responsibility to their clients is to make sure all their needs are met, from the first meeting to the settlement table, and after the transaction is completed. Lusk and Associates is centrally located to assist in finding that unique or exquisite property that everyone dreams about.

The COLUMBIA MARKET HOUSE is a treasure located in the heart of this historic river town. The plans for this structure originated in 1868 with Robert Crane. Opened on September 17, 1869, the market has served as an anchor for this community. While visiting, take a tour of the well-preserved dungeons from 1834, including a solitary confinement cell. In 2019, after being closed for a few years, Columbia, in partnership with the state, once again invested in this building and on May 29, 2021, the Market House reopened with a restaurant, stand spaces and room for special events.

COTTAGE & VINE , located on Market Square in Manheim, is the perfect place to pick up a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself. Get lost in the shelves of beautiful plants, unique pots, candles, handcrafted cards, clay earrings and more. You can also mix and match your favorite plants and pots to make your own unique creation. The Cottage & Vine team will help you build the perfect combo to fit your space, lighting, occasion or gifting needs. Be sure to check Cottage & Vine’s Facebook for current hours.

HARVEST SEASONAL GRILL believes that everyone should enjoy nutrient-dense, farm-fresh flavors. Every three months, they introduce an allnew, seasonally inspired menu created with honest ingredients from local farm partners.

Harvest also offers private dining space and off-site catering services. Perfect for birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, corporate board meetings and wedding receptions, Harvest’s attentive service and farm-to-table menu will make your event spectacular, whatever the occasion.

Whether you are dining at one of their convenient locations or searching for the perfect caterer for your private event, Harvest Seasonal Grill looks forward to introducing every guest to “farm-to-table for everyone.”

TROUT CPA is an accounting firm with offices in Lancaster and Mechanicsburg, PA, which provides personalized tax, financial statement and business advisory services. In addition to traditional accounting services, they also offer Outsourced Accounting, Data Analytics and other business solutions.

Trout CPA consists of experts with various

specialties, which allows them to pair each client with the best team of professionals to meet their unique needs. To learn how Trout CPA can help with your specific needs, call 717569-2900 or scan the QR code to visit their website.

KREIDER’S CANVAS SERVICE, INC. has been installing awnings in Lancaster County for over 40 years. Leslie Kreider shares that Kreider’s Canvas offers an option that makes outdoor areas more useful and comfortable. “We developed a ‘Roof Vent System’ that can be used on the flat back wall of a deck or patio canopy. This increased venting area provides more air flow and minimizes trapped hot air,” Leslie says.

What’s trending? “There has been an increased use of side curtains around porches and pavilions to block wind when needed, while still having the ability to open up to full view of the outside.”

troutcpa.com

Personalized accounting, audit, tax, and business advisory services for your every need

The Area’s Largest Selection of

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

BOWMAN’S STOVE & PATIO , located in Ephrata, has noticed a major increase in demand for outdoor furniture since people are spending a lot more time at home. Popular this year are gas fire-pit chat tables paired with curved cushion sofas and cushion swivel rockers. Large dining tables are also popular, such as rectangular extension tables that seat eight to 10 people or octagon- and hexagon-shaped tables that seat six or eight. Bowman’s Stove & Patio recommends shopping as early as possible, so that you have furniture in time for the spring/summer season.

Whether you’re preparing for next season or want to add some color to your home, there’s no faster way to refresh a room than with a fresh coat of paint. Since 1988, VILLE PAINTERS has been delivering expert craftmanship, keen attention to detail and exceptional customer experiences. Whether you are going for a trendy look or hoping to preserve Lancaster’s historic essence, the ViP team can help to determine what color best characterizes your home and personality. Ville Painters offers a wide range of services including interior and exterior painting, historic preservation, wallpaper (installation/ removal), drywall and plaster repair, decorative moldings and more.

KEYSTONE GUN-KRETE, LLC specializes in lifting sunken concrete slabs of all sizes. Owner Richie Zook says, “If you’re looking at a sunken pool deck, patio or a section of sidewalk at your home or business, the cost savings to have it lifted instead of replaced can be huge. Plus, it’s done in hours instead of days and without the mess.” Keystone Gun-Krete simply drills small holes through the slab and injects their expanding foam below to raise the concrete back to its original location. The holes are then filled with mortar so the concrete is ready for foot traffic immediately.

She Shed, He Shed

Kendra Herr has always loved old houses. Living on a farm was also a dream. She’s achieved those goals in her own way: Her Strasburg-area home, which is surrounded by farmland, is decorated according to her own spin on modern farmhouse, while a barn-inspired sheshed is nestled in the wooded backyard. A smaller garden and tool “he-shed” is the domain of her husband, Matt.

BY SUE LONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRK ZUTELL

TheHerrs’ property is always evolving. Three years after building their home in 2005, the couple added a screened porch. Inside, remodeling projects created a large dining room and a combination mudroom/laundry/ plant nursery. She views such projects in philosophical terms. “You need to make spaces work for you. Different seasons warrant different needs,” Kendra says, alluding to the fact that she and Matt now host holiday and family gatherings, hence the need for a large dining area.

In 2018, they added an expansive patio and firepit. “We lived out there during the pandemic. The kids and their friends really put the firepit to use,” she says of their four children. The sheds were built in 2020. Most recently, they replaced their home’s garage doors and added dormers above the area. “Our house and property have really morphed over the years,” Kendra affirms. “It’s our haven; we like to stay home,” she says of their lifestyle. She gives kudos to Lititz-based Trademark Contractors for the projects they’ve brought to fruition over the years. “They work with us on all our projects,” she notes. “They know I like to think outside the box and work with me.”

A Process

Once spring arrives, the Herrs head outdoors. “We both love to be outside,” Kendra says. “We take care of everything ourselves,” she says of gardening, mowing, landscaping and upkeep. “It’s something we can do together. It’s inspiring when like minds work together.” She says adding the

Clockwise from left: Kendra Herr worked with Lititz-based Trademark Contractors to design/build her New England barninspired she-shed that makes its home in a wooded area of her backyard.

Kendra and her husband, Matt Herr, have been carrying out remodeling projects at their home since building it in 2005. “It’s our haven; we like to stay home,” she says of their lifestyle.

Window boxes filled with a variety of colorful plants decorate the two sheds and stand out against the gray paint. Container gardens filled with shadeloving plants enliven the porch area of the she-shed.

Clockwise from top left:

Like many New England barns, Kendra’s she-shed is designed with overhangs, one of which tops an outdoor seating area, while a smaller one provides added protection over a doorway.

A sideboard in the she-shed once saw service as a table in a mechanic’s shop. Kendra “shopped” her home to find furnishings and accessories for the she-shed’s seating area.

Kendra loves vintage – as is evidenced by the glassware and candlesticks – and uses such finds to set the table for dinner parties and other events she holds in the sheshed. She also tops the table with flowers from her garden.

screened porch was one of the best decisions they’ve made. “It’s my very favorite,” she shares. “We’re out there from April through October. You get the advantage of being outside but don’t have to deal with bugs.”

Kendra, who grew up in Conestoga, points to her father and his sisters as being her inspirations where gardening is concerned. “Thanks to them, I just love to dig in the dirt,” she says. One of her aunts is Carol Mylin, who until her retirement was a floral designer and plantscaper (Carol’s Creations) in Manheim. Kendra embraces the notion that gardening is a lifelong learning process and has discovered that “the more you experiment, the more confident you become.” Her property is challenging from a gardening standpoint, as it requires both sun- and shade-loving plants. She points to working at Henrys’ Farm & Greenhouses in Holtwood for two seasons as an invaluable part of her education. “I learned so much from working there,” she says.

Through Henrys’ Kendra also cultivated a good friend, Stacey Toomey.

The two are kindred spirits from a gardening and decorating perspective and are fans of repurposing finds. “Creativity goes beyond decorating,” she explains. “I’m not a DIYer; I like to take things I find at barn sales and places like Tollbooth [in Columbia] and give them a new purpose.”

One of her favorite destinations is The Old Lucketts Store in Loudoun County, Virginia. The store, which makes its home in a century-old general store in Leesburg, was launched as an antiques shop by Suzanne and Pat Eblen in 1996. Today, it’s home to more than three-dozen vendors who specialize in “vintage hip,” which is described as “old, new and cool.”

A few years after opening, the Eblens decided to host a market-style event in the parking lot of the town’s community center. The response from vendors and fans was overwhelming and Lucketts Spring Market became an annual event (moving for a time to open fields near the store). Covid prompted a pivot to fall in 2021 –Kendra introduced Stacey to Lucketts that year – and, because it proved

so popular, Lucketts has made it an annual event, as well. They also found a new home for the extravaganzas at the Clarke County Fairgrounds in Berryville. Dates for the 2023 Spring Market are May 19-21; the Fall Market will be held October 13-15. The store also hosts an over-the-top Holiday Open House each November. Visit luckettsmarkets.com for details.

Moonlight in … Strasburg

Apparently, Lancaster County isn’t the only place where barns are revered. Barns have been an integral part of the landscape in New England for centuries. Kendra and Matt have always liked the look of that region’s barns and worked with Trademark Contractors to bring that look to their backyard.

Like the no-nonsense, practical people who settled New England, the barns of that region reflect Yankee ingenuity, which is defined as the ability to make-do, improvise and cope with the cards they had been dealt (i.e., poor

Matt’s smaller he-shed also takes its inspiration from the design of New England barns. It’s used primarily as a tool shed and storage for gardenand maintenance-related items. The overhang shelters a potting bench that once served as a vendor stand at Fulton Market.

Kendra’s Favorite Greenhouses

• Henrys’ Farm & Greenhouses, 1258 Oregon Hollow Rd., Holtwood (selfserve stand, cash only)

• Hilltop Greenhouse, 1624 Lancaster Pike, Quarryville

• Hillside Acres Nursery, 940 Valley Rd., Quarryville

• Fisher’s Greenhouse, 311 North Star Rd., Strasburg

soil and harsh weather). As a result, the barns were built with practicality in mind. Doors were located on the gable ends of the structures and were often topped by overhangs that created a lean-to look and provided added protection from the wind and snow. The open interiors provided space for sheltering animals, crops and farming implements. Early settlers held religious services in the barns.

Many barns were also outfitted with windows, which allowed for light and fresh air to be admitted. Practicality was later taken up a notch, as barns became connected to other outbuildings and even the farmhouse in order to provide easy access to the animals during inclement weather. Color-wise, New England-style barns were painted white, red and even charcoal. “They’re painted just one color,” Kendra adds.

KENDRA’S SHE-SHED mimics New England-style barns. Sliding barn doors are located at each end. On one end, an overhang creates a porch-like enclosure. The doors at the other end allow for vehicles to be driven into the structure. Windows also dot the barn. Inside, the exposed wood and overhead beams provide a rustic ambiance for gatherings. “We can comfortably accommodate 40 to 45 people inside the barn,” Kendra says. “We’ve used it for several parties, a bridal shower, a 50th anniversary celebration and our daughter’s rehearsal dinner. The kids and their friends like to hang out in there, too.” (A projector can be set up for watching movies.) She’s also hosted a “barn sale” to re-home items she had accumulated. The barn was also on view last summer for a garden tour.

Kendra’s barn also employs Yankee (or maybe more appropriately Pennsylvania Dutch) ingenuity from a decorating perspective. For example, the sofas and accessories were appropriated from the house. She spied the dining tables at Costco and figured the exceptional price was because they lacked chairs. She bought two and found chairs through an online source. The sideboard was fashioned out of a table that came from a mechanic’s shop. There’s also a sentimental touch: The American

A nook that is located between the screened porch and the garage provides space for another potting area.

Matt’s grandfather crafted the cupola that decorates one of the flowerbeds.

Vivid colors now define old-fashioned plants such as coleus. When it comes to gardening, Kendra finds that “the more you experiment, the more confident you become.”

flag topped the casket of Matt’s grandfather. “Because of its size, we could never find a place to display it inside the house,” Kendra notes. “It’s a perfect fit out here.”

Matt’s garden and tool shed also takes its design cue from New Englandstyle barns. “Everything that’s stored in there had been in the garage,” Kendra says. Now, tools and garden necessities are organized and easily accessible. Both sheds are enlivened with container gardens and window boxes that are filled with colorful flowers and plants.

She-shed … a Lifestyle

Over the past 10-plus years, shesheds have become backyard fixtures and are often described as the female version of the man cave. According to The Spruce, she-sheds differ from

man caves in that they “are more about fulfillment,” as they are used for everything from listening to music to working on DIY projects, displaying collections, reading, exercising, tending to plants, hanging out with friends or simply getting away from it all. HGTV prefers to call such structures “mesheds.” According to Crane Garden Buildings (UK), a she-shed has one purpose: “to make you happy.”

During the pandemic, they took on the role of being a home office and many continue to fulfill that function.

She-sheds became part of the landscape when creative women began retrofitting them out of standard garden sheds. Peruse the internet and you’ll notice that savvy shed builders (including the Amish) have taken notice of the trend and have tweaked their designs. Barns, small outbuildings, gazebos and garages are also being pressed into service. New

construction (such as Kendra’s sheshed) is also an option.

She-sheds no doubt influenced the advent of the newest addition to the backyard, the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that creates a separate space (typically 800 square feet or so in size) that is ideal for guests, parents looking to age in place and even as a short- or long-term rental.

She-sheds have also taken on a virtual life of their own thanks to Californians Erika Kotite (a former magazine editor and author of the book, She-sheds: A Room of Your Own) and Sabrina Conteras (an interior designer), who host the website, sheshedliving.com (plus other social media sites), and have been designing, building and promoting shesheds for years. I guarantee that the projects seen on their sites will make you look longingly at the possibilities your own backyard can offer.

Clockwise from top left: The screened porch was one of the first projects the Herrs completed. Kendra says it’s well-used, as the family relaxes and dines on the porch from April to October. The Herrs worked with Knutsen Outdoor in Conestoga to create the patio and firepit. Prior to the addition of the patio, the area was an expanse of lawn. “I love to use things in unexpected ways,” Kendra says. Here, an old watering trough serves as a container garden. The potting bench was made from barnwood and hammered metal. A bench on the screened porch was made from the footboard and headboard of a bed.

PRODUCED BY KAYLEE REX

Spring Fever

Since 1932, L.H. BRUBAKER APPLIANCES AND WATER TREATMENT has been dedicated to providing excellent customer service and a knowledgeable staff. The third-generation family-owned business offers the most extensive selection in the tri-state area. L.H. Brubaker has become your one-stop shopping experience featuring appliances and water treatment systems. Pair that with competitive pricing, service, delivery and installation, and you’ll understand why they have been in business for over 90 years. Check out one of their three locations: 340 Strasburg Pike, Lancaster; 5303 East Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg; and their newest location, 2084 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster. L.H. Brubaker looks forward to seeing you soon!

Our new dishwashers use 50% less water and 25% less energy.1 Clean dishes. Clean planet.

With a breathtaking view of the Susquehanna River, locally sourced food and dedicated staff, JOHN WRIGHT RESTAURANT is an all-in-one location for your special occasion. As a full-service venue, they can accommodate bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, weddings, and any other reason to celebrate. Large events can be held in the River Room, while the venue can accommodate smaller celebrations in their main dining room, outdoor dining room or on their seasonal pizza patio. John Wright Restaurant is proud to offer a wide variety of options to make your special event memorable and hassle-free.

PRECISE BUILDINGS is based in Lancaster County, central to an area rich in heritage and timeless estates. While Precise is known for providing distinctive equestrian structures, they can also create and custom build an outdoor structure to your specific needs. With over 25 years of success in design and construction, their highly skilled craftsmen pay attention to all the details to make your finished project unique to you and your property. If you are considering building or renovating, view their work by visiting their website or call their design team today at 717-768-3200. Precise Buildings will build your dreams and preserve your legacy.

Family-owned and family-focused for almost 30 years, ASPEN HOME IMPROVEMENTS offers trusted roofing, window, door and siding replacement services. The Aspen team takes a personalized approach to each home they work on, treating every home like their own. Every product Aspen uses is proudly made in the USA and their trusted team has been rated five stars on Google and Angi’s List. Contact Aspen Home Improvements today to schedule a free (no-obligation) in-home consultation with a sales representative. Learn more about Aspen on their website or scan the QR code to self-schedule an appointment!

For the past 62 years, ESBENSHADE’S GARDEN CENTERS have filled the homes and gardens of local residents with plants and flowers of every kind. Based in Lititz, they grow hundreds of varieties of annuals, herbs, vegetables, perennials and shrubs. Now is the perfect time to plant your garden.

Plants & Gardening

Esbenshade’s is bursting with every plant you can think of: petunias, geraniums, tomatoes, hanging baskets, annual bedding flats, mixed patio planters, vegetables, herbs and houseplants. For the best selection and price, visit your local store or visit all three! They’re located in Lititz, Mohnton and Fleetwood.

Founded in 2020 by Francisco “Frisco” Gomez De La Torre, FRISCO’S CHICKEN has been voted the best take-out in Lancaster County two years in a row. Frisco’s menu has something for everybody! From their famous signature Peruvian Charcoal Chicken and sides to their savory empanadas, bowls, sauces and their newest menu addition, Frisco’s Ultimate Chicken Sandwich. For dessert, enjoy their homemade delicious tres leches cake or Peruvian flan. With locations in Lancaster, Lititz and Mount Joy, there is a Frisco’s near you! Download the Frisco’s app for easy ordering, rewards and more!

WEST END YOGA STUDIO provides a holistic approach to healing the body and mind with diverse practices for all skill levels led by passionate, innovative teachers. Take an outdoor class, or one of many diverse styles, including Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa, Hatha, Meditation, Tai Chi, Accessible Yoga, Barre, Pranayama, the Great Yoga Wall and more. Buy class passes or become a member for unlimited classes, local perks, a bring-a-friend pass, virtual and more. Pay-what-you-can with several donation-based classes weekly. All are welcome, no matter the path. The studio is located at 221 West Walnut Street, Lancaster with free off-street parking.

In 1954, the late George Grove Sr. started what later became GEORGE J. GROVE & SON, INC. The family-owned business, now in its third generation, is built on a firm belief in quality products and installation and in maintaining professionalism, integrity and fairness in their relationships with their customers. George J. Grove & Son, Inc. provides all types of home improvements. Their product lines include windows and doors, roofing, vinyl siding, spouting, gutter protection systems and patio enclosures. They also carry skylights, shutters, railings and retractable fabric and metal awnings.

For over 60 years, MARTINS BIKE & FITNESS has been Central Pennsylvania’s one-stop destination for bicycles and exercise equipment. Located at 1891 Division Highway in Ephrata, the newly expanded, 62,130-square-foot shop features three times the selection of e-bikes, bikes, fitness equipment and gear. Be sure to take a test ride on their new test path around the property! Martins also offers services such as product assembly, expert delivery, financing options and service and repair. The Martins team is dedicated to listening to your needs and helping find the right products for you, whether you are a pro or a beginner.

Offering a variety of unique experiences year-round, from dining on the train to stunt-filled spectaculars, STRASBURG RAIL ROAD is your destination for fun.

Lightweight, Comfortable, Powerful. Up to 95 miles, 28mph.

A beautiful backyard shed from FOX COUNTRY SHEDS is the perfect solution for your storage needs. For example, the Rancher Shed’s extra-tall height and overhead loft provide the perfect solution for out-of-theway storage. Or convert your new shed into a home office or gym! Customize and view your storage shed ideas in 3D when you visit their website. You can even “place” your new shed right in your backyard virtually with the Augmented Reality feature. Whatever your storage needs are, adding a “Fox Shed” will add valuable storage space to your home while enhancing the exterior of your property.

Celebrate the spring season with a drink at COLUMBIA KETTLE WORKS ! The craft microbrewery has three locations: Third Street in Columbia, Water Street in Downtown Lancaster and the IronSpire Complex in Adamstown. Each offers a diverse range of beer styles with new beers introduced regularly. Local wine and cocktails made with Pennsylvania-distilled spirits are also offered. Food menus are available at their Columbia and Adamstown locations. Check their website for beer and food menus plus special events at each location such as trivia, open mic nights, vinyl nights and live music.

40 N. 3RD STREET COLUMBIA, PA

Brewery & restaurant

Indoor & outdoor seating

12 diverse taps

Snacks, salads, paninis & more

PA wine & cocktails

Art gallery & events upstairs

VISIT OUR OTHER LOCATIONS:

2ND GEAR TAPROOM

112 N Water St, Downtown Lancaster

CKW IRONSPIRE TAPHOUSE

2800 N Reading Rd, Adamstown

From the Roots Up

Rhubarb

A HARBINGER OF SPRING

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JORDAN BUSH

Last year, I participated in Kitchen Kettle Village’s annual Rhubarb Festival as a judge for the baking contest. Before agreeing to take on the assignment, I forewarned the event’s organizer, Lisa Horn, that my rhubarb experience was somewhat limited. Still, I was game to put my tastebuds to the test.

What little rhubarb experience I have can be traced to my grandmother, who lived just down the road from Kitchen Kettle Village in Gordonville. I recall that she always made a rhubarb dessert that, depending on the timing of Easter, appeared on the dining room table for holiday dinners. Reduced in a saucepan with heaps of added sugar, the Jello-based dessert nonetheless retained just the right amount of tangy flavor. While I’m admittedly fussy about certain food textures, I recall the dessert delivered a pleasant taste sensation. Unfortunately, the recipe has gone missing, but I did find a similar one – Rhubarb Dessert from Mrs. Barbara Lapp – in the Lancaster Co. Amish Cookbook, that I might have to try. (See it at lancastercountymag.com.)

Fruit or Vegetable?

Rhubarb is hard to miss. The bright-green leaves announce that spring has arrived. The tall, magentahued, edible stalks look like celery. While it is a member of the buckwheat family, rhubarb is often mistaken for Swiss chard, which is more closely related to beets.

Without added sugar, rhubarb’s tart, astringent flavor can be hard to swallow. Nonetheless, rhubarb is versatile, as it can be cooked, baked, canned and frozen. It can be used as a fruit or a vegetable.

Leveraging its tart flavor, rhubarb is commonly used as an ingredient in pies, cakes, jams, crisps, crumbles, bread, muffins, cobblers and other desserts. It’s almost always associated with its springtime brethren, strawberries. Given their diverse yet complementary taste profiles, strawberries and rhubarb often co-star in many dessert recipes.

Rhubarb can also be used to bring a tangy taste to beverages such as lemonade, cocktails and spirits (with club soda and simple syrup).

Not to be overlooked, rhubarb also works beautifully in savory dishes such as a chutney served with prosciutto or pork.

Being the edible component of the plant, and not growing from its flowers, rhubarb is also considered to be a vegetable. Use it in stir-fries, salsa, salads and as a side dish. I even saw

one online recipe that used rhubarb as an ingredient in barbecue sauce. While it’s not a superfood like wheatgrass or spinach, rhubarb does offer fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C and K1, potassium and calcium.

Lancaster County Rhubarb Festival

Last year, the rhubarb baking contest received a warm welcome back to Kitchen Kettle Village. Always a part of the annual Rhubarb Festival – this year the festival will celebrate its 39th year – the baking contest represents an opportunity for area bakers to engage in friendly competition ahead of fair season. Because of Covid, the baking contest had not been held since 2019.

Not knowing what to expect, this first-time judge was nearly overwhelmed by the sight of more than 30 pies, cakes and other items that awaited judging. Fortunately, judges were organized by dessert categories – pies, cakes and desserts – and were charged with sampling a small portion of each item within the assigned category over a couple of rounds. Within each category a winner was declared.

The best of each category was then sampled by every judge during a final round of judging to determine the grand-prize winner. Better still, that portion of the judging process was a team event, discussing flavors and tasting experiences before settling on a score.

The clear favorite was a strawberryrhubarb angel food cake. The bake, texture and taste were outstanding. The rhubarb component was balanced and not hidden behind the strawberry inclusion. It just so happened that the grand-prize winner came across the category I helped judge (cakes), so I got to sample it twice. No complaints here.

The cake and grand-prize-winning entry was baked by Diann Stoltzfus, who happens to work at Kitchen Kettle Village. Other winners included Shirley Horn (pie category for her rhubarb pie) and Carol Horst (dessert category for her rhubarb cheesecake bar). The Judges’ Choice (for appearance) went to Holly Miller for her rhubarb pie. Prizes are awarded to those who finish in first through third places.

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Holly Miller’s use of rhubarb to create a quilt-like pattern atop her pie earned the Judges’ Choice award for appearance. Visitors peer through the window to get a sneak peek of the entries. Last year’s baking contest was the first to be held since 2019, due to Covid.

An Added Benefit

Perhaps the sweetest ingredient of Kitchen Kettle Village’s Rhubarb Festival is the fact that it serves as a fundraiser for the Lancaster Farmland Trust. Participants in the baking contest are not charged entry fees; instead, money is raised through selling the baked goods and other desserts after the judging takes place and winners are announced. According to Lisa, who is the “director of fun” at Kitchen Kettle Village, the baking contest raised $1,084 last year.

Historical Tidbits

With roots in ancient history, varieties of rhubarb are thought to have originated in Siberia, namely the Volga River Basin, thousands of years ago. According to the website, Harvesting History, rhubarb’s name is derived from “Rha” (the Siberian name for the river) and the word “barbarum” (which refers to the barbaric people of the area). Interestingly, to this day, the word “rhubarb” is used to describe a conflict or disagreement. Records also indicate that rhubarb was grown in ancient China. The Greeks and Romans used rhubarb for medicinal purposes.

Rhubarb was introduced to North America by Benjamin Franklin, who sent a stash of it from London to American botanist, John Bartram, in Philadelphia, in 1770. The records kept at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello show that “esculent rhubarb” was being grown there thanks to an entry posted on April 13, 1809.

According to Harvesting History, the common folks were slow to embrace rhubarb. It seems their grandmothers in the old country relied on a “tincture of rhubarb” as a laxative and they retained unpleasant memories of the tart taste and its after-effects. Still, rhubarb gained a following and was appearing in seed catalogues by 1828.

Rhubarb in Your Garden

Rhubarb thrives in cooler climates and is hardy as far north as USDA Zone 4 (and potentially Zone 3 in a protected microclimate). Lancaster County being considered largely Zone 6b or warmer,

Jordan Bush is a commercial photographer. His work has allowed him to discover and document cultures and food across five continents. A graduate of Garden Spot High School and Millersville University, Jordan and his fiancée, Jessica, reside and cook together in Ephrata.

Diann Stoltzfus’ strawberryrhubarb angel food cake won the cake category and went on to win best-of-show honors.

The dessert category demonstrated the versatility of rhubarb.

rhubarb handles our coldest seasons well. Hardy and low maintenance, it’s a perennial. Like asparagus or hops, rhubarb grows from rhizomes and can also spread from seeds. Plant it in rich soil, preferably during cool weather in early spring or late fall. It will die back to the ground in winter, but by mid-spring, you’ll have leafy red and green stalks. Rhubarb thrives in damp, well-drained soil, with heavy manure or compost applications. With winter protection, rhubarb can be grown in containers.

To harvest, pull stems from the base while twisting the stalks to separate them at the base. The redder the stem, the sweeter the flavor will be. Cease harvesting in early summer to ensure plants have time to store energy for the following year. If the plant goes to flower, the flavor will turn bitter and divert energy elsewhere, so cull flowers as soon as they emerge. Towards the end of spring, as the season ends, the stalk fibers develop a woody, undesirable texture.

Avoid harvesting in the first year to help the plant establish itself. In subsequent years, limit annual harvests to roughly one-third of each plant to ensure long-term health and sustainability. By doing so, plants can live as long as 20 years.

The large, attractive leaves are inedible, containing oxalic acid, so discard them. (If you would ingest enough of it, oxalic acid, which is a toxin, can cause the esophagus to swell shut.) However, it’s safe to use rhubarb leaves in compost.

Rhubarb can also be “forced,” a practice of trading the long-term health of the plant for a quick, single-year gain of tender stalks. When forcing pots, you’ll need to cover the crowns in early spring to encourage rapid growth.

Home gardeners can source rhubarb at local greenhouses. This spring, Ken’s Gardens lists the variety ‘Strawberry Red’ for sale.

This year’s Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse will be held May 19 and 20. The baking contest will be held Saturday morning. For details, visit kitchenkettle.com.

Shirley Horn’s entry (rear left) won top honors in the pie category.

Diann Stoltzfus’ raspberry-rhubarb mousse torte (second place in desserts) demonstrated how well rhubarb pairs with various fruits.

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Table for Two Gibraltar Restaurant

Mediterranean Flavor

Are you craving a taste of the Mediterranean? If so, it’s as close as Manheim Township, where Gibraltar Restaurant makes its home in the Worthington complex on the Oregon Pike.

The Backstory

Gibraltar, which opened in 1997, was originally located in Lancaster. Next month, the restaurant will celebrate its eighth anniversary at its Manheim Township location. The restaurant is owned by Carl Vitale, who also serves as executive chef, Salvatore Mancuso and Pete Keares. Its décor and menu are inspired by the Mediterranean. “We offer a casual, fine-dining experience. We don’t have the white linens of traditional fine dining, but we do have the attentive service,” says Salvatore. “We want people to enjoy the atmosphere, the food and the service. And both the service and food are consistent. We strive to be the best in the county.”

The Space

BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD

Light and airy is the first impression, due to the many windows and soaring ceilings that define the space. The lighting elements add a touch of modern styling. The walls of the restaurant are painted a hue of Mediterranean blue. Additionally, a wall in each area features a colorful hand-painted map that depicts a region of the Mediterranean. Art from area artists is also highlighted.

Indoor seating accommodates about 120 guests. “At our former location, it was more of one large open space, so it’s nice to have the separate dining areas,” Chef Carl says of the two dining rooms and the private wine room. “It’s a bit quieter for our guests.”

The bar area is located right off the entry lobby and is situated between the two dining areas. It seats about 30 at the bar and at high-tops and offers a small, casual seating area.

There’s also a seasonal outdoor dining area that seats about 70. A pergola shades the area; patio lights are strung from it to provide a festive atmosphere at night.

The Menu

Classically trained with an Italian background, Chef Carl says sustainability is an important element of Gibraltar’s menu. “We like to keep it local [as much as possible] and fresh; we use the best ingredients we can find,” he says, adding that he often works with local farmers to source produce, including ingredients such as Kennett Square mushrooms. “Spring and summer are the most exciting time of the year for me as a chef. There’s lots of fresh, local ingredients and we lighten up the menu by adding some fruits,” he explains.

The menu includes a raw seafood bar (among the selections are Blue Point oysters, littleneck clams and shrimp or lobster cocktail); shellfish platter (three options with selections that include lobster, oysters, shrimp, blue crab and more); and caviar (selections include Siberian baerii, white sturgeon and Italian osetra). Appetizers include tuna tartare, a crab cake and Bang Island mussels among others. Soups, salads and sides (truffle fries with garlic aioli are among the choices) are also on the

A ceviche features fluke (a North Atlantic flatfish) topped with a mango-cucumber salsa and sea salt and accompanied by avocado and taro root. It pairs well with pinot grigio or riesling wine.

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS, VISIT LANCASTERCOUNTYMAG.COM

menu. Main dishes range from pasta (fettuccine with lobster) to seafood (sesame-seared yellowfin tuna is among the choices) and dry-aged steaks. Chef Carl considers lobster fettuccine to be one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. The dish features Maine lobster, sweet corn, fresh herbs, Americaine (chef’s special sauce) and Parmigiano cheese. “A lot of people come just for that dish,” he says.

Other top sellers are the wholeroasted branzino, a mild white fish that he says may be served whole-roasted or fileted tableside. Daily chef’s specials are also offered. “Every day we get a fresh fish in and decide how to prepare it. Any dish that’s created is paired with its own accompaniments,” Chef Carl notes.

“In-between courses we provide a warm towel and lemon so guests can freshen up. We think it’s a nice touch, especially after someone has had items from the raw bar. We care for our guests and want them to have a wonderful experience,” Salvatore adds.

Gibraltar offers a children’s menu with items such as soft tacos, crisp chicken tenders, a little Angus burger with fries and spaghetti with marinara sauce.

Dessert offerings include a cheese board, lemon mascarpone cake, vanilla bean crème brulée and tableside flambé items. “We began offering tableside flambés earlier this year. We can do things like crepes Suzette and bananas flambé,” Chef Carl explains.

Gibraltar has a wide selection of spirits, cocktails and wine by the glass or bottle. “Our specialty cocktails and wineby-the-glass selections change seasonally and our servers are trained not only on menu offerings but also on wine pairings and beverage offerings,” Salvatore explains, noting that Gibraltar’s wine-bythe-glass pour is six ounces.

Take Note

Although Gibraltar is usually closed Sundays, the restaurant will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. for Mother’s Day, May 14. Chef Carl will be creating a menu with featured specials for the occasion.

Gibraltar is located at 488 Royer Drive in Lancaster. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 4:45-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 4:45-10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations are required and may be made online via a link on the website or by calling the restaurant at 717-397-2790. For additional information, visit gibraltargrille.com, Facebook and Instagram.

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A wall in each of the dining rooms features a hand-painted map of the Mediterranean region. Gibraltar prides itself on its selection of specialty cocktails, wine, spirits and other beverages.

For dessert: Brown Butter Lemon Blueberry Tart that is made with honey-lavender ice cream (made in-house), a blueberry tart and pulled sugar. The drink is Dragonfruit Paloma (grapefruit hibiscus tequila, pressed lime and grapefruit and dragonfruit syrup).

The restaurant also offers a wine room that can be reserved for private dinners and functions.

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Thank

Gardens of OZ

When Dennis Denenberg moved to his Manheim Township home over 25 years ago, the yard was nothing but grass. Now, the entire acre is devoted to colorful flowers, luscious foliage and special features. The gardens reflect his love of family, art, collecting, entertaining, travel, The Wizard of Oz and giving back to the community through a cause that is close to his heart.

REMEMBERING DIANA

Diana Denenberg Durand, Dennis’ sister, courageously battled breast cancer for 18 years after being diagnosed at the age of 43. Soon after reaching the five-year, cancer-free mark, doctors discovered cancer had developed in her other breast. She continued to fight, but over time the cancer metastasized to other parts of her body, leading to her passing in 2007. “She was an incredible fighter,” Dennis recalls. “She was an avid researcher and really did her

BY KAYLEE REX

homework about breast cancer.”

In honor of his sister, Dennis founded Diana’s Dreamers: Determined to Defeat Breast Cancer, a breastcancer-awareness program for college students. The endowment for the program was set up through the Millersville University Foundation, where Diana and Dennis both share a connection. Diana was one of the first female math majors at Millersville University and served as editor-in-chief of The Snapper her senior year. Dennis was a professor of elementary and early childhood education at the university from 1987 until his retirement in 2002.

Following his retirement, he has remained involved at the university, establishing the Diana Denenberg Spirit Garden in 2007 and the Diana & Marsha Breast Cancer Awareness Center in 2012. He also helped implement the annual Breast-A-Ville event, which is a fun, educational festival for students to learn about breast health.

IN BLOOM

In addition to his initiatives at Millersville, Dennis keeps Diana’s memory alive in his gardens. A section dedicated to Diana radiates shades of pink from spring through fall and features a sign that reads: “You won’t ever see her giving up ’cause she is a fighter,” which are lyrics from the song Fighter by Liz Fulmer. Another nod to his family is seen in the 75 peony plants

that were transplanted from his late father’s home in Manheim.

The gardens also feature a bamboo grove, two ponds, a Mardi Gras tree hung with souvenir beads and shade sails over a bed of hosta. Dennis’ love of The Wizard of Oz is also represented through a yellow brick road leading to Emerald City (crafted from PVC pipe) and Toto’s dressing room. (BTW: The photos shown here were featured in our May 2019 issue. The photo of the yellow brick road leading to Emerald City is our top pin on Pinterest and received over 98,000 impressions, nearly 2,000 pin clicks and about 800 saves just this March alone!)

From spring through fall, the Gardens of Oz are constantly in bloom. In the spring, 6,000 daffodils bloom. The gardens transition through the summer to include an array of perennials and plants such as large agaves, succulents, lilies and elephant ears. Come August, the property blooms with moonflowers and over 200 hibiscus plants. There is no bad time to visit!

TOURING THE GARDENS

The gardens are free to visit, but donations to Diana’s Dreamers are encouraged. To visit, gather a group of 15 or more people and schedule a tour directly with Dennis. He also welcomes nonprofits to use his gardens for fundraising events. Donations to Diana’s Dreamers will be coordinated with Dennis at the time of scheduling. Contact Dennis at drdenden@aol.com or 717-682-0206 to schedule a tour. For more information, visit gardensofoz.com.

Photos by Kirk Zutell

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