Home and Garden, and Real Estate- April 02, 2023

Home & Garden

& Real Estate

PROJECT OF THE WEEK: Clever classic folds for storage, F4

IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: Dividing perennials gives flowers new life, F5

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Chair marries 2 icons of colonial America, F6

MORTGAGE RATES: Long-term mortgage rate reaches lowest level in 6 weeks, F7

WMASS DEEDS, F7

Whimsical, funny, vulgar: A brief history of the garden gnome, Page F2

Whimsical, funny, vulgar: A brief history of the garden gnome

By N evin M artell The Washington Post

DESPITE THEIR small stature, garden gnomes spark big debates. Are they chintzy or classy? Lovable or loathsome? The perfect addition to a garden bed or an easy way to ruin your landscaping? No matter your opinion, there’s no denying that these little folks are conversation starters.

The story of how these sometimes whimsical, sometimes comical, sometimes vulgar statues became fixtures in yards and gardens is as colorful and complex as the creatures themselves. “That’s the trouble with gnomes,” says Twigs Way, garden historian and author of “Garden Gnomes: A History.” “They come from lots of different kinds of sources.”

There are plenty of little characters in mythologies from around the world — including the Egyptian god Bes, and brownies, house spirits in British and Scottish folklore — and small stone figures started appearing in Italian gardens during the Renaissance. However, according to Way, what have become known as garden gnomes in the United States and England can be

traced to dwarf statues that originated in Germany’s Black Forest region around the early 19th century. They were initially carved out of wood; by the mid-19th century, they were cast in terra cotta and porcelain. They weren’t a garden fixture, though; they were hand-painted, usually about three feet tall and expensive, so they were intended to be displayed inside as pieces of art.

Although those figures were often depicted in what has become their trademark red conical hats, blue shirts and boots, they didn’t strike lazy or lackadaisical poses. They were gardeners, carpenters, fishermen, even hunters. “To see pictures of gnomes with shotguns kind of took me aback,” says Way, who uncovered such images in old catalogues.

Sir Charles Isham gets credit for bringing the dwarves into Britain and out into the garden, importing a number of them from Germany in the 1840s to decorate his massive rockery garden at Lamport Hall, his estate in Northamptonshire. It wasn’t the most auspicious introduction. “He was extremely eccentric,” Way says. “The fact that the first person that starts collecting them in England is a pro-socialist vegetarian teetotaler who believes dwarfs and little folk are real is not a great

way to establish their legitimacy.”

The next ambassador of the small statues was another oddball: Sir Frank Crisp, whose roughly 62-acre estate in Henley-on-Thames, Friar Park, was dotted with German garden gnomes and open to the public in the early 20th century. (George

Harrison of the Beatles bought the property in 1970 and claimed to unearth a few of the original gnomes, which he posed with on the cover of his album “All Things Must Pass.”) Wealthy landowners began adopting the gnomes — as they were commonly called by then

SEE GNOMES, PAGE F10

Love them or hate them, they make a statement in the garden

What have become popularized as garden gnomes in the United States and England can be traced to dwarf statues that originated in Germany’s Black Forest region around the early 19th century.

Clever classic folds for storage

IT’S NOT DIFFICULT to see what makes an Adirondack chair so appealing. The combination of built-in comfort and timeless style always adds up to classic design.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, now you can add “easy convenience” to the formula

GARDEN NOTES

MONSON Garden club scholarship

The Monson Garden Club is offering two $500 scholarships to high school seniors who reside in Monson and plan to continue school at a two or four-year college to study in any branch of the life, natural, or environmental sciences. Applications with instructions may be obtained through their school guidance office and are due by April 28.

WILBRAHAM Garden club

The Wilbraham Garden Club will meet April 6 at 10:30 a.m. St. Cecilia’s Parish Center on Main Street.

The program, following a light breakfast and brief meeting, is titled “Container Gardening” and will be presented by Chris Graziano. Learn how to garden with only a little bit of space, or if you are a renter or own your own home, a senior, or if you are mobility challenged.

be an early spring tree identification tour, as leaves begin to bud throughout the 24-acre garden. Admission is $10 per person for members, $12 for nonmembers. Free admission for all children under 4.

Registration is recommended. For more information or to register, visit berkshirebotanical. org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.

WEST SPRINGFIELD Student scholarship

The West Springfield Garden Club is offering two $1,000 scholarships to qualifying high school seniors.

Applicants must be a resident of West Springfield and be a current student with a minimum “B” average or better in science-related courses.

They must submit a written one-page document which demonstrates their plans for after high school graduation and how the grant will assist in their career choice.

— because this clever classic folds up for storage.

Perfect for outdoor relaxing, the chair is designed with all the comfort and stability of a stationary model.

But when it’s time to put everything away for the winter, simply lift the rear locking rail and fold the back forward and the chair is ready to store in the garage or shed.

All 20 of the project’s parts are traced from fullsize patterns, making it easy enough for most beginners. To build, just trace the pieces onto standard lumber, cut out and sand. Next, assemble everything using glue and screws. To finish, add sealer, paint or stain.

The chair measures 37

inches tall by 24 inches wide by 39 inches deep when open, and folds to 50 inches tall by 24 inches wide by just 20 inches deep.

The Folding Adirondack Chair plan, No. 851, is $9.95 and includes stepby-step instructions with photos, traceable patterns, construction diagrams and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

Please include $3.95 per order for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Republican, 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083. To order by credit card, visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild. com.

STOCKBRIDGE Spring celebration

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents “Spring Hoppening” on April 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event highlights include egg hunts, a story walk, crafts, pony rides, games, snacks, drinks, and opportunities to have photos taken with a rather large and friendly bunny. The garden’s gift shop will be open with plants and garden items for sale.

At 11 a.m., the first of two egg hunts begin for children up to 4, followed at 11:30 a.m. with an egg hunt for children 5 through 12.

At noon, there will

Scholarships are available for students with a focus of study in one or more of the following areas: horticulture, agriculture, ecology, botany, environmental studies, landscape design or forestry.

Completed applications and forms must be submitted to the West Springfield High School guidance office by April 14; instructions and application forms are also available from the guidance department. Successful candidates will be notified via mail in midMay.

Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@ repub.com two weeks prior to publication.

TERRY AND KIM KOVEL | ANTIQUES & COLLECTING

Folding Adirondack chair

Dividing perennials gives flowers new life

ONE ATTRACTION of perennial flowers is their perennial nature. A single planting will last for years.

But “perennial” doesn’t mean the plants never need any care. With age, some perennials spread to form clumps whose centers die out as new growth pushes out at the edges. The crowns of other types of perennials inch upwards out of the ground each year, eventually dying from exposure to the elements. The result, in either case, is less flowers. When this happens, it’s time to divide the clump, and now or soon is usually the time to do so.

Wait until you see new, green growth in spring before dividing a perennial clump. Then the more exuberant, young growth, which is what you are going to save, will be obvious. Don’t wait until growth has become rampant in the spring, though, or the plant will be shocked by this rough treatment.

To divide a clump, work around its edge with either a shovel or a spading fork, thrusting the tool into the ground at an angle to get under the clump. Push down on the

handle to lever the clump up and shake dirt loose from the roots. Eventually, the clump will be sitting on top of the ground.

Before you separate a clump, cut just the crown — not the roots — into pieces with either a pruning shears or a sharp knife. Next, separate the crown pieces, teasing apart their attached roots. Use your hands. Or use two garden forks back to back in the center of the clump, then pulled apart at their handles. Save for replanting the vigorous, young crown pieces that grow along the outside edge of the clump. Until they are replanted, keep these crown pieces covered with moist burlap or soil. The one opportunity to improve the soil beneath perennials is when the plants are divided, before replanting. Phosphorous is a plant nutrient that moves very slowly in the soil, so mix a handful of bone meal in the planting hole to ensure a good supply of phosphorous right near the roots. Also mix limestone, if needed, into that gaping hole.

Next, build a mound of soil in the planting hole on which to set the crown. Adjust the mound’s height so that when

the soil is firmed the crown will be at ground level. Then fill in the hole, sifting soil in around the roots. Spread a layer of sawdust, shredded leaves, or compost over the ground as mulch, and slowly water the plant in with a gallon of water. To look their best, some

Want to become a birder?

Start in your own yard

By S cott K irkwood The Washington Post

EVERY DAY, BIRD

lovers get to watch tiny wildlife documentaries unfold from their own windows

— the search for food, the predator-prey relationship, even the ways that climate change shifts a species’ typical habitat.

“The great thing about birds is they’re everywhere,” says Nicholas Lund, who leads outreach for Maine Audubon and shares

his brand of avian humor as The Birdist. “They aren’t found only in national parks or protected areas — they’ll come to you.”

With the right approach, you can make those visits far more likely: “Think about what you have to offer birds,” says Lund. “It could be a place to nest, it could be food and it could be shelter.”

Once they start flocking, you can experience the joy of identifying each species and their unique behaviors.

• Attract birds with food

A feeder is the quickest way to create a backyard feast, but it’s not the only one. As Lund points out, “not all birds even eat seeds.” Woodpeckers, for instance, prefer suet, orioles like oranges and grape jelly, and hummingbirds enjoy nectar, or sugar water, which you can make at home.

The best long-term approach to bring birds to your yard is to add native plants.

from wandering beyond their allotted space.

The following perennial flowers need division only every three or four years: armeria, phlox, coral bells, canterbury bells, cerastium, Siberian and Japanese irises, veronica, yarrow and Shasta daisies.

Although dividing perennials will satisfy early season yearnings to get your hands in the dirt, some restraint is in order. Not all perennials want to be divided now. Perennials that go dormant in midsummer should be dug up and divided at that time. This group includes Oriental poppies, bleeding heart, bearded iris, and Virginia cowslip.

perennials, such as asters and hardy chrysanthemums, will need to be dug up, cut apart, then replanted every spring. Invasive perennials like beebalm, tansy, goldenrod, and artemesia do not need division to spruce them up. They need to be divided to keep them

And think twice before dividing perennials such hellebore, peony, monkshood, butterfly weed, lupine, and baby’s-breath. These flowers need division perhaps once a decade, and they often show their resentment for this treatment by not blooming for a year or more thereafter.

Any gardening questions? Email them to me at garden@ leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column. Come visit my garden at leereich.com/blog.

Although a perennial plant, Japanese iris needs to be rejuvenated by having its clumps divided every few years. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

A bird feeder is one of the quickest, most surefire ways to attract birds to your yard. (© THE OREGONIAN, 2014) SEE BIRDS, PAGE F9

TERRY AND KIM KOVEL | ANTIQUES & COLLECTING

Chair marries 2 icons of Colonial America

THE BONHAMS

Skinner auction where this chair sold listed it as a Harvard University Windsor chair, bringing together two icons of Colonial America. Harvard University, originally called the New College, was founded in Cambridge in 1636, making it the oldest college in the United States. This means Harvard predates the Windsor chair in America.

The first Windsor chairs were made in England in the 17th century, and they were being made in Philadelphia by the 1730s. There were many variations on the Windsor chair, especially in America.

Like most early American furniture, different regions developed their own styles. American designers were the first to add rockers and writing arms to Windsor chairs. The chair can be made in many shapes, which often have descriptive names. They

CURRENT PRICES

can be easily distinguished by the shape of the chair’s back, like “low-back,” “fan back,” “sack back,” “comb back,” and “bow back.”

No matter the style, a Windsor chair can be recognized by its spindle back, turned legs and stretcher base. They are made with stickand-socket construction, meaning the chairs are built by inserting the legs and the back spindles into holes in the seat. Windsor chairs and similar styles are also called “stick furniture.”

Q.I have a doll kit for a “Carolyn Doll” and the original box labeled “Your Carolyn Doll from Alice Dohmeyer, R.R. 2, Thiensville, Wis.” My grandmother ordered it, probably in the 1940s or ’50s. I suspect she was planning to make it for me. The doll has a painted china head, china hands and china feet

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Belleek jar, three shamrocks on each side, basketweave texture, tapered beehive form, brown loop finial on lid, green Belleek backstamp with tower and harp, 4 inches, $35.

Clothing, scarf, silk, images of cut and whole pineapples, black ground with white dots, wide wavy lavender border, Dolce & Gabbana, Italy, 80 x 45 inches, $115.

Advertising, poster, “24 Hours of LeMans,” 14 & 15 June 1969, photo image of sports cars and race track, A. Delourmel, linen backing, 24 x 15 1/2 inches, $250.

Pottery bowl, San Ildefonso, black on black, band of stylized geometric waves, metallic glaze on top, folded in rim, signed “Santana - Adam” for Santana Roybal Martinez & Adam Martinez, 3 x 4 1/2 inches, $310.

Brass cigar cutter, deer’s head, antlers, elongated neck with textured finish, 6 1/4 inches, $425.

Stoneware crock, cobalt blue bird on branch, stamped H.W. Broughton & Co., Fair-Haven, Conn, pinched neck, flared rim, two applied ear handles, 3 gallons, 13 1/2 inches, $620.

Jewelry, ring, blue topaz stone, round, faceted, surrounded by two rows of diamonds, twisted sterling silver double band, marked, David Yurman, size 6 1/2, $725.

Toy, pedal car, Studebaker Golden Jet Hawk, pressed steel, original horn, Midwest Industries, c. 1957, 37 inches, $875.

Perfume bottle, cameo glass, etched butterfly and fern, red ground, tapered laydown shape, sterling silver hinged cap with RK monogram, Thomas Webb, cap marked Gorham, 8 x 1 3/4 inches, $1,500.

Furniture, chaise, continuous curve form, white upholstery, four tapered legs, Dunbar, 27 x 57 x 26 inches, $2,000.

with painted shoes. The back of the doll’s neck is signed “Dohmeyer.” The kit contains patterns and directions for making the cloth body and a pattern to make a 19th-century dress for the doll. Does it have any value?

A. Alice Dohmeyer (19142001) sold doll kits and also made dolls. The “china” parts included in the kit are bisque (unglazed porcelain), probably made by other companies. Some Alice Dohmeyer dolls have sold for $20 to $40. The kit would sell for less.

Q. I have a complete set of Deagan organ chimes. We always called them Triple Octave Chimes. I’d like to sell them but I don’t know where to start.

A. Deagan Manufacturing Co. was founded by John C. Deagan. He opened a factory in Chicago in 1897 and began making musical novelties and bells. It became the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer by 1912. Deagan held dozens of patents for musical instruments, tuning mechanisms and manufacturing processes. He was granted a patent for organ chimes, a “novelty instrument,” in 1901. They were played by striking with a mallet or shaking them. The chimes were made in sets of 15 (1 1/2 octaves) to 49 chimes (four octaves). The large sets originally sold for $650. They were used in vaudeville acts because they were easy to take apart and pack up. The company was sold in 1967. After more changes in ownership, the Deagan brand name was sold to Yamaha Corp. in 1984. Products bearing the Deagan name are still being made. Organ chimes were made until the early 1920s. Not many sets were made. Sets in good condition are hard to find today and few are offered for sale. Contact an auction

This

Windsor style chair features the crest and colors of Harvard University. It sold for $438, more than twice its estimate, at a Bonhams Skinner auction. (COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

house that sells musical instruments to see if they can sell them for you.

Q. I have a fairly rare, autographed baseball from the 1940s, signed by one of the most famous baseball players of all time. The authenticity of the item, signature, etc. is all documented. Do you have a good source where I can get a fair estimate of value?

A. Value depends on the fame of the player, significance of the event, rarity and condition. The highest price paid for an autographed ball was $3 million for Mark McGuire’s 70th home run ball, the record for home runs in a single season, in 1998. His home run record was surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2001. You didn’t say who autographed your ball. Babe Ruth is often considered the greatest baseball player of all time. His autographed ball, the first home run hit in an All Star game (1933), sold for $805,000 in 2006. Babe Ruth autographed balls often come up for auction and prices vary. A ball in near mint to mint condition sold last year for $7,620. One in very good condition sold for $5,651. Contact an auction house

that specializes in sports memorabilia. A few auction houses only sell sports memorabilia, while others include sports memorabilia in some of their auctions. You can find some listed in Kovels. com’s Business Directory.

TIP: Examine a piece of furniture and look for unexplained holes, stains and fade marks. They may indicate a fake or repair.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels. com.

midcentury

Long-term mortgage rate reaches lowest level in 6 weeks

By M ATT O TT Associated Press

THE AVERAGE

long-term U.S. mortgage rate inched down this week to its lowest level in six weeks, just as the spring buying season gets underway.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the benchmark 30-year rate fell for the third straight week, to 6.32%, from 6.42% the previous week.

The average rate a year ago was 4.67%.

The recent decline in mortgage rates is good news for prospective homebuyers, as many were pushed to the sidelines during the past year as the Federal Reserve cranked up its main borrowing rate nine straight times in a bid to bring down stubborn, four-decade high inflation.

Also helping buyers, home prices appear to be leveling off. The national median home price slipped 0.2% from February last year to $363,000, marking the first annual decline in 13 years, according to the National Association of Realtors. One thing that hasn’t gotten much better is the supply of homes.

“Over the last several weeks, declining rates have brought borrowers back to the market but, as the spring homebuying season gets underway, low inventory remains a key challenge for prospective buyers,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

In 2022, existing U.S. home sales fell 17.8% from 2021, the weakest year for home sales since 2014 and the biggest annual decline since the housing crisis began in 2008, the National Association of Realtors

reported earlier this year.

In their latest quarterly economic projections, Fed policymakers forecast that they expect to raise that key rate just once more — from its new level of about 4.9% to 5.1%, the same peak they had projected in December. While the Fed’s rate hikes do impact borrowing rates across the board for businesses and families, rates on 30-year mortgages usually track the moves in the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing loans.

Investor expectations for future inflation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Federal Reserve does with interest rates can also influence the cost of borrowing for a home.

Treasury yields have fluctuated wildly since the collapse of two mid-size U.S. banks two weeks ago. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which helps set rates for mortgages and other important loans, was 3.57% Thursday, but had been above 4% early in March.

The rate for a 15-year mortgage, popular with those refinancing their homes, fell to 5.56% from 5.68% the previous week. It was 3.83% one year ago.

Deeds

AGAWAM

Aaron F. Starke to Tifany M. Inacio, 116 Edward St., $320,000.

Andrea L. Hogan, representative, Scott D. Laverdure, estate, and Thomas Quick to Plata O Plomo Inc, 84 Line St., $162,500.

David C. Fazio to Paul Jarrett and Ann Volkers, 31 Fruwirth Ave., $261,000.

Dominik A. Dasilva and Alicia C. Finch to Craig Sedelow and Heather Sedelow, 85 Broz Terrace, $350,000.

Edward J. Farrell Jr., trustee, and Farrell Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Bradford J. Farrel, 325 Regency Park Drive, $100,000.

Janet F. Maynard to Erika Matos, 633-635 Springfield St., $235,000.

John J. Ferriter, representative, and Helen T. Beane, estate, to Andrii Zhyhaniuk, 71 Norman Terrace, $145,000.

Maa Property LLC, to Bryon D. Turcotte, 31 Alfred Circle, $256,000.

Plata O Plomo Inc., to Chenevert Properties LLC, 34 Mooreland St., $195,000.

AMHERST

Karen Loughlin and Kevin R. Loughlin to Mary B. Florey, 25 Greenleaves Drive, $340,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Richard C. Royce Jr., and Ann V. Royce to Carol A. Stablein, Carol Stablein, Amy O’Rourke and Amy M. O’Rourke, 161 Federal St., $304,500.

Alan E. Weiss, Eric L. Weiss, Jerome W. Weiss, Alan E. Weiss, trustee, Eric L. Weiss, trustee, and Weiss Family Trust to H. Dennis Ryan III, 111 Daniel Shays Highway, $389,000.

Thomas R. Roberts Jr., and Mary-

ann Roberts to Evergreen Design Build Inc., North Liberty Street, $150,000.

Thomas R. Roberts Jr., and Maryann Roberts to Gregory Fedora, North Liberty Street, $70,000.

BRIMFIELD

Joyce E. Stocks to Gavin Racicot, 381 Sturbridge Road, $300,000.

CHESTER

Penny Fitzgerald to Valerie Fila, 0 Higgins Road, $30,000.

Chesterfield

John K. Childs to Timothy M. Berniche and Matti C. Tacy, 1 Curtis Road, $142,500.

CHICOPEE

21 Alvord Ave. LLC, to Erick C. Weber and Annamay A. Weber, 21 Alvord Ave., $315,000.

Christine L. Lopes to Emilio P. Gaudette, 151 Trilby Ave., $200,000.

Deborah Jones, representative, and Dean Jones, estate, to Ahmed Aljashaam, 250 School St., $235,000.

Jared Lavallee and Melissa Lavallee to Marek Strojvus and Raquel S. Strojvus, 77 Lapa Farm Road, $340,000.

Kristina M. Vieira to Michael Roy Moore, 4 Mount Vernon Road, $265,000.

Kyle G. Beaudreault to Dawn M. Gibson and Eve Marie Gibson, 108 Oakridge St., $285,000.

Lauren N. Learned to Emily R. Kyser, 115 South St., Unit 14, $123,000.

Ralph A. Pittello, Victoria J. Dube, Patricia J. Bousquet, Josephine A. Turcotte and Susan M. Drewniak to Erik Taylor Jr., and Joan E. Taylor, 9 Randall St., $280,000.

Rehab Home Buyers LLC, to Matthew Ogrodowicz and Jessica Nute, 24 Hartford St., $261,500.

Residential Rental LLC, to Anderson Builders & Son LLC, 175 Beauregard Terrace, $203,000.

Richard L. Sommer to Jose Narvaez, 96 Woodbridge Road, $187,000.

Tymmothy Robert Dore and Matthew Wayne Dore to Lorraine C. Wescott, 139 Applewood Drive, Unit 6100B, $227,000.

Melendez Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and Julie E. Belniak, trustee, to Yashira Rodriguez and Jose Rodriguez, 30 Bardon St., $358,500.

COLRAIN

Patrick A. Greenburger to Kaitlin T. Scutari, 1 Lyonsville Road, $300,000.

CONWAY

Stephen P. Baker and Sharon M. Dombeck to Lisa Clark, 287 Williamsburg Road, $462,500.

Scott L. Gagnon and Doris A. Mercure-Gagnon, individually and as personal Representative of the Estate of Treffle A. Mercure Jr., “aka” Treffle A. Mercure, to James Ackerman and Brandene C. Gagnon, 45 Bent Nail Drive, $306,000.

CUMMINGTON

Catherine Rude-Sena, personal representative, and Gerald D. Meyers, estate, to Erik O. Cubi and Sinnet Abdoo, 442 West Cummington Road, $380,000. Mountain Stream LLC, to Endurance E. Okoeka, Packard Road, $107,000.

DEERFIELD

Carole C. Pennock, Edmund R. Pennock and George L. Goodridge III, trustees of the Pennock Realty Trust, to Thomas R. Reidy, trustee of the 25 Old Main Street Nominee Trust, 25 Old Main St., $2,250,000.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F8

FICO score of 740. Conventional loans are based on loan amounts of $165,000. Jumbo loans are based on loan amounts of $548.250. Points quoted include discount and/or origination. Lock Days: 30-60. Annual percentage rates (APRs) are based on fully indexed rates for adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). The APR on your specific loan may differ from the sample used. Fees reflect charges relative to the APR. If your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, you will be subject to private mortgage insurance, or PMI. FHA

Deeds

CONTINUED FROM PAGE F7

Walter J. Kownacki, trustee of the Kownacki Investment Trust, to Timothy David Kicza, 76 North Hillside Road, $500,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

KRM Real Estate LLC, to Soflo Tower Realty LLC, 341 Shaker Road, $850,000.

Piper Lowe Real Estate Group LLC, to 190 Pleasant Street E L LLC, 190 Pleasant St., $217,500.

Suparna Sarkar and Abhijit Sarkar to Issra Jamal and Muhammad Umar, 3 Fairway Lane, $645,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Nerissa Hall to Alvaro Obdulio Salvatierra Perez and Kelly Lamberto, 7 Edward Ave., $277,000.

Richard P. Bangham and Deborah K. Bangham to Ann Caldwell Kenworthy and Jennifer Kenworthy, 39 Clapp St., $905,000.

N. Enrique Morales-Diaz and Kevin D. Morales-Diaz to Jared S. Hirsch and Alexis J. Hirsch, 9 Elliott St., $402,000.

Ricky L. Benoit and Kristy L. Benoit to Timothy Charles Relihan and Shaylyn Pearl Relihan, 33 Pomeroy St., $311,000.

Steven E. Kozera, personal representative, Joseph E. Kozera Jr., estate, Joseph A. Kozra Jr., and Joseph A. Kozera Jr., to Bryan C. Pascoe, 65 Briggs St., $380,000.

GRANBY

Keith R. Harris and Melinda L. Harris to Keith R. Harris, 138 Carver St., $100.

GREENFIELD

Tina M. Schneider to William R. Rosenberg and Billie Shirl M. Rosenberg, 794 Colrain Road, $372,500.

Benjamin A. Foberg and Nicole R. Haddad to Scott S. Eaton and Ryan Harrold, 770 Country Club Road, $463,000.

HADLEY

Valley Construction Co Inc., to Bercume Construction LLC, 5 Colony Drive, $165,700.

Anthony Fyden, personal representative, and Elizabeth A. Fydenkevez, estate, to Anthony Fyden, trustee, Cassidy Fyden Trust, Jonathan Marc Levine, estate, and Tia R. Fyden Trust, 56 Comins Road, $399,900.

HAMPDEN

Judith A. Perusse to David Soto, Amanda Soto and Anne-Marie Matzko, 35 Fernwood Drive, $275,000.

HOLYOKE

Kenneth L. Atchison Jr., Kenneth L. Atchinson Jr., and Gina Atchison to Anna Robinson, 131 Ontario Ave., $365,000.

Mark Richard Peltier, trustee, Julie Agnes Peltier, trustee, Shirley Peltier and Peltier Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, to Maya Jade Grindrod and Gunter Edmonds, 72 Belvidere Ave., $249,000.

New Line Realty LLC, to Alexppark LLC, 78 Nonotuck St., $322,500.

Raul Bermudez and Vilmarie Bermudez to Bobbie S. Small, 51 Homestead Ave., $239,900.

Standard Properties Inc., to Phantom Holdings LLC, 470 Maple St., $480,000.

LEYDEN

Katherine Ashley to Christopher Porrovecchio Jr., and Amanda Goodfield, 94 Eden Trail, $288,000.

LONGMEADOW

Andrew Jablow and Theresa A. Jablow to Marisa Alwon and Stephen Alwon, 143 Yarmouth St., $519,900.

Daniel William Counts and Lina

M. Counts to Robert Fisher and Kayleigh Fisher, 75 Wolf Swamp Road, $515,000.

Richard D. Plaut and Carol Katrina Plaut to Dwain E. Reeder and Susan C. Reeder, 56 Colton Place, $565,160.

MONSON

First Church Of Monson to Lord Boucher LLC, One Green St., $300,500.

Russell A. Bressette Jr., to Catherine L. Salas-Maleshefski and Clint Maleshefski, Upper Hampden Road, $15,000.

MONTAGUE

Carol S. Zewinski to Thomas D. Walsh and Daryl J. Walsh, 88 Oakman St., $250,000.

NEW SALEM

Irene G. Stahl to Patrick Temple, West Main Street, $54,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Dan Stephen Krauss to Susan H. Brodrick, 50 Union St., $305,000.

Jayme P. Talbot and John P. Talbot

Jr., to Alexander M. Geyster, 267 Locust St., $155,000.

Paula C. Czarniecki, Megan Connor-Thomas and Kathleen M. Connor to Billie Tedesco and Joseph Tedesco, 4 Overlook Drive, $359,900.

O’Connell Hawley LLC, to James M. Shaw and Marianne Beyer, 10 Hawley St., $729,225.

PALMER

Diane M. Rosa to Linda Brennan, 2275 Palmer Road, $305,000.

Heather Remy Sedelow, Heather M. Remy and Craig M. Sedelow to Olivia Mackenzie Comeau, 45 Ruggles St., $292,000.

John Lasota Jr., trustee, and Mary T. Lasota Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Blake Lamothe, 4188 Main St., $75,000.

Richard T. Tenczar and Robert W. Tenczar to Gwendolyn Levine, trustee, and GJL RNL Nominee Trust, trustee of, 1038 Pine St., $230,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

James T. Ouimet and Gail M. Ouimet to Ouimet Realty LLC, 12 Grant St., $100.

Mount Holyoke Trustees and Mount Holyoke College to Richard Reed and Alice Chatillon, 83 College St., $350,000.

Riverboat Village Associates LP, and Advanced Properties Inc., general partner, to South Hadley Town, River Lodge Road, $100.

Jessica Nardizzi to Jessica Nardizzi and Ashley Fuller, 39 West Summit St., and 39 W. Summit St., $100.

Ethan L. Bagg to Lucien Anthony Michael Dalton and Hannah Trobaugh, 61 Hadley St., $268,000. Gallagher Capital Group LLC, and KMAK LLC, to Anna Jane Rayno-Quirk, 9 Lexington St., $287,000.

Wayne A. Patnode to TKJM LLC, 25-29 Canal St., and 6 Maple St., $875,000.

SOUTHWICK

Joseph Desteph to Anne Marie Storey, 21 Davis Road, $110,000.

SPRINGFIELD

Andrew J. Campbell and Zulmarie Laboy to Jose Miguel Lopez and Amanda Leigh Bressem, 109 Bretton Road, $320,000.

Antonio Rivera and Carmen M. Santiago to Nashalie Lebron Delgado, 266 Rosewell St., $226,000. Cindy Czelusniak, representative, and Gary Czelusniak, estate, to PAH Properties LLC, 153 Gillette Ave., $130,000.

Cliftwood Realty LLC, to Spring

Forth Properties LLC, 127-129 Ranney St., $218,781.

Cliftwood Realty LLC, to Spring

Forth Properties LLC, 46-48 Windsor St., $223,983.

Cliftwood Realty LLC, to Spring

Forth Properties LLC, 50-52 Windsor St., $217,616.

Cliftwood Realty LLC, to Spring

Forth Properties LLC, 663-665 Sumner Ave., $218,883.

Cliftwood Realty LLC, to Spring

Forth Properties LLC, 83-85 Wilmont St., $255,333.

Cliftwood Realty LLC, to Spring

Forth Properties LLC, 89 Cliftwood St., $372,304.

Darryl C. Foye to Keishla M. Gonzalez and Nicholas D. Gonzalez, 57 Florence St., $285,000.

Elzbieta Kosinski to Natacha

Jeanne Clerger, 18-20 Kendall St., $239,900.

Eric S. Bradway, representative, and Constance A. Bradway, estate, to Plata O Plomo Inc., 35 Cedar St., $65,000.

Henry Chhim to Sylvia Abad and Earl Keifer, 94 Northway Drive, $245,000.

Jeffrey D. Marget to Spring Forth Properties LLC, 24-26 Sachem St., $243,100.

Jocelyn L. Rodriguez, representative, Jose A. Rodriguez, estate, Jose Antonio Rodriguez, estate, and Janet Flecha, representative, to Emma Portorreal Parra, 57-59 Groveland St., $240,000.

Jonathan M. Westbrooks and Kaitlin Anne Roane to Hildah R. Kangethe and Moses Tabi, 56 Rosedale Ave., $245,000.

Joseph M. Santaniello to Evan O’Neill Dias and Jaqueline Hull, 72 Audubon St., $243,000.

Junior R. McKenzie to VMC Investments LLC, 100-102 Middlesex St., $148,000.

Lucas R. Manzi, Vanessa Manzi and Vanessa Machado to Juliette Abigail Cardona, 795 Bradley Road, $221,000.

Maria Felix and Eulogio Felix to Aida Rivera, 254 Nottingham St., $278,000.

Maven Investments Co LLC, to Joelia Nazario Lopez, 14 Leroy St., $280,000.

Michael F. Thorpe, trustee, and Thorpe Family Trust, trustee of, to Jamil Y. Asad-Ubinas and Xiomara Noemy Gonzalez-Roman, 381 Forest Hills Road, $420,000.

Mint Realty Group LLC, to Benedicto Matos Rodriguez, 877-879 Armory St., $314,000.

Nancy I. Valle to Hedge Hog Industries Corp., 0 WS Preston St., $25,000.

NRES LLC, to Emma Glowania, 40

Pembroke St., $241,000.

Phyllis H. Prendergast to Chaching Co., 198 Lamont St., $120,000.

Speedway LLC, to 80 Saint James Blvd LLC, 80 Saint James Boulevard, $700,000.

Stephanie Lynn Godek and Kirsy Segarra to Samantha M. Krupczak, 52 Portulaca Drive, $295,000.

Trang H Lam and Dat Nguyen to James McCarthy, 32 Brentwood St., $375,000.

City Of Homes Real Estate Ventures LLC, to Jemisa Douglas and Ryan Douglas, 66 Warrenton St., $320,000.

Vince LLC, to Shannoya Beezer, 4143 Lansing Place, $275,000.

WALES

Donna J. Giles to Katherine A. Bolte, 162b Monson Road, $238,000.

Virginia Campbell, Mark Howe, Kenneth B. Howe Jr., representative, Steven Howe, representative, and Janice M. Howe, estate, to Phet Singvongsa and Hortencia Singvongsa, 16 Main St., $492,500.

WARE

Brian Kellaher to Carl Crevier, 130 Gilbertville Road, $130,000. Wicked Deals LLC, to Citadel Projects LLC, 95-97 North St., $160,000.

Selina Akerman, personal representative, and Josefa Castillo, estate, to Jared Romero and Rheina Viruet, 50 Glendale Circle, $250,000. T & Son Property LLC, to Rafaat A. Geres and Marian Latif Foaad Fenhas, 95 Maple St., $347,000. Adam Cornelius and Amanda Shea to Michael Wilson and Lisa Lilienthal, 214 Old Belchertown Road, $517,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Dylan Brochu to Emily Louise Beebe and Parker Mason, 36 Southworth St., $249,900.

Orlando Santiago, Ivia Santiago and Cassandra N. Santiago to Kimberly Dotiwalla and James S. Dotiwalla, 80 Brush Hill Ave. Unit 49, $130,000.

Tara Rai, Alina Rai and Bhagi Rai to Hashim Adwan, 44 Riverdale St., $316,000.

WESTFIELD

David D. Healey and Cynthia E. Healey to Paul P. Levesque III, and Amber B. Levesque, 97 Devon Terrace, $589,900.

David N. Franklin, Judith A. Franklin and Judith A. Cote to Eladio Lopez SEE

Birds

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F5

Many birds love seed-bearing plants, and just about every plant will naturally bring bugs, another key food source. In his books “Bringing Nature Home” and “Nature’s Best Hope,” Doug Tallamy, a professor of entomology at the University of Delaware, identifies “powerhouse plants” — such as sunflowers in the Mid-Atlantic and native goldenrod just about everywhere — that attract appealing insects like caterpillars. (Avoid using pesticides, of course, since the “pests” are exactly what draw birds.) The National Audubon Society offers more guidance for creating a bird-friendly yard and suggestions of plants that provide food.

Once you’ve set up that natural buffet, you can also fill a few feeders with seed. Those supplies are widely available in pet stores, hardware stores and specialty shops such as Wild Birds Unlimited.

Different birds gravitate to different feeders — some like tube feeders, others prefer platforms or simply to eat seed off the ground. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has plenty of species-specific recommendations. You can also research which types of seeds particular birds prefer, but just about any seed will bring them to your yard. Some feeders, such as the Bird Buddy, are outfitted with a camera that sends close-up photos and videos to your phone.

There are, however, some risks to feeding wild birds from a feeder, including the possibility of inadvertently spreading disease. To prevent this, Audubon’s experts

Deeds

CONTINUED FROM PAGE F8

and Lillian I. Mojic a-Lopez, 1080 Western Ave., $317,000.

U S A Housing & Urban Develop ment to Birdie Properties LLC, 3 Old Farm Road, $185,000.

George A. Chapman, and David

recommend scrubbing your feeders with a solution of 10 percent non-chlorinated bleach a few times a year.

Window collisions are another danger. The Cornell Lab suggests placing feeders within three feet of the glass or more than 30 feet away to keep birds safe; if a feeder is too far from a tree or other shelter, it can expose smaller birds to hawks looking for their own lunch. (The Cornell Lab’s Feeder Watch has more details about determining the right feeder placement.)

Although the adjective “squirrel-proof” has been attached to many bird feeders, you’ll typically find squirrels attached to those feeders, too. Adding a baffle — essentially a dome — above or below a feeder can make it harder for a squirrel to land. Some feeders have weight-activated springs that shut off access when triggered by a squirrel. Lund sprinkles a little seed on the ground, to make feeders less tempting to lazier squirrels. But know that feeding birds probably means feeding squirrels, too.

W. Ostrander, trustee, to Michael D. Jones, 33 Adams St., $220,000.

Jonathan P. Camp to Brianna M. Decker and Kyle Decker, 17 Charles St., $282,500.

Kyle E. Beroth and Luke Cabana to Daniel Patrick Hill, 8 Morgan Ave., $335,000. Mactrem LLC, to Robert Boyer

wasps. Bird baths are more than decoration, too — they help birds care for their feathers and remove pests when water is scarce; in winter, place a bird bath in the sun or find one that plugs in, to keep it from freezing.

• Let the birdwatching begin

Now that your home is a destination for the feathered set, you can learn the ins and outs of observing and identifying them.

gamifying birdwatching really drives their passion, but it’s a double-edged sword that drives other people away,” says James. “Birding isn’t a competition. Sometimes it’s just about stopping and sharing one moment with one bird.”

• Create a bird-friendly habitat

Offering birds a comfortable, safe place to hang out is another way to bring them to your yard.

“During spring and summer, when birds start nesting, habitat becomes really important for a bird - and by habitat, I mean living space,” says Purbita Saha, an avid birder and deputy editor at Popular Science. “If you want to attract songbirds like wrens, chickadees and sparrows looking for shelter, you might collect a little pile of brush by gathering downed branches from the last winter storm.” Some species, such as Eastern towhees and common yellowthroats, will make their nests in brush piles.

You can also build or buy a bird box (a.k.a. a birdhouse), which essentially mimics a tree cavity. Birds can be incredibly particular about the height, size and orientation of the opening, so get advice from Cornell’s Nestwatch site, which also has tips for dealing with predators and competitors like bees and

III, and Alicia Boyer, 8 Lewis St., Unit B, $312,500.

Madhu Siwa and Maya Lepcha to Jilliane Smith and Judith Slamin, 5 Forest Ave., $270,000.

Shirley A. Denardo, trustee, and Denardo Living Trust, trustee of, to Angela Buri, 231 Paper Mill St., $326,000.

Tykee James, president of D.C.’s Audubon chapter, tells people to start off with a “Familiar 5,” as a foundation for further learning: “Identify a few birds that you know really well,” he says, “then get to understand their habitat, the markings of a male and a female, and get to know their song. Are they in your backyard because they’re migrating, or are they locals looking for food and shelter?”

(James suggested that as a resident of D.C., my Familiar 5 might be rock dove, European starling, house sparrow, American robin and pileated woodpecker.)

To help spot those birds, get one of the many Sibley field guides, the go-to books for seasoned birders. If you prefer a digital option, try the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell, which offers surprisingly accurate suggestions based on photos or a few moments of birdsong that you submit — “Shazam for birds,” as some have called it.

Lund and James recommend a guidebook or paper journal for taking notes and sketching. Many birders have a “life list” that includes every species they’ve ever seen. But if you’re not as obsessed with all the counting and labeling, that’s okay. “For some people, that aspect of

WHATELY

Browndog 90 Realty LLC, to Randall G. Baker Sr., Masterson Road, $100,000.

WILBRAHAM

AC Homebuilding LLC, to Robert P. Hartwig, trustee, and Hartwig

Saha agrees: “Birding is so much more than counting,” she says. “It’s understanding how birds use the landscape, how they interact with plants, how they eat different insects on your property . . . all of that helps you understand your own local ecosystem. That’s the power of birding right at home.”

To capture those details better, get a solid pair of binoculars, because even in a small backyard, the magnification lets you see things you can’t spot with your naked eye, such as bird dances and other mating rituals. Lund recommends the Nikon Pro Staff series, which includes a few models in the $150 range, all of which should last for generations.

Last year, Lund saw his 700th species in the continental United States, but he has just as much fun keeping track of the birds around his home. “I’ve seen 112 species in my backyard, and the most recent one was a mallard,” he says. “Under any other circumstances, I’m not that excited to see a mallard. But when I see one in my backyard, I’m fist-pumping, jumping up and down. And when migrating birds come through, I may be lucky enough to see a Cape May warbler or blue-headed vireo that’s just stopping for a day or two, refueling ... on its way from South America to Canada.”

Scott Kirkwood is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.

Family Trust, trustee of, Sandalwood Drive, Unit 50, $529,900.

Suzanne R. Zeckhausen to Hannah Liggett and Andrew Clark, 4 Woodsley Road, $426,000.

WESTHAMPTON

Erica Trudell and Erica L. Kolakoski to Raul A. Bermudez, 342 Main Road, $235,000.

Above, a blue jay stops for a snack at a Maryland home. (JULIO CORTEZ / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Keep these rude, aggressive plants out of your garden

By Tovah M artin

The Washington Post

CALL THEM WHAT you want: aggressive. Opportunistic. Energetic. They expand quickly and push out their neighbors. They show up uninvited elsewhere on your property or in your neighbors’ yards. They are plants, and they’re rude.

We’ve all heard of “invasive species,” the nonnative plants that can harm the environment or human health. These species vary by region and are tracked on official lists. But what about the plants that aren’t technically invasive, but are just plain undesirable? Unless you have a lot of space to devote to them, bringing these garden hogs home might be a bad idea.

As a lifelong gardener based in New England, my personal list of banned flora is expansive and begins with bugleweed (Ajuga reptans). Although some cultivars are said to be less energetic, the species has taken over my property.

Also high on my “not in my

Gnomes

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2

— as sophisticated garden accessories, thanks to Isham and Crisp. Photos of them even appeared in Britain’s arbiter of high-end style, Country Life magazine.

In 1912, gnomes were featured at the Royal International Horticultural Exhibition, a forerunner of the Chelsea Flower Show, which began the following year and didn’t allow gnomes to be featured, because trendsetters of the time determined they weren’t tasteful enough. Their 15 minutes of fame with the posh crowd was almost over. The gnomes fell further out of favor during the two world wars, when the British spurned anything related to Germany, but they enjoyed a resurgence in the 1950s and ’60s. Mass-produced and often made of concrete, they were cheaper and smaller, making them more accessible to middle- and lower-class homeowners. This democratization was

garden” list is gooseneck loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides), a temptingly pretty plant with arching flower spires that overruns everything else. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), from the same family, covers the ground with a thick mat of round leaves that nothing can penetrate. English ivy is another rambler (with tenacious suction cup-like roots along its branches). I’ve also had run-ins with tansy, tradescantia, cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) and Anemone canadensis, to mention only a handful. Identifying unfit plants might require some research and observation. Trusted garden centers, nurseries, fellow gardeners and professionals can offer advice. It’s worth noting, though, the United States is a big country and plants that pose problems in one region could be fine in other areas. And remember: Even these aggressive plants can be tamed, in the right hands. Garden designers with plenty of experience with soils and plant habits might

the nail in the coffin for posh gardeners. “They’re no longer suitable for upper-class gardens now that they’re down in the suburbs,” Way says.

No matter. Gnomes went international, immigrating across the Atlantic, where Americans were infatuated by them, in part thanks to the popularity of Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Though there isn’t a particular mythology associated with them in the United States, people lump them in with other good-natured mystical beings, such as fairies and Chinese dragons.

“I think a lot of people who get a gnome — we’re not talking about people who cover their entire front garden with themdo often attribute some kind of luck to them,” Way says.

Their popularity skyrocketed in the United States in 1976, when Wil Huygen’s book “Gnomes,” featuring charming illustrations by Rien Poortvliet, became a sensation, selling more than a million copies.

The collaborators claimed their fictional work was based on

use them in places where they need to cover large expanses of ground, or where the plants can compete with other aggressive species.

I asked several garden designers to share their most unwanted lists with me, including Richard Hartlage of Land Morphology in Seattle; garden designer Donald Pell in Pennsylvania; and Edwina von Gal, a garden designer based on Long Island as well as founder and board chair of the Perfect Earth Project. Hartlage suggested a general test of a plant’s aggressiveness. Mints are frequent offenders, and they top many gardeners’ lists of undesirables. In particular, spearmint and peppermint are energetic, persistent spreaders when planted in a landscape, but apple mint and other varieties can also go rogue. Plenty of landscapers also avoid plume poppy (Macleaya cordata). “It’s a beautiful plant, but way too much trouble,” von Gal says of this tall perennial with glovelike foliage, which

was popular in historic landscapes and can lie dormant for decades. Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) also knows no bounds. “That plant just wants to take over,” says Pell. Other goldenrods, however, might be more appropriate for gardens. Mints, plume poppies and goldenrods increase primarily by sending wandering runners (rhizomes) to expand their territory, a common multiplication method for overly energetic plants.

Ornamental grasses, on the other hand, often use seed dispersal to expand. Silver grass (Miscanthussinensis), which is on invasive lists in many states but still frequently sold in nurseries, is a classic example of a grass that doesn’t work well in gardens because of its rapid growth via seeds. Hartlage also finds that Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) can spread quickly by seed in warm zones (but self-seeding might not be an issue where this grass is not hardy). I also have found that morning glories can be a

nightmare because of overly prolific seed sowing. Although “Heavenly Blue” (Ipomoea tricolor) has never self-seeded in my New England garden, other morning glory varieties continue to pop up annually. I’ve learned to identify the seedlings and remove them before they begin another generation.

I could continue to call out inappropriate garden plants; the list is lengthy. A wise strategy would be to monitor new plants in the garden. If something begins to overstep its bounds, curb it swiftly. Pulling aggressive plants early is better than taking a wait-and-see approach. And do not make the mistake of sending aggressive plants to your compost pile, where they can continue to multiply.

Then, share your experiences with fellow gardeners. Spread the word, rather than the plants.

Tovah Martin is a gardener and freelance writer in Connecticut. Find her online at tova hmartin.com.

there have been many loving homages to the diminutive yard fixtures. In the 2001 film “Amélie,” a stolen garden gnome is sent around the world to be photographed with famous landmarks, the inspiration for Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome ad series. There have been a pair of successful, star-studded animated films, “Gnomeo & Juliet” and “Sherlock Gnomes.” (Our fingers are crossed they come out with “Mad Max Beyond Thundergnome” next.)

observations of actual living gnomes in their native Holland, documenting history, housebuilding, courtship and copulation (which was apparently so robust that the female gnomes almost always gave birth to twins). Poortvliet’s playful pictures of gnomes rubbing noses, helping injured animals and building snug underground cabins painted them as endearing, warmhearted characters

full of good intentions.

The statues took a bit of an irreverent turn in the 1980s, when, Way notes, topless female gnomes and farting gnomes began showing up on lawns. It was downhill from there. Now it’s possible to find statues of gnomes mooning, sitting on the toilet and vomiting rainbows. We think Isham would not approve.

Despite all the mockery,

The Chelsea Flower Show finally warmed up to them, allowing gnomes decorated by the likes of Elton John and Judi Dench to grace the gardens at the show’s 2013 centenary celebration. There was even a giant-size gnome on display, a perfect prop for early adopters of Instagram looking for a selfie mate.

And don’t expect them to stop popping up in flower beds, at events or on your screens. “They’re here to stay, because we keep reinventing them,” Way says. “Who knows what we’ll do with them next?”

(DINAH L. ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY)

11

PUBLIC AUCTION

WEDNESDAY,

MORTGAGEE’S

WILBRAHAM OPEN SUN 12-2 PM

35 Ivy Cir - Unit 35 Gardens of Wilbraham

FIRST FLOOR LIVING AT IT’S

BEST. Introducing the Cambridge Unit w/ over 2300 square feet of living space w/ a two car garage. The LR has floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors & a corner gas fireplace. Brand NEW granite kitchen counter tops w/ an island & a separate dining room w/ hardwood floors. Two spacious primary en suites w/ full baths, ceramic tiles, and walk in closets. The beautiful season sunroom is surrounded by windows & serenity. Laundry room w / a half bath completes the first floor. The finished basement offers over 500 square feet for a home office, fitness area or recreational room. Maintenance free lifestyle awaits you. $439,000

Marisol Franco Broker Associate Coldwell Banker Realty 413-427-0151

Aaron Posnik

info@towneauction.com / 781.790.7870 www.towneauction.com

1,000’s of sports cards, all big stars, at least 50% off. 1950’s to present. BUYING ALL SPORTS CARDS, RETIRED VETERAN

9 month old medium hair black cat, dog friendly, neutered, all shots, w/chip. $60.00. Call 413-292-3650

Two kittens, Maine Coon, Bengle mix, $50.00/each. Call 413-777-9659

10 AM 46 Holland Drive, East Longmeadow, MA

Terms of Sale: Present a $5000 bank check deposit at sale The balance shall be paid 30 days from the sale. Other terms may be announced at sale. Auctioneer makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information contained herein. NO CASH

T. Gravlin - MA Lic. AU 3112

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Tuesday, April 4, 2023 9:00 AM - CHESTER 70 Ingell Road

Multi-Bldg, 2.04 ac lot, House 1: 3,336 sf liv area, 11 rms, 6 bdrm, 3.5 bth House 2: 410 sf liv area, 2 rms, 1 bdrm, 1 bth Hampden: Bk 17931, Pg 16

TERMS:

BE MY PUPPY VALENTINE 8 weeks only, Boston Terrier AKC Puppies, 4 black & white females, 1 red & white male. Call for details. 413-252-1463

German Shepherd/Lab Mix puppies, 1st set of shots, dewormed. 2 females, 1 male $400/each. Call or text 802-323-2538.

German Shepherd Pups, 6 males, 3 females, AKC paperwork, shots & wormed, written hip & health guar. Parents on premises. Raised in country setting. $1500/ea. Call 978-249-3724

Golden Retriever, 4.5 Year Old, female, available, friendly, great with kids. $50.00. Call or text 802323-2538

Labradorpuppies,9wks old,blackandyellow available,vet-checked, 1stsetofshotsand wormed,parentsonsite, asking $900 413-813-1585

Puppy for sale, Yorkshire Terrier mix, female born 10/22/22, up to date on all shots, $1000, please call 413-589-7877

Teddy Bear Puppies, pure white or pure black $600/ ea. Just in time for Valentine’s Day. For info. text or call Lori 413-966-9152

TwofemaleHuskypups available,born11/12. $750,Vetchecked,1st shotanddewormed.Call /text802-624-1291between4P-7Pforfurther details

NORTH CHELMSFORD (978) 251-1150 www.baystateauction.com

MAAU#: 1029, 2624, 2959, 3039, 2573, 116, 2484, 3246, 2919, 3092, 3107, 0100030, 3099

West Highland White Terrier, male, 9 weeks, Vet checked & current vaccinations. $1800. Call 413-596-8190

Peaveymodel1810Bass,3 speakerenclosure,great condition,$200,call413388-9744

TechnicsStereoSytem,5 component,5speaker, withremoteaudiocabinet.Excellentcondition, $250 Call 413-388-9744

AARON POSNIK & CO. INC. Indust & Comm. Auctions 31 Capital Dr. W. Spfld. 733-5238 www.posnik.com

DouglasAuctioneers.com

ESTATES-ANTIQUES 413-665-2877