Home and Garden, and Real Estate- April 16, 2023

& Real Estate

INSIDE

IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: Some handy advice for pruning evergreens, F4

PROJECT OF THE WEEK: A fashionable new address for the birds, F5

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Sea creatures come to life on silver bowl, F6

MORTGAGE RATES: 30-year US mortgage rate drops for 5th straight week, F7

WMASS DEEDS, F7

The case for planting

M argaret Roach New York Times

JARED ROSENBAUM knows the primal thrill of foraging — a sense of interdependence with the natural world that he wants his son to experience, too.

But as a field botanist, he also understands that foraging is one of the many pressures on native-plant populations. And he has a proposition for gardeners: What if we gave back to the wild edible plants that tempt us on our springtime woodland hikes, by welcoming them into the landscapes we cultivate?

It’s one layer of the habitat restoration and ecological design inspiration that he and his wife, Rachel Mackow, provide to clients of Wild Ridge Plants, in rural Pohatcong Township, New Jersey. And it’s reflected in many of their mail-order nursery’s plant choices, too.

In Rosenbaum’s recent book, “Wild Plant Culture: A Guide to Restoring Edible and Medicinal Native Plant Communities,” he revisits that idea: “The time has come to reconnect with our habitats, right where we live, work, and play,” he writes. “Not as museum pieces, but as vital, sustaining elements in our lives, livelihoods, and lifeways.”

That includes our gardens. “These are native plants’ once and future habitats,” Rosenbaum said in a recent interview, “the places where they used to reside that we have excluded them from for so long. One way to help these plants is to garden with them.”

“With foraging,” he added, “the connection can be very one-sided. It’s not relationship, and it’s not interdependency.”

On his list for building “food habitats” are not just native fruiting shrubs and trees such as blueberries, elderberries, beach plums, persimmons and pawpaws but herbaceous perennials with edible features.

Could you make room for homegrown wild leeks (Allium tricoccum), otherwise known as ramps? Or ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), whose at once crunchy and tender fiddleheads with their crazy spiral geometry make for a unique mouthfeel?

And did you know that wildflowers you may already be growing — including giant Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum) and the cutleaf, or tall, coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) — likewise have springtime garden-to-table potential?

Time to dig in — in the garden and at the table.

Consider the plight of ramps

Native plant communities suffer as human development continues to degrade and eliminate habitats. Wild collecting is just one pressure — but it’s one Rosenbaum contends that gardeners can counteract.

He uses wild leeks, or ramps, as a poster child for the bigger message. In its fleeting moment each spring, that ephemeral woodland ground cover has become the star of restaurant menus. And the resulting demand has only intensified pressure on the plant’s population.

Gardeners may be familiar with the plight of charismatic native woodland wildflowers such as Trillium, but the story of ramps is not so different. Both plants have been overharvested, and both rebound slowly, if they do rebound, because they

For a fleeting moment each spring, wild leeks (otherwise known as ramps) are a star of restaurant menus, creating a demand that has intensified the pressure on wild populations. (JARED ROSENBAUM/WILD RIDGE PLANTS)

are very slow to establish, requiring many years to reach reproductive maturity from seed. Ramps can take five years to rebound before they eventually colonize and form bulbs underground.

“So how many decades’ worth of wild leeks’ life can you eradicate in an hour with a shovel, going into a wild patch and digging them all up?,” Rosenbaum asked. “It’s sort of staggering.”

In spring, the bulbs send up long, straplike leaves resembling those of lily of the valley, but with a

Lee Reich | In the Garden

Some handy advice for pruning evergreens

EVERGREEN plants require less pruning than deciduous plants, but do need some pruning. This is dramatically attested to at windows doorways of homes on engulfed by rhododendrons, junipers, and yews. Besides keeping evergreens to size, pruning also can be used to make plants’ foliage denser.

Let’s assume you have a narrow-leaf evergreen in need of drastic pruning. Before bringing your saw or lopper even near that plant, figure out more specifically what kind of plant you have. Pines, firs, and spruces will not send out new growth from leafless wood. So any pruning on these species must be only as far back into the plant as there are leaves. Just how far you can cut will vary with the species because white pines, for example, retain their needles for three years, while Scotch pines retain their needles for five years.

Thuja (arborvitae), juniper, hemlock, and yew are narrow-leaf evergreens that can regrow new branches from old, leafless branches. Therefore, regrowth can be expected even when these plants are cut back severely. I stood by the courage of my convictions years ago when I offered to renovate my father’s overgrown, 25-yearold yew hedge. In two hours, the row of neat, lush greenery was transformed to foothigh, dark, gnarled, leafless stubs. The hedge looked ragged the following season, less so the next season, and after another couple of years had finally begun to fill in while no longer threatening to overwhelm the patio it surrounded. Thuja, hemlock, and juniper can be expected to respond similarly, though not quite as well, to such drastic cutting.

The kind of plant also must be considered when the objective in pruning is to make a plant more

dense. Pines, spruces, and firs should be pruned while the shoots are expanding in spring, but before these shoots fully unfurl their needles. Snap the new shoots in half by hand, in so doing awakening the otherwise dormant buds at the bases of these shoots. The result: a denser plant.

Also prune thuja, juniper, hemlock, or yew in spring before growth, but in this case before growth commences. For a formal appearance, shear the plants; for a natural appearance, snip off individual branches with pruning shears. A follow-up pruning in midsummer, or even a couple of followups, will keep plants even neater.

Cutting branches off broadleaf evergreens, such as rhododendron and mountain laurel, should be avoided whenever possible. Regular, annual pruning consists primarily in removing faded flowers, taking care not to damage buds at the bases of the flower stalks. This pruning causes buds to initiate growth sooner, increasing the potential for flowers the

next season. Occasionally, a wayward branch on a rhododendron ruins the form of a plant, or, after years of neglect, a plant creeps up to and then in front of a window. In these

cases, some branch pruning is needed. Do this right after flowering. Broad-leaved evergreens will regrow shoots from old wood, so branches can be cut back hard if need be. If a whole plant needs

renovation, cutting should be spread over the course of a few years.

Pruning alone shouldn’t be relied upon to keep either broad or narrow-leaved evergreens to a desired size or shape. Varieties of these plants exist whose natural growth habits range from low and spreading (the “Ward” variety of yew and the “Blue Rug” variety of juniper, as examples) to sharply columnar (“Harfield” yew and the “Canaertii” juniper), with all shapes and sizes in between. Ideally, pruning should do no more than support the natural inclinations of these plants.

(For more details on pruning evergreens — and most other plants — see my book, “The Pruning Book,” available from the usual sources as well, signed, directly from me at www.leereich.com/ books.)

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 www.leereich. com/blog.

Sting is a version a native arborvitae that grows straight up like a green exclamation point, reaching 15 to 20 feet tall but only a foot to 18 inches wide. (ADVANCE LOCAL)

CHICOPEE Composting program

The Chicopee Public Library, 449 Front St., will present “Composting 101” on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. Learn all about the ins and outs of composting with Kaitlyn Mitchell from the Center for Ecotechnology. What is

A fashionable new address for the birds

WITH A FEW basic tools, some paint and a little effort, do-it-yourselfers can add a fresh touch-up to the yard or garden while giving the neighborhood birds a fashionable new address.

Both the country birdhouse (left) and Victorian birdhouse (right) feature charming details such as stenciled flowers and vines, doors that open (good for seasonal cleaning), shutters, chimneys, perches and bright color schemes. A great family project, they’re especially fun, easy and inexpensive to make. Materials include plywood, dowels, hinges, nails and glue, as well as stencils and paint.

The required cuts are mostly straight cuts, and all curved cuts are traced from full-size patterns.

Assembly calls only for gluing and nailing the pieces together.

Once the houses are assembled, builders can

follow the suggested painting schemes or create their own.

The Victorian birdhouse is about 18 inches tall by 12 inches wide by 10 inches deep.

The country birdhouse is about 10 inches tall by 9 inches wide by 12 inches deep.

The plan for the two Birdhouses, No. 859, is $9.95 and includes stepby-step instructions with 17 photos, full-size traceable patterns, painting charts, construction diagrams and a complete shopping list and cutting schedule.

Please include $3.95 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.

composting? Why compost? What are the benefits? Indoor vs. outdoors? This program is free and open to the public.

HAMPDEN Club meeting

The Hampden Garden Club’s next meeting will take place April 20 at 7 p.m. at Academy Hall, 616 Main St., across from the Town House. Guest speaker Robin Desrochers will present a slide

presentation on bluebirds. For more information, call Lil Fedora at 413-566-1137.

MONSON Student 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

Don & Dave Runyan | Project of

TERRY AND KIM KOVEL | ANTIQUES & COLLECTING

Sea creatures come to life on silver bowl

COLLECTORS AND makers alike know that there are many ways to decorate silver. It can have an engraved design or monogram. It can be pierced or reticulated with lace-like cutouts. A textured design may be hammered, gadrooned, repousse or made with another technique. Some of the most elaborate and complex decorations on silver are applied; that is, made separately and then attached to the silver piece. Applied pieces may be functional, like handles or finials, or strictly decorative. Three-dimensional figures, especially natural elements, human figures or mythological creatures, are popular.

This Italian silver plate bowl was listed as the “Sealife bowl” at a Rago auction, where it sold for $1,188. Its design is more complex than a typical decorative silver

CURRENT PRICES

bowl; instead of being applied directly onto the bowl, the three-dimensional silver sea creatures are “caught” in a wirework net attached to the rim.

Another feature of this bowl, its gilt enameled interior, may serve a purpose besides decoration. As any collector knows, silver is prone to tarnish, especially when exposed to substances like salty, acidic or sulfurous foods. Some tableware is coated with gold or enamel on the interior, which protects the silver as well as adding decorative value.

Q. I bought some toys at an estate sale. One is a 4 1/2inch by 2 1/4-inch box that contains six smaller boxes that form puzzles. The boxes can be turned to make two different pictures. Each of the smaller boxes contains a tiny bisque doll. I would like to know more

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.

Royal Worcester pitcher, bone china, white on white, textured wrapped banana leaves, bent leaf handle, Royal Worcester backstamp, 6 inches, $20.

Poster, travel, 1964 New York World’s Fair, Come Back to the Fair, mother, father and two children with balloons, linen backing, 16 x 11 inches, $110.

Quilt, applique, Bear Paws pattern, 16 squares, each with a small square center and bear paw corners, red on cream and cream on red printed fabric, Long Island City, 1910-1920, 72 x 72 inches, $245.

Inkwell, brass, figural, bear standing on back legs, wearing feather hat, belt across chest with sword, holding smoking pipe, toasting with a beer stein, round stepped base, 12 1/2 inches, $395.

Lalique clock, Luminaire, Deux Figurines, clear arched glass panel, two frosted classical women holding frosted wreath with dial, gilt metal lighted base, art deco style, label for Hammond Clock Co., Chicago, 15 1/2 x 13 x 5 inches, $435.

Wooden sailor’s chest, mahogany, brass mounts, escutcheon and latch, hinged top, side handles, 18th century, 14 x 36 x 22 inches, $535.

Furniture, sewing table, classical, mahogany, drop leaves, three drawers with ring pulls, bottom drawer with deep well for needlework, leaf carved trestle base with downswept legs, paw feet, c. 1815, 27 x 36 x 18 inches, $625.

Sewing machine, table top, Goodspeed & Wyman, single thread, C-shape frame, hand crank wheel, black metal, gilt decoration, 1800s, 8 x 12 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches, $765.

Stoneware crock, cobalt blue stripes and twisting vines, stamped E. Lulley, 616 Penn. Ave., Washington, D.C., rolled rim, two applied ear handles, 4 gallons, 14 3/4 inches, $1,240.

Jewelry, pin, leaf, nine blades, strong center vein, textured and burnished 18K gold, marked, Buccellati, 2 inches, $1,610.

Three-dimensional silver figures of animals and wildlife are often seen on elaborate silver pieces. This bowl takes a slightly different approach, with figures of sea animals attached to a wire net. (2023 BY COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

about these tiny dolls in puzzle boxes.

A. We’ve seen a set like this marked “made in Japan,” which means it was imported into the United States. The 2-inch dolls are painted wearing various costumes. The set was probably made in the 1930s. It’s listed for $125 but hasn’t sold yet, so the price is probably too high.

Q. We received a hexagonal-shape porcelain pitcher as a gift 56 years ago and haven’t been able to find anything about it. The bottom is marked with a gold leaf, the name “Beutlich” and a round mark with the words “Handpainted China” in a double ring around “Pickard” with the letters “W” above and “A” below. Can you tell us the maker, age and possible value of the pitcher?

A. Your pitcher was made by Pickard China, a company founded by Wilder Austin Pickard in Edgerton, Wisconsin, in 1893. The company began as a china decorating company, using blanks imported from Europe. Pickard China moved to Chicago in 1897, and then to Antioch, Illinois, in 1930. The company began making porcelain,

as well as decorating it, in 1937. The company is still in business, run by members of the family. Variations of this round mark were used from 1898 to 1919, which means your pitcher was made in Europe and decorated by Pickard in Chicago. The color of the circular mark helps date it. You can find marks on the Pickard China Collectors Club website, pickardcollectorsclub.org. Anton Berthold Beutlich was the Pickard china decorator who decorated your pitcher. Value of your pitcher depends on the size, decoration and artist. Hexagonal pitchers have sold for $270 to $530 recently.

Q. We have a unique “bottle bat,” a number 125 Louisville Slugger made by Hillerich & Bradsby Co. It was used exclusively by Henry Knight (Heini) Groh from 1916 to the 1920s. Considering its age, it is in good condition. What do you think it’s worth?

A. Henry Knight (Heini) Groh (1889-1968) played on three different major league teams and played in five World Series, but he may be best known for his custom-made bottle-shaped bat. He started with the New York Giants in 1912. Since he

was smaller than most major league players, his manager suggested he have a bat made with a thicker barrel so he could get more power in his swing. His custom-made “bottle bat,” with a thick handle tapering to a thinner handle, resembled the shape of a milk bottle. It was made by J.F. Hillerich & Son, which registered the “Louisville Slugger” trademark in 1894. Groh was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1913, was traded back to the New York Giants in 1921, and ended his career as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1927. The number “125” on the bat refers to the grade of wood used. It’s the highest grade, reserved for professional baseball players. Groh’s bottle bats have sold at auctions for several hundred dollars or more. Contact an auction that sells baseball and other sports memorabilia. They will help you authenticate the bat and determine current value. One of Groh’s bottle bats sold for $4,145 about two years ago.

TIP: Be sure to remove salt and pepper from shakers and dishes after use. Wash, then store.

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.

30-year US mortgage rate drops for 5th straight week

By M ATT O TT Associated Press

THE AVERAGE

long-term U.S. mortgage rate inched down for the fifth straight week, positive news for potential home buyers and a real estate market that’s been chilled by the Federal Reserve’s series of interest rate hikes the past year.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the benchmark 30-year rate ticked down to 6.27% from 6.28% the previous week.

The average rate last year at this time was 5%.

The average long-term mortgage rate hit 7.08% in the fall — a two-decade high.

The recent decline in mortgage rates is good news for prospective homebuyers, many of whom were pushed to the sidelines during the past year as the Federal Reserve raised its main lending rate nine straight times in a bid to beat back stubborn, fourdecade high inflation.

Though supply remains

Deeds AGAWAM

Emtay Inc., to Vasile Todica and Rodica Todica, 127 Colemore St., $363,000.

Joseph F. Fitzpatrick and Barbara L. Fitzpatrick to Joshua J. Khalil and Amy M. Khalil, 142 Glendale Road, $515,000.

low, home prices are retreating slightly, another development that could lure buyers back into the market. 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.

Rising borrowing costs can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for homebuyers and cooled off a red-hot housing market. Before surging 14.5% in February, sales of existing homes had fallen for 12 straight months to the slowest pace in more than a dozen years.

Treasury yields have fluctuated wildly since the collapse of two mid-size U.S. banks last month.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which helps set rates for mortgages and other important loans, was at 3.41% Thursday but had been above 4% early in March.

The rate for a 15-year mortgage, popular with those refinancing their homes, fell this week to 5.54% from 5.64% last week. It was 4.17% one year ago.

Karen A. Greco, trustee, and Greco Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, to Abdulazeez Aljashaam, 582 Springfield St., $400,000.

Kathleen L. Stepanian, representative, and George A. Taupier, estate, to Irene N. Kaplan, 185 Southwick St., $310,000.

Melissa Jo Losito to Michael Savio and Lynn Savio, 63 North Alhambra Circle, $235,000.

Nathaniel W. Karns and Donna E. Cesan to Vitalii Chyzh and Oksana Chyzh, 1246 North St. Extension, $460,000.

AMHERST

H. Dennis P. Ryan III, to Elaine A. Bratko, 167 East Hadley Road, $421,000.

Andrew W. Cowles and Jacqueline C. Cowles to Blooming Farm Properties LLC, South East Street, $100.

Andrew W. Cowles and Jacqueline Cowles to Blooming Farm Properties LLC, Lawrence Swamp $100.

Andrew W. Cowles and Jacqueline C. Cowles to Blooming Farm Properties LLC, South East Street, $100.

Alexander Frank Bukoski, Rachel L. Bukoski, and Rachel Poulton to Elizabeth Nicole Melton, 999 East Pleasant St., $360,000.

Ann C. Kenworthy, trustee, and Ann C. Kenworthy Trust of 2014 to Christie Jeanne Rosen, 93 High Point Drive, $655,000.

Jones Properties LP, to Richard J. Rhodes and Katayoun S. Rhodes, 115 Belchertown Road, $295,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Sergey Kaletin to Kimberly A. Desautels, 111 Granby Road, $667,500.

Christopher M. Bordenca and Andrea L. Bordenca to Ethan T. Gates and Caroline B. Evans, 9 Sarah Lane, $361,700.

Roy W. Cote and Karen L. Cote to Nicole L. Scott, 390 Chauncey Walker St., $100.

John G. Menard, John G. Menard, trustee, Peggy Menard, Peggy A. Menard, Peggy Menard, trustee, Peggy A. Menard, trustee, and 8 Ledgewood Drive Nominee Trust to Daniel A. Valinski, 8 Ledgewood Drive, $345,000.

David Fredenburgh to 9 Stadler Street LLC, 9 Stadler St., $100.

Lisa A. Ducharme to Andrew James Ducharme, 219 Federal St., $272,000.

Arlene L. Soleimani to Aco Bogoeski, 16 Poole Road, $480,000.

Jill Porowski to Robert G. Sherwood and Rebecca Sherwood, 40 Ware Road, $315,000.

BLANDFORD

Mary L. Gerken-Newcomb to Jose A. Newcomb-Gerken, 70 Main St., $250,000.

BRIMFIELD

Charles R. Tuttle III, representative, and Suzanne E. Tuttle, estate, to David Campbell and Kimberly Grant, 33 Forest Road, $255,000.

Darren Alan Wiemer and Penella Ann Wiemer to Rebecca Lauzon Adams, 22 Warren Road, $500,000.

BUCKLAND

Leia Cardin, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Jeremy E. McIntosh, to Nicholas J. Ferlazzo and Sarah S. Olds, 80 Ashfield Road, $350,000.

Joyce C. Hollyday to Candace J. M. Cassin and Charles F. King, 75

North St., $320,000.

CHESTER

Joseph J. Kish and Martha E. Kish to Yakov Kronrod, 576 E River Road, $95,000.

CHICOPEE

Alden Credit Union to Curtis Girard and Susan Girard, 763 James St., $164,900.

Bank Of America to Robert John Brault, 54 Alfred St., $273,000.

Briarwood Fourteen LLC, to Naviah Investments LLC, 470 Memorial Drive, $8,400,000.

Briarwood One LLC, to Naviah 1738 LLC, 139-145 Meeting House Road, $1,736,296.

Briarwood Sixteen LLC, to Naviah Investments LLC, 359-373 Dale St., $4,575,000.

Elizabeth A. Robert, trustee and representative, Lillian Y. Kurtz, estate, and William H. Kurtz & Lillian Y. Kurtz Trust, trustee of, to Tyler Erdahl and Keisha Erdahl, 51 Lawndale St., $230,000.

Evelyn M. Beaulieu to Jeffrey Beaulieu, 72 Boulay Circle, $300,000. George F. Fitzgerald Jr., to Javier Rivera Hernandez, 72 Beauchamp Terrace, $245,000.

Jason Balut to Tony James Sicard and Cristina Lynn Sicard, 113 Wheatland Ave., $320,000.

Linda I. Charbonneau to Roberto Alfarone and Robinlynn Alfarone, 110 Hilton St., $273,000.

Michael P. Jette Sr., and Laurie Ferry to Shannon Gabrielle Brady and Nicholas W. Brady, 142 Jacob St., $285,000.

Thanh P. Monat, trustee, and 123125 Meadow Street Realty Trust, trustee of, to Posiadlosc LLC, 123125 Meadow St., $165,000.

Todd Delnegro and William D. Kapinos to Ramsey Tracy, 138-140 Columba St., $335,000.

Wicked Deals LLC, to Carlos J.

Deeds

HAMPDEN

LONGMEADOW

Hani N. Haddad to Frederic Galacar, 81 Brookside Drive, $775,000.

Perez, 79 Wallace Ave., $325,000.

Dany Nguyen and Hang Thuy Tran to Nicholas Badeau and Tiffany Simkewicz, 33 Sessions Drive, $340,000.

iel Julian Wiener 2020 Revocable Trust to Henry H. Ng and Samuel Y. Ng, 80 Damon Road, $215,000.

ers-Rankin Investment Trust, to Gregory Krause and Sarah Lizdas, 52 Maple St., $475,000.

CONWAY

Emily D. Howe and Aimee Gelnaw to William H. Kules III, and Julia L. Washburn, 482 Newhall Road, $820,000.

DEERFIELD

Mark Mongeau to Christopher Michael Hoynoski and Kara Jean Jacobsen, 47 Lee Road, $410,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

104 Shaker Associates LLC, to Wellington CSA Holdings LLC, Bond Ave., $765,000.

Glen E. Anderson, trustee, and 74 Gates Avenue Nominee Realty Trust, trustee of, to Audra Staples, 74 Gates Ave., $270,000.

Thomas C. Rand and Nancy Connor to Alan P. Spielman, trustee, Emily R. Spielman, trustee, Alan P. Spielman Revocable Trust, trustee of, and Emily R. Spielman Revocable Trust, trustee of, 43 Windsor Lane, $505,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Nathaniel Milch to Kathleen DiBiasio, 98 Everett St., $235,000. Loudville Condominiums LLC, to Betsy Nicoletti, 3 Conrad Circle, $559,900.

Jeffrey P. Belanger and Lauren E. Belanger to Marci Beitch and Daniel Schieffelin, 10 Mt. Tom Ave., $433,500.

GRANBY

Malia Homebuyers LLC, to JD Group Inc., 38 Ferry Hill Road, $535,000.

Richard N. Chapdelaine and Beth A. Chapdelaine to Derek N. Chapdelaine, 58 East St., $100.

GREENFIELD

Nicole M. Wrisley, personal representative of the Estate of Linda M. Wrisley, to James Brown, 187 Leyden Road, $260,000.

HADLEY

Joseph S. Yeskie, personal representative, and Peter J. Yeskie, estate, to Joseph S. Yeskie and Theresa A. Yeskie, 23 Aqua Vitae Road, $100.

Adare Place Properties LLC, to Kam Kit Wong, 7 Adare Place, $180,000.

HATFIELD

Center School LLC, to Steven R. Keeling, 58 Main St., $527,250.

HOLLAND

George Thompson and Jean M. Thompson to Deborah S. Martin, 13 Leno Road, $250,000.

Richard J. Anischik to Timothy Beben, 61 East Brimfield Road, $435,000.

HOLYOKE

Castle Headquarters Inc., and Nova Home Improvements Inc., to Dubs Capital LLC, 40-42 Gates St., $220,000.

John N. Destromp to Matthew A. Hebert and Samantha Sylvain, 38 Clark St., $307,000.

Kristofer L. McDaniel Sr., representative, and Maria N. McDaniel, estate, to Marcial Asset Management LLC, 84 Pine St., $185,000.

Naviah Essex LLC, to Walnut Pine LLC, 159 Essex St., $3,518,919.

Naviah International LLC, to Naviah Investments LLC, 340 Appleton St., $300,000.

Naviah Investments LLC, to 340 Appleton LLC, 340 Appleton St., $10,000.

Naviah Investments LLC, to Walnut Pine LLC, 212 Lyman St., $1,675,676.

Naviah Investments LLC, to Walnut Pine LLC, 224-226 Lyman St., $1,005,405.

PeoplesBank to Hut Real Estate LLC, O Pleasant St., $300,000.

Rolf N. Nazario and Rolf N. Nazario Medina to Charlene Robinson, 123125 Beech St., $360,000.

Maurice J. Dufresne Revocable Trust, trustee of, and Lori Delisle, trustee, to Rebeca Allessi and Richard C. Gifford Jr., 7 Yale St., $425,000.

Wicked Deals LLC, to Jennifer Aisenberg, 29 Temple St., $231,500.

HUNTINGTON

Shelley A. Wilton to Pamela Anderson, Pisgah Road, $140,000.

LEYDEN

Dawn M. Mayo and Thomas W. Mayo to Hannah Rose Sullivan and Joni Roberta Sullivan, 425 North County Road, $282,000.

JJB Builders Corp., to Michael S. Colegrove and Ingrid E. Colegrove, 567 Maple Road, $464,900.

Nick Hurley and Melrose Hurley to Alexander Venditti and Jacquelyne Venditti, 33 Oxford Road, $600,000.

LUDLOW

Avelino Joaquim Pereira Goncalves, trustee, Ana Fernandes Goncalves, trustee, and A & A Goncalves Realty Trust, trustee of, to Nehad Ahmed and Kazheen Amin, 12 Mariana Lane, $583,000.

Fallon Marie St. Aubin to Michael Bishop and Lindsey Ann Saunders, 24 Voltage Ave., $274,000.

Jason Dinelle and Miska K. Dinelle to Joseph P. Perron and Jill M. Jankowski, 3 Bowles Ave., $270,000.

Keith A. Andre, Denise Ferreira and Alice J. Obrzut to Veronica I. Showalter and Theresa J. Urbanovitch, 15 Cady St., $317,500.

Mary Cantler and Irene Russell to Danyun Huang, 19 Pinewood Road, $279,500.

MONSON

Audra L. Staples and Dana Andrew Staples to Ashley Putnam, 25 Oak St., $215,000.

Jeffrey R. Whiting, representative, Marguerita A. Whiting and John F. Whiting, estate, to Brian D. Messier, 14 Beebe Road, $235,000.

Julie Lynn Harris to Zachary Poulin and Ashley Poulin, 177 Stafford Road, $273,000.

Newrez LLC, and Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing to John David Holdcraft, 33 Washington St., $136,000.

MONTAGUE

Elliot Aaron Hartmann-Russell, Kenyon Lewin-Berlin and Kyle Wesley Moser to Bonfire International LLC, 73 Fifth St., $165,000. Fenwick LLP, to Vincent A. Rupp, 8 Madison Ave., “fka” 8-10 Madison Avenue, $295,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Kathleen M. Sheehan to Emily Laufer, 115 Brookside Circle, $249,900.

Hyman G. Darling, trustee, and Shannon Family Trust to Nathan A. Scheele and Harmony Scheele, 106 Brierwood Drive, $457,000.

Rakesh Parikh to Vrajeshkumar Patel, 80 Damon Road, $130,000.

Daniel J. Wiener, trustee, and Dan-

Julie G. Kling and Mark A. Nejame to Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC, 47 High St., $319,000.

Valerie Marcus and Peter Miller to Nora Claire Miller and Kelly L. Clare, 591 Riverside Drive, $427,500.

Elizabeth Levy McArthur and Scott J. McArthur to Robert W. Lock and Roxanne A. Lock, 28 Harlow Ave., $475,000.

ORANGE

Mary A. Harris and Elizabeth V. Mullins to Bonnie Stewart, 113 New Athol Road, Unit 100 Pioneer Place Condominium, $260,000.

Chelsea Cole, “fka” Chelsea Amaru, and Salvatore Amaru Jr., to Sherry Lee Venezia, 105 East Main St., $270,000.

PALMER

Anthony M. Donato and Bridget C. Donato to Marco Vieira, High Street, Par A, $10,000.

Cathy L. Berthiaume and Michael W. Weirbrick Jr., to R A C E, 280 Breckenridge St., $53,000.

Gerald Watson to Albert J. Dematos and Rebecca Dematos, 3122 Main St., Unit 12, $172,000.

Jeffrey E. Macleod and Debra J. Macleod to Diane M. Corsi and Richard J. Corsi, 111 Boston Road, $300,000.

MCLP Asset Co. Inc., to Vincent Nastasi, 2250 Main St., $90,000.

Nicholas Badeau to Kori Yaaka, 39 Cabot St., $318,900.

Rosemarie O. Swiechowicz, trustee, Rosemarie O. Gagnon, trustee, and 1628 Park Street Realty Trust, trustee of, to Mariers LLC, 1628 Park St., $200,000.

Rosemarie O. Swiechowicz and Ross Swiechowicz to Mariers LLC, Boston Road, Lot 1, $100,000.

Russell C. Marier and Russell C. Marier Sr., to Rosemarie O. Swiechowicz, trustee, Rosemarie O. Gagnon, trustee, and 1628 Park Street Realty Trust, trustee of, 1628 Park St., $30,000.

RUSSELL

Christopher Woffenden and Sarah Richard to Peter E. Noga Jr., 1099 Huntington Road, $210,000.

SHELBURNE

Elizabeth R. Jacobson, “fka” Elizabeth M. Rouleau, and William L. Jacobson to Diane J. Johnson, 8 Church St., $470,825.

Christopher A. Myers and Cherie L. Rankin, trustees of the My-

Kenneth H. Chaffee, trustee of the Mohawk Trail ATM Nominee Trust, to ARKE Realty LLC, Mohawk Trail, “aka” 22 Percy Roberts Road, $225,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

Jeremy J. Cotton to Greenfield Road LLC, 42 Ferry St., $402,000.

Adele Wells to Alexander F. Bukoski and Rachel L. Bukoski, 23 Carriage Lane, $495,000.

Julie A. Mercure to Julie A. Mercure and Brenda J. Atwell, 37 Roosevelt Ave., $100.

Investment Enterprises LLC, to MDDO LLC, 43-47 Bridge St., and 1-3 Grant St., $1,100,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Christopher W. Healy to J. Curtis Shumway, 75 Pomeroy Meadow Road, $425,000.

SOUTHWICK

Angelo S. Melloni and Deborah A. Melloni to Jaysen A. Melloni and Jaimie L. Melloni, 511 College Highway, $255,000.

Briarwood Six LLC, to SMS Real Estate Investments LLC, 59 College Highway, $1,086,941.

Deborah L. Seed and Debbie Seed to Matthew King and Danielle Belinda King, 300 Granville Road, $62,000.

Kathleen M. Marcinek, representative, Robert Louis Furlani Jr., estate, and Robert Louis Furlani Sr., estate, to James Williamson, 164 South Longyard Road, $231,500.

Nancy E. Prifti, representative, and Donald M. Prifti, estate, to Wes Properties LLC, 529 College Highway, $300,000.

SPRINGFIELD

B S C Realty Inc., to Ibrahim Holding LLC, ES Dwight St., $2,300,000.

Birch Properties LLC, to Omar Velez, 76-78 Ardmore St., $278,000.

Brenda E. Logan to Cindy Martinez, 51 Coral Road, $200,000.

Brightwood Development Corp., to Nikos C. Berkowitz, 2345 Main St., $85,000.

Carmen A. Martinez to Martin Fernandez, 96 Lehigh St., $148,000. Doreen S. Rojas, Doreen S. Turgeon and Edwin V. Rojas to Jose Ramon Martinez, 46 Orlando St., $150,000.

Edith Ortiz and Evelyn M. Mitchell to Joselie Joseph, 223 Seymour

CONTINUED FROM PAGE F7 SEE DEEDS, PAGE F9

Deeds

CONTINUED FROM PAGE F8

Ave., $200,000.

Golden Gorillas LLC, to Logan H. Godbout and Edwin Guzman, 91 Canterbury Road, $243,000.

James Harrison, executor, James Harrison Jr., executor, Harry Benjamin Jones, estate, Harry B Jones, estate, Valerie Louise Pearson, estate, and Valerie L. Jones, estate, to Joe Escribano and Cynthia Escribano, 0 Marine St., $70,000.

Jean A. Turner, estate, Margaret Thompson, representative, and Ronda G. Parish, representative, to Bettina Meade, 9 Elsie St., $210,000.

Jean M. Ledoux to Valro Homes LLC, 40 Feltham Road, $210,000. Kenrick Williams to Eli Camanae Mendez Rivas, 88 Tyler St., $295,000.

Kyle D. Ashe to Maureen Shea, 206 Gifford St., $257,000.

Lima One Capital LLC, to Lloyd Cameron and Joel Lugo, 125 Yale St., $20,000.

Linda A. Goodman to Thomas E. Wright, life estate, and Nicole M. Wright, 126 Nassau Drive, Unit 126, $210,000.

Springfield Portfolio Holdings LLC, to Moises Rene Fernandez Jr., 24 Warriner Ave., $310,000.

Lorraine Ann Tullis, estate, Lorraine A. Tullis, estate, and Lynn A. Langlois, representative, to Nicholas Thibodeau, 43 Sunset Drive, $212,000.

Margaret R. Place, estate, and Deanna J. Bourassa, representative, to Madison Place, 16 Spear Road, $200,000.

Mel V. Wickman and Lori Jean Wickman to Denise Robinson, 350 Nassau Drive, $212,000.

Michelle Dyer-Gee and Gary Gee to Victor Alexis Zapata Lara, 17-19 Parkside St., $290,000.

Mohammad Bsharat and Hanan Naji Bsharat to Theophilus Nathaniel Grandison, 101 Mulberry St., Unit 306, $80,000.

Nicole M. Wright, Thomas E. Wright and Rita L. Wright to Edward J. Jacques, 475 Gifford St., $270,000.

Property Advantage Inc., to Shantaly Martinez and Mariah Maldonado, 29 Dennis St., $250,000.

Rodman Capital Group LLC, to Madina A. Yunye F and Hindiya Kabir, 593-595 White St., $372,000.

SLC Associates LLC, to Felipe Vasquez, 77-79 Knox St., $285,000.

Stephen F. Burke to Cindy Y. Torres, 107-109 Ontario St., $310,000.

Stevens Street LLC, to SMS Real Estate Investments LLC, 50 Ste-

vens St., $648,886.

Terrence K. Boyer to Denise Colon, 57 Champlain Ave., $225,000. Wells Fargo Bank, trustee, Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust and series 2006-FRE2, trustee of, to Property Advantage Inc., 27 Chester St., $104,000.

William J. Lovett to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and A-O-K Realty Trust, trustee of, 105 East Alvord St., $17,900.

Xiuyu Ma to DSZ Management LLC, 79-81 Leyfred Terrace, $215,000.

WARE

David L. Bassett and Gail M. Bassett to David L. Bassett, trustee, and David and Gail Bassett Family Irrevocable Trust, 10 Coldbrook Drive, $100.

Carolyn L. Shea, Maureen Kos, Elizabeth Powers, Catherine Shea and Margaret Shea to Daniel Driscoll and Samantha Driscoll, 87 Fisherdick Road, $349,500.

Dennis E. Milton and Joyce A. Milton to Jennifer L. Lancaster, Kara G. Milton, Dennis E. Milton Jr., and Joshua J. Milton, 20 Hardwick Pond Road, $100.

Zachary Sweetman to Justin Barroso and Caitlyn Barroso, 52 Horseshoe Circle, $332,000.

Leo F. Dominie Sr., to John L. Hoy Jr., and Samantha J. Hoy, 100 Pleasant St., $275,000.

Lissette Figueroa and Horacio Vega to Mabel Rivas, 35-37 High St., $299,900.

Blanco Realty LLC, to Ebenezer Construction & Cleaning Inc., 20 Parker St., $70,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Abbas M. Hamdan and Charlene Coelho to David J. Bryson and Lucy Bryson, 203 Hannoush Drive, $950,000.

Ann F. Baj to Danielle Robichaud, 68 Colony Road, $125,000.

Briarwood Fifteen LLC, to Naviah 1738 LLC, 97-119 Ashley Ave., $7,854,779.

Briarwood Nine LLC, to Naviah 1738 LLC, 1023-1029 Elm St., $2,964,444.

Briarwood Seventeen LLC, to 25 Highland Apartments LLC, 17-25 Highland Ave., $500,000.

Briarwood Three LLC, to Naviah 1738 LLC, 249 Westfield St., $3,081,481.

Briarwood Two LLC, and Briarwood Two L L C to Naviah Investments LLC, 1440 Riverdale St., $4,475,000.

John Harrelson and Jocelyn Harrelson to Juli Thibault, 50 Oleander St., $275,000.

Joseph O. Coulombe and Anthony L. Surrette to Dawn Mary Spiegler, 84-86 Maple Terrace, $274,500.

Mario J. Bernal to Rico Fil Victorio, Nelene Liza Viloria and Leo Marjo Victorio, 66 Apricot Hill Lane, $600,500.

WESTFIELD

AEM Property Investment LLC, to Lisa A. Merkel, 36 Bennett Road, $345,000.

Briarwood Four LLC, to SMS Real Estate Investments LLC, 93 South Maple St., $3,398,797.

Briarwood Four LLC, to SMS Real Estate Investments LLC, 97 South Maple St., $10,000.

Done Right Homes LLC, to Jose Robles, 101 Prospect St., Extn, $270,000.

Frank A. Demarinis to Jason A. Blunt, 28 Root Road, $65,000.

Joseph P. Tierney, representative, and June F. Tierney, estate, to Lynne B. Tremblay, 110 Yeoman Ave., $212,000.

Judith E. Stebbins, representative, Susan Pierce and Marie G. Sienkiewicz, estate, to Giberson Construction Inc., 0 St. Paul St., $61,000.

Matthew P. Murphy, trustee, Elaine R. Murphy, trustee, and Murphy Family Trust, trustee of, to Great Bay Properties LLC, 32-34 Elm St., $160,000.

Michael C. Chechile to Steven G. Lapointe and Pamela A. Lapointe, 19 Toledo Ave., Unit 1, $325,000.

Ottavia Bush and Shaun Bush to Jason P. Ferrante, 6 Cortez St., $305,000.

Peter-John Crane and Katie Crane to Sarah A. Castro, 17 North West Road, $431,000.

Rene Gauthier to Michael St. Marie, 139 Sackett Road, $300,000. Richard D. Rindells and Kyle P. Shoemaker to Nathan Patrick Sawyer, 1430 Russell Road, Unit 27, $189,000.

WILBRAHAM

Alexander Paul Gendreau Sr., Virginia Lynn Hudson and Virginia Lynn Gendreau to Fyxer Up Properties LLC, 144 Stony Hill Road, $285,000.

Dorene S. Billingsley, representative, Marjorie White Schoen, estate, Marjorie W. Schoen, estate, and E. Marjorie White Schoen, estate, to Piper Lowe Real Estate Group LLC, 20 Leemond St., $245,000.

James B. Long and Nancy L. Long to Mark Recuber and Irene Recuber, 27 Cypress Lane, Unit 27, $475,000.

Notes

CONTINUED FROM PAGE F5

two or four-year college to study in any branch of the life, natural, or environmental sciences. Applications with instructions may be obtained through the school guidance office and are due by April 28.

SPRINGFIELD Club program

The Springfield Garden Club will host “Roses for New England,” presented by Mike and Angelina Chute, on April 21 at 11:30 a.m. The event will be held in-person at the Barney Carriage House at Forest Park. Master rosarians, and authors of “Roses for New England: A Guide to Sustainable Rose Gardening,” and “Rose Gardening Season by Season: A Journal for Passionate Gardeners,” Mike and Angela Chute will show you how to choose and grow hearty, healthy, and disease resistant roses. A light luncheon, including gluten-free options, sweets, coffee, and tea will be served. Directions to the Carriage House are available online at www. barneycarriagehouse. com. Raffle for members and guests. Guest fee is $5, and tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.

STOCKBRIDGE Upcoming events

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming programs:

• “Get the Dirt on Soil,” April 22, 10 a.m. to noon, in-person. Learn the basics of soil science (texture, structure, pH), how to foster and maintain soil health, and why a soil test is a great starting point. Discover how to create a living soil and reap its benefits for years to come. Led by Duncan Himmelman. Cost is $15 members, $20

nonmembers;

• “Remarkable Flora, Memorable Greek Myths and Surprising Etymologies: A Romp through Berkshire Botanical Garden,” April 22, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in-person. This talk is chock-full of fun facts about flora - flowers, herbs, shrubs, trees, and veggies - that grow at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Based on the book “An Alphabetical Romp through the Flora of Berkshire Botanical Garden: from Agave to Zinnia,” this talk will enhance your every visit to the gardens. Presented by the author, Stewart Edelstein. Cost is $10 members, $12 nonmembers;

• “Shade Gardening Basics,” April 22, 1 to 3 p.m., in -person. This class starts by identifying the various degrees of shade you may have and moves on to presenting the best native plants for those conditions. Led by Duncan Himmelman. Cost $15 members, $20 nonmembers.

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

WEST SPRINGFIELD Garden club

The West Springfield Garden Club will meet April 20 at 6 p.m. at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave. After a short business meeting, the evening’s speaker, Doug Taylor, will present “Care and Training Bonsai in New England,” discussing his experiences and techniques in practicing the art of bonsai for more than 20 years. The meeting is open to the public. If interested in attending, contact Joan at graceshad@msn.com by tomorrow.

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

These features could sell your house faster as spring-buying season takes off

By A mber B onefont South Florida Sun Sentinel

WITH

spring-buying season in full swing, home sellers eager to see their properties sold quickly could benefit from having certain features in their house, a new analysis shows.

Homes that have attributes such as a steam oven, quartz finishes or even hurricane shutters/windows, typically sell for a higher price than the average home, according to data from Zillow. And homes that have a characteristics such as a doorbell camera or even a fenced-in backyard typically sold between three to five days faster than a home

Greens

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2

characteristic alliaceous odor.

By late spring, they basically disappear underground until late summer, when flowers emerge, followed by seed production in the fall.

The seeds, which resemble tiny black marbles, Rosenbaum said, are “very dispersal-limited” — meaning that they are not moved by helpers such as the wind or covered in fruit to attract birds that will eat them and fly off, planting the excreted seed elsewhere. Deer mice may cache and move some of the seeds, but only a short distance.

“If wild leeks are in one forested area, and there’s suitable habitat across the road, they are not necessarily going to get there on their own,” Rosenbaum added. “And so we humans become a potentially excellent dispersal agent, and we’re really good at identifying suitable habitats.”

He and Mackow have seeded them in shady areas around their farm.

Rather than digging wild leeks in the wild, he suggests ordering seeds or seedlings and using your shovel to prepare what he calls “woodsy beds” for them. Identify an area that’s at least a

without those added items.

“Multifunctional homes that offer retreat spaces and features for outdoor entertaining are particularly appealing to post-pandemic buyers, who expect their homes to be a place where they can work and play,” the report from Zillow noted.

Here are the features that help a home sell faster, according to Zillow.

• Doorbell camera: 5.1 days faster

• Open shelving: 3.5 days faster

• Heat pump: 3 days faster

• Fenced backyard: 2.9 days faster

• Mid-century design: 2.8 days faster

• Hardwood floors: 2.4 days faster

little bit shaded, beneath deciduous trees or shrubs.

“Then amend it with your more woodland soil-building blocks: leaf compost, a thin layer of wood chips,” he said. “Just try to build up that kind of dark, moisture-retentive organic soil like you would find in a higher-quality woodland.”

Because ramps’ foliage fades after the spring show, Rosenbaum suggests pairing them with a plant that will perform a second act in the space: spikenard (Aralia racemosa), for example, or black cohosh (Actaea racemosa). Or maybe the little-grown poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata), found on forest edges.

Once your patch is established, manage the ramps sustainably, harvesting only one or two leaves from each mature plant (and never digging the bulbs).

More unexpected spring greens Rosenbaum is looking forward, any day now, to chopping a few ramps and folding them into an omelet or cooking them with some homegrown morels, “just this killer wild-foods combination of the local bioregional spring,” he said.

Who knew that quickly frying ramps leaves in a skillet with

• Shiplap: 2.3 days faster

• Gas furnace: 2.3 days faster

Homes that had features like a steam oven got a 5.3% more than a house that didn’t have it, while professional appliances had a 3.6% price premium, and hurricane shutters had a 2.3% price premium.

To calculate what features of a home will help it sell for more or faster, Zillow compared the final sales prices of homes listed and the time they spent on the market, as well as whether they had certain features listed in the home description.

• Walkability to nearby areas: 2.4 days faster

some oil makes them balloon up like little corn tortillas? They are also great sauteed in a pan with fiddleheads, the unopened foliage of the ostrich fern, whose season is approaching. (But cooking with fiddleheads can be toxic, so be sure to wash them well and never eat them raw: Always boil them before you saute or cook them in any other way.)

Anyone who has grown the ostrich fern knows that it is a mover, inclined to colonize. But isn’t that what we often want from a deer-resistant, shady ground cover in workhorse situations — along property edges or in other spaces that we may have unthinkingly filled with the likes of pachysandra or English ivy?

Once unfurled, the ostrich fern’s prehistoric-looking, plume-shaped fronds can stand 3 feet tall — and will sometimes grow as high as 6 feet — making them a lot more dramatic than any aggressive, alien ground cover.

But picking too many fiddleheads from an individual plant will reduce its productivity in subsequent years, which is why Rosenbaum never harvests more than one or two from any individual plant.

One wild plant that is not well known as an edible, Rosenbaum said, is the tall coneflower

“When showing homes, we find that buyers always make a comment when a home has additional security features like cameras and ask if they come with the home. Another feature is outdoor living space, such as a covered patio or outdoor kitchen/built-in BBQ,” said Alex Platt, with the Platt Group at Compass in Boca Raton.

— as in, up to 9 feet tall. The gold flowers held aloft aren’t what you harvest: The fresh, emerging leaves, known by the Cherokee people as sochan, are the culinary prize.

This plant, which shows up even earlier than dandelions, is perhaps the earliest edible of all, Rosenbaum said. He harvests leaves from the basal rosette when it’s about 2 to 4 inches high.

The plant, adaptable from partial shade to full sun, spreads, too. “I’d give it its own exclusive patch,” Rosenbaum said.

Then he thought again, offering another suggestion: Try planting it with ostrich fern and giant Solomon’s seal, which hail from the same kind of spots. “That would be a great combination,” he said, “dreamily replicating a little slice of nature that I have never yet gotten to see.”

A couple of tubers to dig

A very different harvest, usually toward season’s end, comes from two natives that form edible underground tubers.

Jerusalem artichoke, or sunchoke, a perennial sunflower, will try to outdo even the tall coneflower in height and inclination to spread. And like the tall coneflower, it will provide a feast for pollinators and birds.

There are some caveats as experts warn that adding these features may not offer the return on investment that potential home sellers might expect, but for sellers who already have these features in the home, highlighting them could get them more money or a faster sale.

©2023 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sunsentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

American groundnut (Apios americana) offers another kind of vertical element, scrambling up an elderberry shrub, for example, or a proper trellis. The twining herbaceous perennial vine is a host plant for the silver-spotted skipper butterfly, and produces flowers in rosy shades, with a shape that reveals the plant’s membership in the pea family.

The tubers are potatolike, but have more of a bean or nutty flavor.

Part of Rosenbaum’s work is conducting field studies for public and private clients, and he estimates that he has surveyed more than 15,000 acres in New Jersey. During his work, he has come across many precious scenes, but too often what he sees are the remains of once-vibrant colonies. That has left an indelible impression.

He writes of his “desire to see wild plants and humans share community again,” and is moved to tell plants’ stories in the hope that they will find homes in a wider area.

“Gardeners,” Rosenbaum noted, “can be at the vanguard of ecological restoration.” Prepare for a wild and delicious ride.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Shiplap walls are a popular feature which could sell your home faster. (TOMMY DASPIT)

PUBLIC AUCTION

FRIDAY, APRIL 21ST at 12:00 NOON

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

THE U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT HAS GRANTED RELIEF TO THE MORTGAGE HOLDER & SECURED CREDITOR TO

PUBLIC AUCTION

• WESTFIELD • 5 ROOM / 3 BEDROOM

2-STORY CONDEX STYLE DWELLING

“LOCATED

Aaron Posnik

Aaron Posnik

Aaron Posnik

Terms: $5,000 deposit. Balance due 30 days

Other terms may be announced at sale.

makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information contained herein. Call 800-522-8488

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Thursday, April 20, 2023

10:00 AM-FEEDING HILLS (Agawam)

548 North West Street sgl fam, 1,960 sf liv area, 0.62 ac lot, 8 rm, 4 bdrm, 1.5 bth, fpl, Hampden: Bk 20834, Pg 142

11:00 AM-SPRINGFIELD

2573, 116, 2484, 3246, 2919, 3092, 3107, 0100030, 3099

PROCEED WITH AN AUCTION SALE AT CHEZ JOSEF IN AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS

12 weeks, Boston Terrier AKC Puppies (2), black & white females, 1 red & white male. Call for details. $1,150/each. Call 413-207-4664

German Shepherd/Lab Mix puppies, 1st set of shots, dewormed. 2 females, 1 male $300/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

finish, incl. Tufted bench, cost $60K, ask. $1,800. 413-519-8108

3-PieceLivingRoomTable set,Removablemarble tops,drawers,$150firm, 413-896-0232 Queen box spring, excellent condition, $50. Call 413-538-7758

Peavey 1810 3 speaker Bass guitar cabinet, great condition, $150. call 413-388-9744

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

Golden Retrievers Puppies, 1st shots & dewormed. $650. 2 females & 1 Male Call 802-895-2784

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

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

Merchandise

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

Auctions Auctions

BANKCHECK.ALLBALANCESDUEARETOBE PAIDWITHIN30DAYSOF EACHINDIVIDUALSALE. OTHERTERMS,IFANY, TOBEANNOUNCEDAT EACH