Home and Garden, and Real Estate- May 28, 2023

Home & Garden

& Real Estate

INSIDE

IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: For most efficient use of water, try drip irrigation, F4

PROJECT OF THE WEEK: Pony rocker is still a winner, F5

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Memorial Day is time to reflect on American history, F6

MORTGAGE RATES: Long-term mortgage rate rises to 6.57%; highest level since mid March, F7

WMASS DEEDS, F7

Toads are the garden’s heroes, Page F2

Toads are the garden’s heroes

Here’s

how to help them thrive

By K ate Morgan The Washington Post

LAST YEAR, CYNthia Berger tried for an autumn spinach harvest in her Pennsville, Pennsylvania, garden. The pests got there first.

“It was slug city,” says Berger. The slimy, shell-less mollusks turned the delicate leaves to Swiss cheese, leaving trails of sticky ooze in their wake. This year, Berger hopes to lure in a solution: hungry toads.

Though other garden wildlife — think bees and butterflies — tends to get more press, the often-overlooked toad can transform a vegetable plot. When it comes to pest control, toads are nature’s Orkin men. They can quickly plow through bug populations, eating just about any insect, larvae, snail or slug they can get into their mouths.

It’s clear what toads can do for us. But they need our help in return, says Gina Della Togna, executive director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists 41 percent of all amphibians on its Red List of threatened species. “It’s an alarming situation,” says Della Togna. “It’s the highest percentage of threatened species compared to mammals, birds and reptiles. It’s a crisis.”

Despite their imperilment, the creatures are widespread. There are at least 20 types of toad in North America, with native species in every state except Hawaii. The amphibians are a subspecies of frog (all toads are frogs; not all frogs are toads). They breed in water but spend most of their adult lives on land.

And while they may seem squat and sedentary, they’re actually dynamic predators, says Michael Benard,

a herpetologist and interim biology department chair at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The American toad — the species most commonly found in Eastern gardens — can shoot out a sticky tongue quicker than you can blink and eat as many as 100 insects in a night. Over the course of a gardening season, that means 10,000 fewer bugs to infest your crops.

“They will eat all sorts of things,” Benard says. “Really, anything that’s moving. They’re going to key in on a beetle crawling, a fly landing in front of them, and that visual cue will set them off.”

Toads are especially sensitive to pesticides, herbicides and even some fertilizers.

“That’s one of the big reasons we see amphibians that are going extinct or rapidly declining around the world,” Benard says. Some of the primary drivers of amphibians’ plight are habitat loss and the use of chemical contaminants. “When open space and farmland is converted into suburbs with no ponds and wetlands and no forested patches, you’re going to lose your toads,” he adds.

The situation is dire, but in our gardens, at least, we can do something about it. Toads need a few basic things: water in which to breed (a small backyard pond or even a ditch that holds water in the spring will suffice), a moist, dark place to hide and soil to burrow into.

Most any gardener can become a toad landlord, says Benard. Garden centers and greenhouses often sell premade “toad abodes” — small decorative clay cottages and huts. But a toad home is also easy to DIY. “Just provide cover objects: logs, rocks, pieces of wood, with toadsized spaces between them,” Benard says. “They’re looking for a moist, tight place where they can wedge their body and burrow themselves into the soil.”

Berger uses overturned flower pots to create toad shelters in her garden. “It doesn’t have to be fancy,” she says. “You can just take a rock and prop the pot up so the toad can get underneath.”

They also need a spot to soak. “The joke is that toads drink with their butts,” says Benard. “They have vascularized skin on the underside of their legs and bellies, and they sit in water and absorb it through their skin.”

Create a basic toad bath by placing a clay saucer of shallow water in a shady spot near the shelter. Just be sure to keep it clean and replace the water every day or two. Once you’ve created an appealing toad habitat, all that’s left to do is wait.

“It’s an ‘If you build it, they will come’ kind of thing,” Benard says. And once they move in, you can protect

Toad and toadstool. (MICHAEL F. BERNARD

Lee Reich | In the Garden

For most efficient use of water, try drip irrigation

DURING THE FREquent dry spells of most summers, I tell my neighbor to thank me each time I water my garden. This is because my watering always seems to be followed by at least a passing thundershower. Perhaps similarly, writing now about how to cope with summer drought will ensure a season of abundant rainfall. Here goes (keep your raincoats and galoshes handy) ..

I start preparation for the dry months ahead by turning my attention first to the soil. Any type of organic material — leaves, straw, peat moss, compost, manure, sawdust, grass clippings — mixed into the soil will help plants weather dry periods. But note, these organic materials must be mixed into the soil, not buried beneath it. In sandy soils, organic matter acts like a sponge to hold water. In clay soils, organic matter will open up air spaces and promote far-reaching root systems.

During the growing season, these same organic materials can be laid on top of the soil as a mulch to prevent evaporation of water from the soil surface. (Except for peat moss, which dries to form a layer impervious to rain.) If organic mulches are replenished each year, digging is never needed since earthworms continually drag the lower portion of the surface mulch down into the soil. In fact, I no longer dig organic materials into my soil.

Virtually any material can be laid on top of the soil to check evaporation. Black plastic film is commonly used. I have mulched parts of my garden with wooden boards. And a friend carpets his ground with, what else? Carpet!

Now let’s turn to what can be done with the plants themselves to prepare for

dry weather. If I were sure that every summer would be droughty, I would grow only drought resistant plants. This is not to suggest converting a lush garden to an Arizona landscapes of yuccas and hardy cactii.

Many familiar garden plants are at least somewhat drought tolerant. Drought tolerant shrubs include

AGAWAM Plant sale

Agawam Garden Club is holding its annual plant sale for June 3. This year’s event will be held at the Feeding Hills Congregational Church, 21 North Westfield St. The sale will include many perennials and shrubs all from members gardens and all a bargain. Because the plants are all grown locally in members gardens, they are well acclimated to the area. Also featured this year will be Agawam and Feeding Hills hand-painted pots as well as chair planters painted and decorated by club members. Proceeds from the sale go towards funding the club’s scholarship and providing gardening programs for the year. Visit agawamgardenclub. com for more information.

NORTHAMPTON Garden tour

juniper, Russian olive, privet, potentilla, buckthorn, sweetfern, ninebark, and nannyberry viburnum. Amongst annuals, drought tolerant plants include cosmos, marigold, nicotiana, portulaca, sunflower, zinnia, and, interestingly, many of the annuals that are used for dried flowers, such as

The 29th annual Forbes Library Northampton Garden Tour will take place on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. This tour raises funds for the Friends of Forbes Library, Inc. that supports Northampton’s historic public library. At each garden, there are handouts available that describe the plantings and volunteer garden guides to answer questions. There are

also opportunities to enjoy music or observe a plein air painter. Tickets provide driving directions to this self-guided auto route as well as a recommended bicycle route, courtesy of their collaboration with the friends of Northampton Trails. Tour tickets are $20 if bought in advance and can be purchased through June 9 at Bay State Perennial Farm in Whately, Cooper’s Corner, State Street Fruit Store, Gardener’s Supply Company in Hadley, Wanczyk’s Nursery and Forbes Library. Pre-pay online at www.forbeslibrary. org/friends to reserve tour tickets through June 7, for pick up at Forbes Library only on June 8 from 4 to 8 p.m., June 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and June 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets available on the day of the event only at Forbes Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are $25. The Northampton Garden tour also offers a raffle of items that appeal to both gardeners and other library supporters. Win a weekend farm stay in Maryland, a garden bench, a hand-crafted rug, organic compost, gift certificates and much more. Purchase raffle tickets at Forbes Library and at one of the gardens on the day of the tour. Ticket prices are 2 tickets for $5, 5 for $10 or 12 for $20. The raffle drawing will take place at the end of the tour.

Drip irrigation, where water is slowly and frequently dripped into the soil, makes very efficient use of water. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

SEE REICH, PAGE F9

& Dave Runyan | Project of the Week

Pony rocker is still a winner

LIK E RED WAGONS and Teddy bears, rocking horses have never gone out of style.

In fact, this classic riding toy easily holds its own against an amazing array of electronic toys, games and gizmos.

And rocking horses made by dads, grandpas and uncles are more than classics.

They become family heirlooms to be ridden, enjoyed and cherished for generations to come.

This do-it-yourself version makes it fun and easy to create your family’s next heirloom.

This handsome and sturdy pony rocker project features a limited rocking motion, rounded edges and wooden hand grips and stirrups for safety, while a yarn mane and tail and scrap-leather ears provide jaunty good looks.

Simple construction techniques and full-size traceable patterns make the project simple, even for

beginners.

First, trace everything onto 2-by-12 and 1-by-12 lumber, cut out and sand. Next, assemble the pieces using glue, dowels and screws.

Finally, apply stain, sealer or paint as preferred and

attach the mane, tail and ears. The completed pony rocker measures 44 inches long by 25 inches tall.

The Pony Rocker plan, No. 738, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction

diagrams and a materials list and cutting layout. 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.

Don

Memorial Day is time to reflect on American history

MEMORIAL DAY IS a time to both honor individual memories and reflect on American history. Designers have drawn inspiration from American history for over a hundred years. Copies of styles from the early years of the American republic, or the Federal period, have been popular since the 1870s. This is when the Colonial Revival period began, celebrating the Centennial of the United States.

Designers also celebrate American history by incorporating American symbols into their work. Stars and stripes, Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and, of course, eagles often appear in furniture and decorative arts. Eagles are often seen as finials or crests on furniture like Federal mirrors. Sometimes they make up a larger part of a design, like this table with a pedestal base carved into the form of an eagle with

CURRENT PRICES

outstretched wings. With a faux marble top and no identifying marks, it sold for $163 at a Conestoga auction.

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.

Firefighting, fire mark, raised clasped hands, each with spiral twist cuff, cast iron, square, 1800s, 10 x 10 inches, $90.

Advertising teapot, Lipton Tea, pottery glossy black glaze, white letters, oversized oval form with spigot on lower front, Hall China, 20th century, 12 inches, $115.

Bronze figure, Middle Eastern man, sitting on Persian rug, with hookah, cold painted, Orientalist, Austria, 1800s, 4 1/4 x 7 x 7 inches, $275.

Lantern, carry, Steam Gauge & Lantern Co., No. 0, wire cage inside tapered four-sided frame, round stepped base, wire bail handle, shaped Dietz blue glass globe, c. 1900, 13 1/2 inches, $360.

Poster, Moulin Rouge, image of Mistinguett, woman’s face, short red hair, green eyes, long eyelashes, holding rose in her teeth, green letters, black ground, signed, C. Gesmar, printed by H. Chachoin Imp., Paris, 1926, 47 x 31 inches, $480.

Toy, pedal car, Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, orange wiener with Oscar Meyer logo, yellow base, plastic, working horn, original box, 44 inches, $600.

Furniture, center table, Jacobean, walnut, rectangular split board top, frieze drawer, barley twist legs, X-form stretcher, ball feet, 29 x 38 x 24 inches, $710.

Porcelain pitcher, painted scenic landscape in gilt frame, large house by river, sailboats, hills in distance, flower border, other gilt accents, white ground, bulbous, ribbed base, Tucker, Philadelphia, 1800s, 9 3/8 inches, $860.

Clock, Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos, Vendome Model, metal portico case, four green marble pillars, white dial with beaded border, Roman numerals, seconds markings, skeleton works, 9 3/8 inches, $1,045.

Blown glass flask, Stiegel type, amethyst, diagonal swirled ribs, sheared and tooled mouth, 4 3/4 inches, $1,185.

sociated with Picasso” is a 2023 Hot Collecting Category. I own Picasso’s “Jeux de Plage” (“Beach Games” cubic painting), an original lithograph from the Picasso Estate Collection. It’s a limited-edition print on Arches paper, one of several created to pay the taxes on Pablo Picasso’s estate. I’m interested in selling it, but I have no idea where to start. Who should I contact?

Q. I’m looking for help determining the value of a three-color jasperware teapot. It has white figures on a sage green background. I believe it’s from 1898 because of the markings. It’s impressed “Dudson Brothers Hanley England.” Can you tell me what it’s worth?

A. Members of the Dudson family had a pottery in Hanley, Staffordshire, England, beginning in 1800. The name became Dudson Brothers in 1898. The company made earthenware, jasperware and vitrified stoneware. Dudson Brothers’ jasperware looks similar to Wedgwood’s jasperware but is stronger and was less costly. The company went out of business in 2019. Churchill China bought the rights and continued to make two of Dudson’s most popular lines of dinnerware. They are no longer being made. The value of your teapot depends partly on the size. A 12-ounce pot, 4 1/2 inches tall, sold recently for $49.

Q. In an article in Bottom Line, Terry Kovel mentioned that “anything as -

A. When Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) died without a will, his artwork and other assets were split among his heirs. His granddaughter, Marina, authorized the lithographs of several of the paintings, pastels and drawings she inherited. They were published between 1979 and 1982. The sale of the lithographs didn’t pay the inheritance taxes. In 1979, the French government chose more than 700 original pieces of Picasso’s works in payment of the taxes. They were used to establish the Musee National Picasso-Paris, which opened in 1985. Some of the lithographs authorized by Marina Picasso have sold at auctions for several thousand dollars. You should contact an auction that sells prints to authenticate your print and see if they can sell it.

Q. I have a small collection of cards I collected as a boy during World War II. They have pictures of World War II fighter planes and bombers. The reverse has two circles with insignia or emblems. They might have been premiums in boxes of cereal. Can you give me any information and possible value?

A. If the pictures are just photographs, they are probably trading cards. If they have silhouettes of the shape of the planes, they might be spotter cards, aircraft recognition cards used to identify

planes during World War II. The cards had silhouettes of the types of planes used by the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Japan, as seen from the ground. They were one of the aids used by civilian observers, part of the Army Air Forces Ground Observer Corps, who manned observation posts along the east coast, inland to the Appalachian Mountains, and along the west coast of the United States. Reports of aircraft spotted were sent to the Aircraft Warning Service. Spotter cards were also made as playing cards, which were sold commercially and given to servicemen. Kellogg’s printed “Plane Spotter Cards” on the backs of Pep cereal boxes and included a model plane in the package. Reproductions of the original spotter cards have been made. Spotter playing cards sell for about $10. We haven’t seen any spotter cards with insignia or emblems on the back. Most sell for less than $4-$5 each.

TIP: When repairing furniture, it is best to re-glue before you refinish.

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.

Terry and Kim Kovel | antiques & collecting

Eagles are a powerful symbol in American designs from the Great Seal to everyday decorative arts. A carved eagle holds up this table’s faux marble top. (COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

Long-term mortgage rate rises to 6.57%; highest level since mid March

By A LEX VEIGA Associated Press

THE AVERAGE

long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose this week to its highest level since mid March, driving up borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers facing a housing market that’s constrained by a dearth of homes for sale.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 6.57% from 6.39% last week. The average rate a year ago was 5.10%.

High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for homebuyers, limiting how much buyers can afford in a market that remains unaffordable to many Americans after years of soaring home prices and limited housing inventory.

The median monthly payment listed on applications for home purchase loans in April rose to $2,112, up nearly 12% from a year ago and a 0.9% increase from March, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Thursday.

The average rate on a 30year home loan has risen two weeks in a row, echoing moves in the 10-year Trea-

Deeds AGAWAM

Courtney Lavimodiere, Courtney Vander Werff and Charles Joseph Lavimodiere III, to Dustin Teich, 70 Plantation Drive, $265,000.

Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Azusa Realty Trust, trustee of, to Carolyn Pacheco, 323 Southwick St., $290,000.

Jeffrey M. Tobias and Allison Tobias to Victoria Weltlich, 413 North St., $320,000.

sury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing loans.

The 10-year Treasury yield has been mostly rising of late, climbing to 3.79% in afternoon trading Thursday. Two weeks ago, it was at 3.39%.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell 23.2% in the 12 months ended in April, marking nine straight months of annual sales declines of 20% or more, according to the National Association of Realtors. The national median home price fell to $388,800 last month — down 1.7% from a year earlier and the biggest yearover-year drop since January 2012.

The modest pullback in home prices reflects heated competition among buyers, especially those vying for the most affordable homes. At least one-third of the homes sold last month went for more than their list price, according to the NAR.

The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, rose to 5.97% this week from 5.75% last week. A year ago, it averaged 4.31%, Freddie Mac said.

Kelly A. Grassetti, Kelly Anne Kularski and Allan Grassetti to Megan O’Donnell, 118 River Road, $310,000.

Mary L. Kuliesh to Edward Tessier, 203 Regency Park Drive, $80,000.

Rika Ann Woyan to Roxanne Parent, 17 Mansion Woods, Unit B, $235,000.

AMHERST

Hasung Song to Nathan T. Wilson and Michelle Railsback Wilson, 665 West St., $430,665.

James P. Keefe to Carolyn Emberley, 664 Main St., $263,000.

Geoffrey C. Dawe to Amee Trivedi and Prashant Meckoni, 792 East Pleasant St., $469,000.

Amherst-South Pleasant LLC, to South Pleasant Street LLC, 55 South Pleasant St., $400,000.

Robert W. Jackson and Charlotte Anne Jackson to Courtney O’Neil Rose and Carol Joan Newman-Rose, Wildflower Drive, $132,000.

Elizabeth J. Mullins, personal representative, James W. Pistrang, personal representative, and Judith Pistrang, estate, to Michael S. Cary and Jane D. Cary, 20 Mcintosh Drive, $450,000.

Ben S. Branch and Sherry Lee Branch to Matthew Fuller and Janelle Bosse, 83 Larkspur Drive, $800,000.

Allison B. Green to Heather Monoc, 87 Pine Grove, $205,000.

BELCHERTOWN

John Henry Harstad, estate, and Raymond L. Mitchell, personal representative, to Katharine Elise Wyland and Kara Riemer, 360 Old Enfield Road, $357,000.

Orin L. Bracey Jr., and MaryEllen O’Reilly-Bracey to M & G Land Development LLC, Munsell Street, $90,000.

Elizabeth A. Banas and George H. Banas to Sibongile Mafu, 85 North Main St., $295,000.

Donna M. Lusignan to Caleb M. Holmberg and Caleb Holmberg, 251 Rockrimmon St., $379,900. Bell Property Corp., to Jake Trombley and Brittany Fenton, Woodland Lane, $120,000.

LaFleur & Son Inc., and LJ Development LLC, to Expedio Group LLC, Franklin Street, $80,000.

BRIMFIELD

Jonathan Stone to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Methuselah Realty Trust, trustee of, 26 Hollow Road, $194,750.

Pamela J. Tavares and Randy A. Dion to Paul Kosiba and Nicole Santley, 71 West Old Sturbridge Road, $345,000.

CHARLEMONT

N. Douglas Powers to N. Douglas Powers and Susan L. Powers, trustees of the N. Douglas Powers 2007 Revocable Trust, and N. Douglas Powers and Susan L. Powers, trustees of the Susan L. Powers 2007 Revocable Trust, Maxwell Road, $100.

Anthony J. Grey and Elizabeth C. Grey to JH Deerfield Valley Properties LLC, 14 East Harmony Road, $250,000.

CHICOPEE

Chabot Burnett & Carrier LLC, to RTNC Auto Wash Inc., 919 Meadow St., $400,000.

Deonte J. Daniels to Angelo Waiters, 42 Tremont St., $225,000.

Eileen Pare to Kyle Pare, 803 James St., $300,000.

Gwendolyn A. Dupont to Lois L. Burns, 234 Greenwood Terrace, $210,000.

James R. Gosselin, Donna M. Fugere, Julie A. Nadeau and Julie Gosslin to Joseph Evborokhai, 16 Adams St., $361,000.

Marissa M. Deady to Fallah Razzak, 115 South St., #D, $135,000.

Pamela A. Rousseau to Tokyo S. Baldwin and Justin T. Rahn, 52 McCarthy Ave., $240,000.

Patricia Biela to Kyle Pare, 803 James St., $338,633.

Richard E. Jette and Phyllis P. Jette to Murat O. Kavlak, 53 Deslauriers St., $285,000.

Salim Abdoo to Cynthia I. Davila Acevedo, 50 Joy St., $285,000. Speedway LLC, to Chicopee Food Stop LLC, 1423 Memorial Drive, $1,300,000.

U S Bank, trustee, and RMAC Trust Series 2018 G-CTT, trustee of, to Mass Pike LLC, 57 Willwood St., $128,701.

COLRAIN

Ralph E. Hall, trustee of Hall Realty Trust, to Jonathan Goodell, Thompson Road, $7,000.

CONWAY

Susan Bridge to Alison Sinkler, 37 Fisher Place Road, $310,000.

Edwin B. Strange and Kristen B. Strange to Sarah A. Sullivan, 434 South Shirkshire Road, $291,000.

DEERFIELD

Arthur W. Rogers, II, personal representative of the Estate of Arthur A. Rogers, and Rogers SEE DEEDS, PAGE F8

Deeds

Wegiel to Michael W. Donnelly Jr., 44 Colrain St., $190,000.

Daryl J. Walsh and Thomas D. Walsh to Rory Tallon-Hicks. 83 Shattuck St., $300,000.

LUDLOW

Elaine T. Dygon and Richard R. Dygon to Richard C. Dygon, 123 Yale St., $74,000.

Fisher-Katz and Maren T. Brown, 30 Warburton Way, $100.

W. Summit St., and 41 West Summit St., $100.

NORTHFIELD

Farm Management LLC, to David A. Sibley and Joan M. Walsh, 105 Pine Nook Road, $651,500.

Arthur W. Rogers, II, personal representative of the Estate of Arthur A. Rogers, and Rogers Farm Management LLC, to Allen-Chase Foundation, dba Eaglebrook School, 97 Pine Nook Road, $428,500.

Alison B. MacKinnon and John MacKinnon to Oscar J. Almeida, 81 Stillwater Road, $210,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Adam Hession and Meghan Hession to Dennis Xayasone, 161 Braeburn Road, $517,000.

C&M Builders LLC, to Adam Hession and Meghan Hession, 10 Peach Tree Road, $789,000. Federal National Mortgage Association and Fannie Mae to Harris Bierhoff and Carmen Bierhoff, 3 Robin St., $405,000.

Kevin R. Shannon, representative, and Kathleen P. Shannon. Estate, to Vincent Ferraro and Priscilla Mandrachia, 15 Broadleaf Circle, $505,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Edward Roland Boyer and Edward R. Boyer to Plata O Plomo Inc., 1416 Hampton Terrace, $115,000. Mountain View Investors LP, to Alexppark LLC, 31 Union St., $500,000.

GILL

Lynn Baker, Julie A. Brown and Michael Dale to Dana D. Gabriel, 95 French King Highway, $211,000.

GRANBY

Raymond J. O’Brien and Eileen M. O’Brien to LJS Investments LLC, 112 Morgan St., $37,000.

Gloria Lyons to Ted D. Velasco and Katie N. Stone, 26 Smith Ave., $315,000.

John J. O’Neill to Richard Ordynowicz Jr., 146 East St., $75,000.

Diane M. Janas, personal representative, Donna Currier Halon, personal representative, and Georgia L. Currier, estate, to Kenneth Paul Mulder and Emily Mulder, 150 Amherst St., $376,125.

GREENFIELD

Kristi L. Ceccarossi, “aka” Kristi L. Cessarossi, to Lenora M. Kohan, 28 Harrison Ave., $279,500. Jason P. Wegiel and Wendy F.

HADLEY

Brandi G. LaBanc and David A. LaBanc to Hamza Qazi and Muska Qazi, 3 Indian Pipe Drive, $790,000.

HAMPDEN

Brian O’Connor to Jonathon Rodrigues and Audrey Pilon, 79 Stony Hill Road, $440,000.

HATFIELD

Center School LLC, to Kelvy Bird, 58 Main St., $467,000.

HOLLAND

Paul G. Leone and Elizabeth A. Leone to Terry A. Varley and Jean M. Varley, 166-b Stafford Road, $450,000.

HOLYOKE

Elaine F. Lanoue, representative, and Edmund A. Lanoue, estate, to Lucas J. Czarniecki and Miranda Ronke-Czarniecki, 10B Maple Crest Circle, $90,000.

Four Harps LLC, to Esther M. Cartagena Colon, 157 Beech St., $189,000.

Joseph A. Oleksak, Luanne Green and Lu Anne Green to Victor Danilchenko and Martha Velez, 71 Fairfield Ave., $510,000.

Pah Properties LLC, to Norman J. Liquori, 86 Kane Road, $285,000.

Thomas A. Spring to Miguel A. Rivera Jr., 614 South Summer St., $271,000.

Virgilio Gonzalez and Soniah Gonzalez to Alexis Gonzalez and Carmen M. Diaz Olavarria, 538 South St., $300,000.

HUNTINGTON

Palladian Homes LLC, to Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, 7 Rocky Brook Drive, $52,000.

LONGMEADOW

Beth A. Grace to Ingrid F. Smyer, 14 Wendover Road, $605,000.

David G. Clarke and Subha T. Clarke to Dina Le Nguyen, 341 Converse St., $400,000.

Timothy M. McKenna, representative, and Johanna M. McKenna, estate, to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and A-O-K Realty Trust, trustee of, 117 Edgewood Ave., $106,000.

Gary V. Evangelista to Adriana Ramos and Juan Salmeron, 88 Kendall St., $335,000.

K&W Rainbow LLC, to HP Rum LLC, 95-97 Winsor St., $2,675,000.

Kenneth A. McKenzie, trustee, Dorothy McKenzie, trustee, and McKenzie Family Trust, trustee of, to Deborah Alkema and Fergus Dagner, 33 Isabel Lane, $545,000.

Susan M. Fontaine, trustee and representative, Richard P Perreault Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and Richard P. Perreault, estate, to Randy P. Pascale and Kim K. Pascale, 0 Prospect Gardens, $186,000.

MONSON

Gary Shorette to SRV Properties LLC, 13 Old Stafford Road, $90,000.

MONTAGUE

Beau Webster and Sheila Webster to James C. Simpson, 55 Eleventh St., $237,000.

Melisa A. Foster, trustee of the Alice M. Foster Irrevocable Real Estate Trust, to Windy Acres 2, LLC, 2 Fosters Road, $215,000.

Nancy C. Aubrey and Tami L. O’Malley to Seth C. Olson, 15 I St., $210,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Diane G. Elliott, personal representative, and Daryl Eugene Finch, estate, to Donna Walsh Hoener, High Street Off, $3,800. Mary Morton Roeder to Mary Morton Roeder, trustee, Luna Greenwood, trustee, and Mary Morton Roeder Trust, 30 Village Hill Road, $100.

Robert J. Postel and Martha Sweezy to Gerome A. Miklau and Johanna C. Callard, 44 Washington Ave., $953,000.

Michael Long and Michael R. Long to Michael R. Long, trustee, Cheryl A. Brooks, trustee, and Michael R. Long 2023 Trust, Cross Path Road, $100.

Rosemarie B. Power, personal representative, and Alice N. Brady, estate, to Hayden Schulingkamp, 12 Wilder Place, $370,000.

Lauren J. Shatz and Amy Shatz to Sundeep Shukla and Deepika Bains Shukla, Maynard Road, $240,000.

David W. Pritchard to Ellen Darabi and Dara Darabi, 31-33 Indian Hill, $447,000.

Diane E. Fisher-Katz to Diane E.

Gabriela Constantin to Joshua M. Burnes, 754 Mount Hermon Station Road, $215,000.

Peter C. Jasinski and Carol J. Jasinski to Peter J. Jasinski, trustee, and Jasinski Irrevocable Trust, 56 Pine Grove Drive, $100.

Olivia C. Hoess to Elizabeth B. Musto, 20 Lawrence Ave., $175,250.

ORANGE

Chris Rushford and Dawn Rushford, “fka” Dawn Babcock, to Paul Digregory, 123 Sandrah Drive, $284,000.

Patricia J. Rushford to Chris A. Rushford and Dawn Rushford, 37 & 39 West Myrtle St., $70,000. Gerancy Holdings LLC, and Sandra H. Fuchs, trustee of the Nancy Ward Fuchs Testamentary Trust, and Sandra H. Fuchs, personal representative of the Estate of Nancy Ward Fuchs, to Susan Buck and Nicole Noll, Athol Road, $150,000.

Gene W. Ramsdell, Lawrence R. Ramsdel and Scott A. Ramsdell to Mary Chaplin. 10R Eagleville Road. $301,900.

Patricia M. Lee to John Garcia and Heather White. 91 West River Street. $303,900.

New England Agriculture Technologies LLC to TJA201 LLC. Quabbin Boulevard. $820,847.65.

Christina M. Hunt to Andrea J. Plaskiewicz, Trustee of the Andrea Plaskiewicz Revocable Trust. 20 Boyden Road. $62,593.

Mark Lemcke, Elizabeth Lemcke and Jimmy Buccaroni to Amanda Gallant and Tanner Hickerson. 61 Oak Drive. $470,000.

PALMER

Brian J. Chechile and Ashley E. Chechile to Benjamin K. Applebee, 11 Kelly Road, $390,000.

Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Stoney Realty Trust, trustee of, to David W. Luce and Veronica S. Luce, 141 Thompson St., $540,000. John Leon Duquette and Karen Ann Duquette to Brian J. Chechile, 30 Burlingame Road, $407,000. Mitchell Garabedian to Mitchell Garabedian, trustee, and Mitchell Garabedian 2023 Trust, trustee of, 7 Cedar Hill St., $100.

Stephen S. Kwasniewski Jr., and Doris J. Kwasniewski to Joseph Boudreau, 3089 Pine St., $48,000.

RUSSELL

Michael Geyer to Fitzgerald Home Solutions LLC, 118 Main St., $75,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

Peter C. Jasinski and Carol F. Jasinski to Peter J. Jasinski, trustee, and Jasinski Irrevocable Trust, 41

Dino Marinello to Malgorzata Misniakiewicz and Pawel Misniakiewicz, Wood Avenue, $100,000. Susan C. Perkins, trustee, Paul D. Boudreau, trustee, Perkins Family Irrevocable Trust, Marlene F. Perkins and Susan C. Perkins, attorney-in-fact, to Darlene M. Sullivan, 30 Alvord Place, $245,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Raymond Picard and Ann Marie Picard to John Aberdale, Denise Aberdale, Arkadiusz Jaworski, Jessica L. Bean Jaworski, Darren Couture, Erin Couture, Mark A. Hawkes, trustee, Deborah L. Hawkes, trustee, and Deborah L. Hawkes Revocable Trust, Eastwood Drive Off, $8,000.

SOUTHWICK

Dean M. Rankin to Ashton Bourbonnais, 96 Congamond Road, $345,000.

Michael F. Tichy to Frank J. Grillo Sr., and Patricia A. Logan, 2 Lakemont St., $45,000.

Norman Liquori to Kenneth Sparaco and Kathleen Sparaco, 49 South Loomis St., $370,000.

RM Blerman LLC, and R M Blerman LLC, to Louis A. Berrelli and Sharon A. Green, 26 Nicholson Hill Road, $71,000.

Robert S. Tetrault and Ramona L. Tetrault to Timothy A. Barry, 4 Crystal Drive, $300,000.

SPRINGFIELD

Allhdene Williams, estate, and Telleha Howard, representative, to Aubree Phillips, 90 Bowles St., $210,000.

Andrew Psilakis, trustee, and Stavarakis Family Nominee Trust, trustee of, to Mohamad Ahmad Alsmail and Baraa Ismail, 322-324 Chapin Terrace, $320,000.

Anthony Surrette to Dexter T. Miller, 22 Bentley St., $240,000.

Ashraf M. Galal to Abdulrahman Raad Dubai, 1103 Worcester St., $170,000.

Brenda S. Ciak, trustee, and Brenda S Ciak Revocable Indenture Of Trust, trustee of, trustee of, to Tivon Lavalley, trustee, and L L L Realty Trust, trustee of, E S Dunn Street, $10,000.

BRVSA Associates LLC, to Elda

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F7 SEE DEEDS, PAGE F9

celosia, gomphrena, strawflower and statice. Perennials that tolerate drought include yarrow, butterfly weed, coreopsis, poppies, coneflower, sedum and baby’s breath. Ornamental grasses such as pampas grass and blue fescue also are drought-tolerant (lawngrasses, though, generally are greedy consumers of water.

No need to forsake vegetables to a dry summer. Cucumbers, melons, okra, squash and even tomatoes

Deeds

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8

Solorzano Lopez, 139 Bay St., $225,000.

Elizabeth L, Davis and Earl F, Davis to Michelle Alvarez, 22 Pasadena St., $235,000.

Emtay Inc., to Jacque Rivera, 216218 Fort Pleasant Ave., $315,000.

Forethought Life Insurance Co., to David Roffo, 111 Warrenton St., $220,111.

Glenn M. Lungarini and Pamela M. Lungarini to Richard Corthell Jr., 1446 Page Boulevard, $325,000.

HB3 Alternative Holdings LLC, to James Darosa, 165 Sawmill Road, $211,000.

Phoenix Houses of New England Inc., to RHMA1 LLC, 15 Mulberry St., $335,000.

CMC Development Associates

Limited Partnership and Joan E. Foster to Cesar Ruiz Jr., trustee, Lisa Santaniello, trustee, and 38 Center Square Realty Trust, trustee of, 222 Carew St., $1,400,000.

Jaime Andrew McBride, Shawn Adams, Shawne Adams and Murvin Heylinger, estate, to NRES LLC, 11 Aberdeen St., $70,000.

Jessica King-Green to Deivi Tovago Margarin, 581-583 Union St., $350,000.

John J. Ferriter, representative, and Wayne D. Rowley, estate, to Robert J. Schroeter, 63 Merrimac Ave., $70,000.

Kitzig Realty LLC, to Anna Rotin, 140 Chestnut St., Suite 616, $67,000.

Luz M. Martin to TRG Solutions LLC, 299 Carew St., Unit 300, $65,000.

will get along with just enough water to plump up their fruits.

When water is limiting, decrease fertilization. More fertilizer means bigger plants and big plants need more water than small plants. Fertilizer also can exacerbate drought conditions by drawing water from plants in the same way that salty potato chips draw water from your lips.

If you can’t water all plants sufficiently, due either to lack of time or water, first take care of those plants whose root systems have not yet reached far out into the soil. These plants include

Madeline Shaw and Madeline Merced-Santos to Edwin Francisco Brignoni, 1938 Page Boulevard, $235,000.

Manuel DeJesus Santiago to Sunita Mudgett, 1943 Page Boulevard, $220,000.

Melissa Marie Belanger, representative, Michael A. Belanger, estate, and Michael Albert Belanger, estate, to Devon Dias, 46 Brittany Road, $220,000.

Mint Realty Group LLC, to Jorge A. Henriquez, 52 Freeman Terrace, $303,000.

Nancy L. Fournier, estate, Nancy Lee Fournier, estate, and Marlene Boudreaux, representative, to Three Amigos Realty LLC, 102104 Monrovia St., $180,000.

Nancy M. C .Power to New Beginnings Transportation LLC, 1587 State St., $100,000.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., trustee, and HSI Asset Securitization Corp. Trust 2006WMC1, trustee of, to Feliciano Antonio Bonilla and Lino Carrasquillo, 243 Central St., $231,000.

Pioneer Housing LLC, to Melvin Alvarado, 34 Border St., $300,000.

Robert J. Paskins, Sherma H. Paskins and Sherma V. Paskins to Marianna Alvarado, 25-27 Merida St., $355,000.

SRV Properties LLC, to Madeleine E. Smith, 192 Lucerne Road, $299,000.

Tang Properties LLC, to Madeline Stever, 101 Mulberry St., Unit 308, $105,100.

Tavernier Investments LLC, to D&M Realty & Investments LLC, 51 Leete St., $165,000.

Timur Voskoboinik, representative, and Leonid Voskoboinik, estate, to Helen O. Herrera, 95 Catalina Drive, $350,000.

small transplants and newly planted trees and shrubs. Then water other plants, beginning with those least able to tolerate drought. What about the actual mechanics of watering? The rule is to water either infrequently and deeply (one inch or about one gallon per square foot, once a week), or shallowly and frequently (the equivalent, spread out over the days of the week). The latter is the essence of drip irrigation, a system whereby water emitters drip water next to each plant at a specified rate. Since emitters (ideally) replace soil water at the rate that plants use it

SUNDERLAND

MF Properties LLC, to John R. Barlow and Betsy J. Barlow, 129 Plumtree Road, $503,000.

TOLLAND

David P. Whitehead and Jenny Whitehead to Jenny Whitehead, 92 Rivers Road, $100,000.

WALES

Norcross Wildlife Foundation Inc., to Ronald C. McClain, 152 Stafford Road, $30,000.

WARE

Judith E. Aversa to Donald Corbett, 42 Shoreline Drive, $100.

Richard Gregoire and Doreen Gregoire to Ardfield Teach LLC, 413 Belchertown Road, $352,500.

Brian J. Chechile and Ashley E. Chechile to Benjamin K. Applebee, 11 Kelly Road, $390,000.

David B. Poulin, David B. Poulin, trustee, and David B. Poulin Revocable Trust to Annette L. Leclair, 13 Walter Drive, $100.

William A. Pawlowski to Nu-Way Mobile Home Supplies Inc., 15 Willow St., $25,000.

Connie Leung and Michael Radzick to Mark Medina and Marissa Radzick, 32 Maple Ave., $203,500.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

696 Elm Street Realty LLC, to Corey B. Williams and Stephanie Sparling Williams, 696 Elm St., $290,000.

Bianca A. Marrero and Andre Marrero to Joel M. Marrero and Andre J. Marrero, 47 Amherst St.,

and only plants of choice get water, not paths and weeds, drip irrigation makes very efficient use of water. Drip irrigation also is amenable to automation, which is important since the spigot has to be turned on at least once for a half an hour or so each day. No matter what type of watering system, tapwater can be supplemented with water caught from rooftops in barrels or cisterns. Some gardeners divert wastewater from their kitchen sink drains into the garden. Mounding up the soil in small catchbasins around trees and shrubs catches wa-

$230,000.

David A. Zytkiewicz, representative, and Isabelle Mary Zytkiewicz, estate, to Joseph C. Boucher and Alisha H. Khoury-Boucher, 100 Bonnie Brae Drive, $370,000.

Gennady Belyshev to Jared Kegoro and Rhoda Ondabu, 100 Frederick St., $415,000.

George R. Sullivan to Maria I. Villar, 48 Abigail Lane, $475,000.

Joseph V. Russo to Alexander Hoar, Cold Spring Avenue, Unit 522-3, $135,000.

Kayla R. Lusnia Buteau to Carrie A. Blair, 17 Fabyan St., $225,000.

Lena St. LLC, to HP Rum LLC, 1715-1721 Riverdale St., $5,200,000.

Michael D. Rheaume and Robin

M. Rheaume to Olivia Hoess, Olivia C. Hoess, Samuel Einzig and Samuel C. Einzig, 132 Laurel Road, $343,000.

Ratna B. Darjee, Alan Pariyar, Dilip Darjee and Bissnu Maya Darjee to Ali Naser Alzirkany and Entisar Al Naser, 27 Chester St., $260,000.

Susan M. Hoskin, executor, Brian Hoskin, executor, William R. Hoskin, estate, William Hoskin and Gregory Hoskin to Mert E. Basarir and Ziynet Basarir, Colony Road, Unit 35-2A, $100,500.

WESTFIELD

60-62 Franklin Street LLC, to HP Rum LLC, 60-62 Franklin St., $1,975,000.

Adam Marshall and Sarah J. Quist to John William Powers and Hannah S. Powers, 76 Old Quarry Road, $325,000.

Beverly A. Burek to Rex William Post and Sabine Macris Klein, 384 Steiger Drive, $450,000.

James A. Baker to Shelby Lis-

ter to keep it from running away beyond the reach of roots.

It may seem premature to think about summer drought at a time when slugs frolick each evening in dampness and rain. Yet the garden tends to be somewhat thirsty in midsummer, whether the season is classified as droughty or normal. Be prepared.

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.

ney, 419 Southwick Road, A-3, $248,000.

Laura Jo Ferguson, Laura F. Nay and Laura Jo Nay to Dong Kim and Sandrimar Gonzalez, 28 Fawn Lane, $390,000.

Omaha Property Manager LLC, to Sarmad Almoula, 86 Orange St., $170,000.

Stanley C. Gregson Jr., representative, Stanley C. Gregson Sr., estate, and Stanley Carl Gregson Sr., estate, to Silver Snake Properties LLC, 47 West School St., $110,000.

Steven Rosinski to Vadim Popovichenko and Dina Popovichenko, Furrowtown Road, Lot 1, $115,000.

WESTHAMPTON

Benjamin Arnold Kraus and Anna Katharina Gaziano Kraus to Blueberry Property LLC, Blueberry Hills Road, $100.

WILBRAHAM

2301 Boston Road LLC, to Philip Ozzone and Linda Ozzone, 35 Ivy Circle, $420,000.

Daniel Swiecanski to Violet Alvarado-Slatis and David Slatis, 7 Mark Road, $360,000.

Dnepro Properties LLC, to Olivia Caldwell and Amy Neubauer, 5 Oxford Drive, $376,000.

Howard R. Smith to James J. Knittel and Alice Gawron Knittel, 91 Cherry Drive, $495,000.

WORTHINGTON

Leonard Fishman and Susan Schnur to David M. Smedley, 4 Capen St., $580,000.

U.S.A. Housing & Urban Development to Kyle Dempsey, 24 Indian Oven Road, $165,000.

To grow herbs, you don’t even need a garden

By JESSICA DAMIANO Associated Press

CULINARY HERBS ARE among the easiest plants you can grow. They only need sunlight, water, and well-draining soil with a neutral pH.

You don’t even need a garden. Many herbs, such as rosemary, basil, cilantro, lemon balm, oregano and mint will grow well in containers. In fact, mints should only be grown in containers, unless you don’t mind a garden takeover.

To get started, test your soil. Buy a pH test kit online or at your local garden center and follow the instructions. A reading of 7.0 is ideal, but anything between 6.0 and 7.5 is generally acceptable for growing herbs. If the soil tests lower, add garden lime to raise it. If it’s too high, add elemental sulfur to lower it. Follow package directions for dosages and instructions.

If growing herbs in containers, use a potting mix intended

Toads

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2

them by avoiding the use of chemicals in and around the garden. Even common bug sprays can harm them, so make sure to apply those far away from the toad’s home.

Della Togna says the most helpful thing people can do for toads is simply get to know them. “There’s often a social or cultural component to people not liking amphibians,” she says.

Beliefs persist that toads can give you warts (false) or that they’re poisonous to the touch. The latter is half true: When threatened, they can secrete a toxin from lumpy glands behind their eyes. It’s harmful if swallowed, but if you use caution with kids and dogs and wash your hands after any contact, says Della Togna, you should have nothing to worry about.

Toads are creatures of habit: If they find a home they like, they might stay more than a

for edibles. The package label should include information about its pH level.

Select a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If your garden has sandy or heavy clay soil, incorporate a moderate amount of compost into the top 6-8 inches to stabilize drainage. If the soil is perpetually soggy, remove the top 12-15 inches of soil, then add a 3” layer of crushed stone to the bottom of the hole. Mix some compost with the soil you removed and use the combined medium to refill the hole, creating a mound at the top (it will settle in time).

If you’re using seedlings, whether started indoors or purchased at the nursery, plant them according to the spacing recommendations on their plant tags or seed packet. Some herbs are well-suited for direct sowing into the garden; check seed packs for guidance. Herbs will not grow well in wet conditions, so allow the soil to dry out slightly between

waterings. They also taste better when grown without fertilizer. For this reason, don’t overdo the compost when amending the soil to improve drainage. Chervil, summer savory, fennel and lovage are exceptions, as they do benefit from modest fertilizer applications.

Annual herbs complete their life cycles – from seed to senescence, or death – in a single growing season. They include basil, cilantro, dill, chamomile and marjoram.

Perennial herbs, which return for multiple growing seasons, include rosemary, thyme, sage, tarragon and oregano.

Biennials, like caraway and parsley, live for two growing seasons, producing only foliage during their first year, then flowers and seeds in their second before dying.

However, if they aren’t hardy enough to survive your winters, you may have to treat some listed perennials as annuals. In my New York garden, that’s usually rosemary, although I

decade. “People want to know if they have the same toad coming back night after night or even year after year,” says Benard.

“If you look carefully, they have unique spot patterns on their back that can let you identify one individual from another.”

When her children were young, Berger recalls a toad — or maybe several of them — that was the long-term tenant of a terracotta hut in a corner of her herb garden. “The kids would go and check on it, and sometimes he’d be home and sometimes he’d be out,” she says. “It was really fun for them to have this wild sort of ‘pet’ that they could see and interact with.”

Toad husbandry isn’t hard, says Della Togna, and every gardener can help make a difference. “We can see it as one person and one garden and one toad, and that doesn’t feel like a big impact,” she says.

“But think about 1,000 of those gardens. That’s a significant impact on this amphibian population and a huge contribution to citizen science and local conservation.”

Notes

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F4

WEST SPRINGFIELD Garden club lunch, meeting

have gotten lucky after a few mild winters. Your results may vary. For the most potent aroma, harvest herbs in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets intense. Use fragrant basil as an ingredient in tomato dishes. Add rosemary to poultry, pork and lamb recipes. Make tea with the tiny daisy-like flowers of chamomile. Add chives to salads and dishes calling for onions. Dill shines in Greek recipes, sour cream dips and with cucumbers. Sage elevates poultry, sausages and stuffings.

Thyme complements meat and fish dishes. And parsley will freshen your breath when you chew it. There are some interesting varieties to seek out, too. Pineapple sage carries the aroma of its namesake fruit, as do cinnamon and lemon basil, and strawberry and apple mint. There’s even a chocolate mint, which is lovely when added to milkshakes or cocktails. Got questions about spring gardening? Please send them to Jessica Damiano at jessica@jessicadamiano.com with “Gardening Question” in the subject line.

The annual luncheon and meeting of the Wilbraham Garden Club will be held at Storrowton Tavern on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition on June 1. Social hour will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon will follow at noon. Contact Norma Bandarra at 413-596-8173 for more information or reservations.

STOCKBRIDGE Vegetable garden

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents “Deep Dive: A Berkshire Vegetable Garden” on June 3. This is a off-site program. Among the topics to be

covered on a tour of this West Stockbridge garden is soil management, including use of cover crops, various methods of in-garden composting, and adapting to no-till gardening. Participants will view different planting strategies for various crops using raised beds, mounding and vertical space. Various pest management strategies will be discussed. Also included is a walkthrough and discussion of the values of an unheated greenhouse for the yearround production of vegetables. Cost is $20 members, $25 nonmembers. For more information or to register, visit berkshirebotanical.org; Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.

SPRINGFIELD Plant sale, scholarship fundraiser

The Springfield Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on June 3, from 9 a.m. to noon, at its new home at Forest Park, 300 Sumner Ave., behind the Cyr Arena. A spring tradition and the club’s major scholarship fundraiser, plants are from members’ gardens or have been grown from seed specifically for the sale.

The Springfield Garden Club awards and annual scholarship to a graduating high school senior, undergraduate or graduate college student majoring in a full-time plant science or environmental studies program, such as horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, conservation, forestry, botany, agronomy, plant pathology, environmental control, land management or other allied fields.

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

Parsley, sage, basil and chives growing in a raised bed herb garden. (JESSICA DAMIANO VIA AP)

Aaron Posnik

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