2021 Spring Home & Garden

SPRING H & G 2021 3

ON THE COVER: Christopher D. Foster’s macro
image of a honeybee provides a vibrant pop of
color to complement Nick Roth’s profile of the
Lewes Beekeeping Club on page 38.

10

16

Increase value 30

Check out these DIY ideas that can
increase your home’s beauty and
resale value. Page 18

All Cooped Up A buzz about bees Buying or selling?

An activity to pass the time during The Lewes Beekeeping Club aims to Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, a
the pandemic turned into a business teach the community about importance homeowner or considering selling, here’s
building chicken coops. Page 24 of pollinators Page 38 what you need to know in 2021 Page 46

4 SPRING H & G 2021

Garden Center Open Year Round

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Monday - Saturday: 8am - 5pm

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SPRING H & G 2021 5

52

48 60 A Cape Gazette
special publication
73 100
Special Sections Editor
6 SPRING H & G 2021 Sweepstakes Winner Jen Ellingsworth

Polly Lehtonen of Lewes wins big in Cape CoPublisher/General Manager
Gazette and Randall-Douglas’ inaugural Chris Rausch
Home Makeover Sweepstakes Page 109
IT Manager/Photo Editor
Tulip Celebration Christopher D. Foster

Spring festival, full of events and flowers, Copy Editor
is 12th annual Lewes celebration set for Bernadette Hearn
April 2-11 Page 114
Advertising
Andrew Thomas
Cindy Bowlin
Kathy McGinty

Production
Cape Gazette Coordinator,
Edwin Krumm

Digital Coordinator,
Teresa Rodriguez

Editorial Coordinator,
Kristin Sinnott

Special Sections Coordinator,
Tara Arjona

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SPRING H & G 2021 7

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Time to get busy!

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Renovate the bathroom
If it’s time for a serious undertaking, a full-blown remodel
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SPRING H & G 2021 9

Tips to get organized

Getting organized and making the most of your home’s
storage space can be a daunting task. To help keep clutter
at bay and streamline organization throughout the house,
consider these tips for revamping your closets and desig-
nated storage areas:

Determine your goal: Own less stuff. The less
Create a plan of attack and stuff you have, the less time
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SPRING H & G 2021 11

Prevent Pets can be companions, protectors, service
pet-related animals, and even help produce products that
damage can be sold, such as eggs from chickens. While
there are many positive attributes to pets, one
potential concern is the impact they have on the
home. Continued on page 14

12 SPRING H & G 2021

SPRING H & G 2021 13

Pet damage ing, pets that have not been properly Dogs, particularly puppies, can be
trained or were trained and are expe- orally fixated. When the urge to chew
Continued from page 12 riencing a behavioral or medical issue sets in, unless there are appropriate
may begin soiling in improper areas, chew toys, the furniture, moldings and
Pet-related damage can occur when such as outside the litter box or in the other items around the house may
pets are angry or happy. Boister- home. Obedience training can head off become fair game.
ous animals may scratch or claw at some issues, but if a medical condition
furniture and floors. Some animals is suspected, consult with a veterinar- It is important to note that declaw-
may climb or chew. Woodwork and ian promptly. ing a cat to prevent damage should
furniture can be damaged by pet paws not be a consideration. It is a surgery
and teeth, but that’s not where it ends. Dirt, fur and more: An investment that can cause ongoing health prob-
The following are some potential pet- in regular grooming can help keep lems. Nail caps can be used as a safe
damage problems and how to avoid certain damage at bay, states Home alternative.
them. Advisor. Regularly brushing and trim-
ming coats, keeping nails clipped and Escape artists: In some cases,
Marking: Many animals use scent bathing will keep a home fresh and pets may chew or scratch their way
markers to establish their territory and minimize damage. Other pets may not through doors and window screens.
communicate with other animals. As be groomed but require cleaning of Others may dig under fencing or
a result, both male and female pets cages or other habitats. Bird droppings climb, leaving damage in their wake.
may spray urine in certain areas of the and feathers can get on surfaces. Boredom, anxiety or lack of training
house. While it may not eliminate the Cleaning daily or very frequently can may be behind these behaviors, ac-
problem immediately, making sure help keep a home tidy. cording to Pets Weekly. However, the
to neuter or spay cats and dogs can urge to roam also may be tied to pets
reduce the likelihood that they’ll mark Provide toys and scratching posts: not being fixed. Work with the vet or a
indoors or attempt to seek out and Pets need an outlet to tame anxiety trainer to help stop these issues.
mate with feral animals they smell and energy. If they don’t have suitable
canvassing the property. outlets, pets may cause damage to Pets can cause damage around the
a home. Cats will take to furniture to house. But certain strategies can help
Accidents: In addition to mark- stretch their paws if they don’t have decrease the likelihood of serious,
scratching posts or special mats. ongoing problems.

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SPRING H & G 2021 15

Tips to increase productivity

This era has taught work- Break up your day. With so
ers a thing or two about being many hours at home in front of
productive. Consider these tips a computer, workdays can get a
to stay effective all year. little monotonous. Break up the
day to make working from home
Find a system and stick to it. feel as "normal" as possible
Creating an organizing system - shower in the morning, take
is an easy way to ensure an a walk or drive to get coffee,
at-home workspace is ready for then make time for at least two
optimal productivity. Designate breaks throughout the day.
space to house all your work
items - a drawer, cabinet or box Bookend your days with
- and keep them organized by
type (pens, papers, computer mindfulness. At the beginning
gear, etc.) At the end of each and end of each workday, do a
day, transitioning to "offline 3-5-minute mindfulness medita-
hours" can be easier when you tion. Before signing on to work,
have a place to stow work items. allow your mind to fully focus
on the day's tasks at hand. Sign
Start your day clean. Studies off by doing another media-
have shown cleanliness has a di- tion to end the day and let go
rect impact on productivity. Yet, of any worries or stresses you
many people struggle to find might have. Incorporating this
the time and energy to clean, tactic into your daily routine can
especially at the end of a busy help create a natural boundary
day at home. between work and home.

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16 SPRING H & G 2021

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SPRING H & G 2021 17

DO IT YOURSELF

DIY ideas to increase
your home's value

Now more than ever, your home is a Is your project right
sanctuary. Over the past year, homeowners for DIY? See page 20.
began to consider the intersection of function
and design in new ways. Select trim style to match home style

If you're considering upgrades to your The right style of trim can transform a room into a
home, check out these DIY ideas that can whole new space. A good rule of thumb is to keep the
increase beauty and resale value. style of trim consistent with your home style and from
room to room.
Home office: Spending more time at home may mean
storage space is at a premium, especially if you're relying Craftsman: Pairs well Modern: Clean expan-
on a makeshift home office. You can add a high-impact and with simple, tailored and siveness lends itself to
functional element to your office with a built-in bookcase purposeful doors and unadorned window and
or workstation. Consider your materials carefully since minimally ornamented door casings as well as
they have a big impact on your final results. For example, a window casings, while baseboards. You can go
versatile alternative to wood is synthetic polyvinyl chloride white, light beige and minimalist and use trim
(PVC) trim, which you don't need to sand or prime before cream crown moulding merely to protect walls
painting, ultimately saving time, energy and money. While creates roomier spaces. and floors. Rely on trim to
PVC is slightly more expensive than some wood options, it create an appealing con-
also requires less long-term maintenance. Colonial: Rustic sim- trast with the wall colors.
plicity and rich detail call
Bathroom: By updating worn-out items, modernizing for interior trim that lends Ranch: Open, informal
fixtures and creating a more functional space, you can a touch of stately courtli- and inviting, this style
expect to recoup up to 50% of a bathroom's remodel cost, ness. needs trim work that
according to the National Association of the Remodeling flows from room to room.
Industry. If you're considering an on-trend look like shiplap, Cape Cod: Practical, un- Many styles work, from
a practical solution like Royal prefinished PVC Shiplap can assuming design can be simple baseboards to
help create a clean, comfortable space. It's waterproof, accented by subtle inte- more formal trimmed
mold resistant, flexible and works well in spaces with many rior trim such as transom windows and cabinetry
slants and angles. Plus, it's lightweight and easy to install. windows and sidelights in the kitchen, fireplace
on multi-paneled entry mantels in the family
Entryway: A home's foyer offers the first impression of doors, casings for double- room, and passageway
its interior, teasing the personality of architecture and de- hung windows, picture casings.
cor found with each step deeper inside. Whether bold and rails and frame walls.
dramatic, tranquil and serene, or something in between, the
entryway often sets the tone for a home's ambience Details
like decorative molding and lattice trim can create a strik-
ing entryway for almost any home style.

Exterior: Whether you're sprucing up an outdoor living
space or simply want to boost curb appeal, subtle enhance-
ments can make a big impact. For example, board-and-bat-
ten shutters offer an attractive, low-fuss way to highlight
your home's windows. Painting the front door is another
low-cost way to freshen up your exterior. Or invite a touch
of nature by adding flower boxes to your front porch or
windows.

18 SPRING H & G 2021

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SPRING H & G 2021 19

DO IT YOURSELF

Do you dare
to DIY?

A do-it-yourself mentality
has taken hold in millions
of households across the
globe. Popular television
channels like HGTV and DIY
Network as well as accessible
home improvement content
on apps like YouTube have
inspired many homeowners
to tackle renovation projects
around their homes. Taking
such initiative is admirable,
though it also can prove
costly if homeowners end up
biting off more than they can
chew.

Can I afford to DIY? potentially costly specialty tools may assessment of their skills. A lack of
be better suited for weekend warriors renovation experience does not neces-
Professional home improvement than more complicated renovations. sarily mean a homeowner cannot
projects are costly for a variety of successfully complete a DIY project.
reasons. Materials can be expensive, Do I have the time? But in such instances, it may be best
but so are the tools and labor to do to start with small, straightforward
the job right. Homeowners may not Homeowners must determine how projects and then gradually move up
have the tools necessary to complete much time they have to complete a to bigger, more complicated projects
complicated projects. Specialty tools project before deciding to do it them- as skills are fine tuned. And home-
can be expensive to purchase or even selves. No one wants to spend months owners who have never been at their
rent, and the cost of acquiring such staring at an unfinished renovation best with a hammer in hand should
tools should be included in any DIY project. Homeowners who are already not be ashamed to leave the work to
project cost estimates. Labor also fac- pressed for time may not be able to the professionals.
tors heavily into professional projects, complete work in a timely fashion,
and for good reason. Talented contrac- which can make homes less comfort- Television shows and online tutorials
tors have unique skills that have been able and even less safe. can make renovations appear easier
developed and perfected over many than they actually are. Homeowners
years. Those skills can ensure projects Can I pull this off? considering DIY renovations can ask
are completed quickly and correctly. themselves a handful of questions
Labor may seem costly, but such costs DIY projects can instill homeowners to determine if they’re ready for the
may ultimately prove to be a bargain with a sense of pride in their homes, challenge of renovating their homes
compared to the cost of fixing DIY but it’s imperative that those consider- on their own.
mistakes. Projects that are minor in ing the DIY option conduct an honest
scope and don’t require the use of

20 SPRING H & G 2021

SPRING H & G 2021 21

Lawn watering, fertilizing techniques

Knowing how much water and Around the House. An annual appli- so that the water can dry before night-
fertilizer to apply and when to apply cation (late spring for warm-season fall and will not contribute to disease.
it can make a big difference in the ap- grass or fall for cool-season grass)
pearance and health of a lawn. That’s may be all that’s needed. Water an established lawn until the
because a well-fed and watered lawn top six to eight inches of soil is wet.
will develop a better root system, Certain fertilizers need to be ap- Most lawns need one to 1.5 inches of
which makes the lawn less vulnerable plied and watered in. Others may be water per week from rain or a hose to
to stressors like drought, mowing, foot combined with weed-control products soak the soil that deeply.
traffic, and heat. and must be set on top of damp grass.
Read packaging to determine the right Newly established lawns may
• Fertilizer: There is no magic application. require more water to keep the soil
moist but not soggy.
formula governing when to fertilize a • Water: The right watering sched-
lawn. The type of grass and how well- ule and techniques can help a lawn
established a lawn is must be consid- thrive. Adjusting for climate and
ered. Experts suggest having the soil nature can help grass to grow strongly.
tested to determine its pH levels and if A lawn that has a grayish cast or ap-
any nutrients are lacking. A fertilizing pears dull green is telling an owner
schedule can then be developed after that it needs water. Another test is to
testing. step on the lawn. If footprints disap-
pear quickly, the grass blades have
Keep in mind that overfeeding a enough moisture to spring back.
lawn will not make it grow any better
and actually can damage the turf. Water the lawn in the morning
Several small applications of fertilizer before 10 a.m. when it’s cooler and
during the lawn’s most active grow- the winds tend to be calm so that the
ing period may be helpful, advises the water can soak in. For those who must
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SPRING H & G 2021 23

FOR THE BIRDS

All Cooped Up: Business born out of boredom

By Chris Flood
[email protected]

Like pretty much everyone else

in the world this past spring, when

COVID hit, Milton’s Jarrod Adams was

looking for a way to pass the time. His

source of relief? Spending hours in the

garage building chicken coops.

Adams works in the telecommuni-

cation installation industry and he’s

used to traveling a lot – he’s worked in

47 states. That all changed when air

travel ground to a halt.

“After a month of working on the

computer, I started getting bored. I

started doing this to get outside,” said

Adams.

Now, nearly a year later, Adams’

business, All Cooped Up, is taking off. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS

Anymore, he said, standing next to the All Cooped Up owner Jarrod Adams started making chicken coops a month into COVID
restrictions because he could only stand being in front of the computer so many hours a
coop he built for his wife Jessica and day. Adams is shown with his wife Jessica, who came up with the business name.

her 70 chickens, there’s a waiting list,

and he’s begun taking custom orders.

When people couldn’t find toilet pa- Over 70 Years
of Service
per, they started

THE COOPS thinking about

ARE MADE WITH other things they CLENDANIEL 227-1944
TREATED FENCE didn’t want to be 684-3152
PICKETS, JOINED without, he said.

“A lot of

USING A SHIPLAP people have got-
ten chickens,” he
METHOD, said. PLUMBING • HEATING 644-1952
AND EACH IS
Adams is not

TOPPED WITH formally trained

A METAL ROOF. in construction,
but he said he

grew up poor in

Ohio, so he knows his way around

tools because he built everything. He • Plumbing • Heating
• Goulds Water Systems
helped build his family’s 30-by-40- • Sewer & Drain Cleaning

foot A-frame house when he was a ClendanielPlumbingHeating.com

teenager.

The coops are made with treated

fence pickets, joined using a shiplap

method, and each is topped with a

metal roof. The shiplap accounts for

board shrinkage, and he doesn’t like

dealing with roofing shingles, he said.

Continued on page 26

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Jarrod Adams does his designing in his head, but give As this model with its roof propped up shows, the chicken coops are stylish
him a picture and he can replicate a design – like this and functional.
vintage Shasta camper he created for a customer.

All Cooped Up

Continued from page 24

He finishes off each piece with an All Cooped
Up brand and a light touch from the blowtorch
to give it that rustic feel.

“This is my favorite toy,” said Adams, holding
up the torch by its handle.

Adams said some of his customers have other
animals, like goats, and a hinged roof allows
chicken feed dispensers to be placed in the
middle of a coop. Otherwise, he said, the goats
will just stick their heads into the coop to eat
the feed, and the owners will go through a lot of
money.

In addition to chicken coops, Adams makes a
few goat-related items, too – a disbudding box
and a stand that allows for milking.

Adams sketches designs out to make sure
proportions are correct and so he knows how
much wood to buy, but he said he doesn’t work
from blueprints.

“I’ve been asked about blueprints, but it’s all
up here,” he said, pointing to his head. “I can
make something from a picture, but prints don’t
exist.”

For more information on All Cooped Up,
12574 Coastal Highway, Milton, call Adams at
302-382-6658 or direct message the business’
Facebook page.

All Cooped Up also makes some goat-related items, like this disbudding hold-
ing box for baby goats. Each piece, at left, is tagged with a branding iron.

26 SPRING H & G 2021

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SPRING H & G 2021 27

28 SPRING H & G 2021

SPRING H & G 2021 29

DELAWARE BOTANIC GARDENS

Build it and they will come - to Sussex County! 

By Craig Sims
Special to the Cape Gazette

What do you do with
a former soybean field
surrounded by a greenbrier-
filled forest, but also close
to local beaches and
businesses? Maybe if you are
Kevin Costner, you turn it into
a baseball field. But thanks
to the foresight of the Sussex
County Land Trust, these 37
highly desirable acres were
saved for open space.

In early 2012, a visionary group of RAY BAJORSKI PHOTO
energetic, garden-loving women and
men saw the potential for a botanic The Meadow at Delaware Botanic Gardens.
garden in the field next to Pepper
Creek. As they stood in that tract nine is known for his naturalistic style and it looks good through the year, not
years ago, they envisioned a place of as a leading figure in the New Peren- just at one particular time. I want to
beauty, tranquility, and relaxation that nial Movement. go outside and for it to be interest-
would fill the need for horticulture ing in all weather, in early spring, in
education and gardening resources “A GARDEN IS EXCITING FOR ME late autumn.” - (from “Piet Oudolf at
representing coastal Delaware. WHEN IT LOOKS GOOD THROUGH Home in the Garden,” an interview in
This dedicated group cultivated the THE YEAR, NOT JUST AT ONE The English Garden.) 
nonprofit known as Delaware Botanic PARTICULAR TIME. I WANT TO
Gardens at Pepper Creek. The DBG GO OUTSIDE AND FOR IT TO BE Oudolf's compositions are featured
board of directors comprises a diversi- INTERESTING IN ALL WEATHER, IN worldwide. You can find his designs in
fied group of individuals from across EARLY SPRING, IN LATE AUTUMN.” New York City's High Line Garden and
Delmarva offering the experience, Battery Park, Lurie Garden in Chicago,
knowledge, and most importantly, the - PIET OUDOLF and now locally in Delaware Botanic
passion to bring Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek. Oudolf re-
Gardens to life and ultimately recon- This garden design style uses mixed cently reissued his book, "Hummelo, A
nect our community with the natural perennials and grasses to create long, Journey Through a Plantsman's Life,"
world.  sweeping drift patterns and natural with highlights of his work within our
aesthetics that add interest and in- local treasure.
Delaware Botanic Gardens offers trigue to the landscape through every
the opportunity to expand tourism in season.  Just a short walk from the Meadow
Sussex County with a world-class gar- Garden, patrons will find themselves
den that is open Mid-March through "A garden is exciting for me when immersed in one of DBG’s newest
November. The DBG centerpiece, the features, a living shoreline restored in
Meadow Garden, allows visitors to partnership with the Delaware Center
experience the work of internationally for the Inland Bays. Dedicated staff
known master gardener Piet Oudolf.
An influential Dutch designer, Oudolf Continued on page 32

30 SPRING H & G 2021

SPRING H & G 2021 31

Botanic Gardens this venture will be used to further de- TOM BASON PHOTO
velop garden facilities and programs. 
Continued from page 30 A giant bird’s nest allows visitors to con-
As you finish out your visit at these nect with nature and engage with the web
and volunteers from DBG and CIB enchanting and lively gardens, you of life.
worked together to protect the water- can't help but stand on top of The
front of Pepper Creek. They created an Knoll and delight in a 360-degree Craig Sims is director of develop-
environmentally sustainable habitat view of the Delaware Botanic Gar- ment for Delaware Botanic Gardens. 
for aquatic wildlife and ensured that dens’ treasures. This panoramic view
the stabilized shoreline would remain of Pepper Creek's flora and fauna is a
a place of tranquility, beauty, and edu- fantastic location to sit back, relax and
cation for years to come.  take in the beauty of all that Delaware
Botanic Gardens has to offer. 
Woven into the gardens’ woodland
landscape is a magical place, a giant With spring just around the corner,
bird's nest that allows visitors to con- opening day is quickly approaching,
nect with nature and engage with the and new life will be in abundance
web of life. The Learning Nest not only within the gardens. Don't miss the
provides residential wildlife a place to brilliant wave of 35,500 spring- and
call home, but also offers ample op- summer-flowering bulbs, perennials,
portunity for outdoor education.  shrubs and trees in our Folly Garden.
Now is the perfect time to plan your
At the forefront of Delaware Botanic trip to our community's newest field of
Gardens’ mission is raising awareness dreams.  Go to delawaregardens.org to
of native ecosystems critical to sus- view our schedule and purchase tick-
taining the natural beauty of coastal ets. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
Delaware. The DBG’s expansion and we are offering timed tickets to ensure
development efforts will provide com- the safety of all visitors. Stay informed
munity education and engagement by signing up for our bimonthly elec-
opportunities enhancing its offerings tronic newsletter, Garden Snips.
with school tours, onsite adult educa-
tion classes, and virtual classrooms.  WWW.DAVETHEUPHOLSTERER.COM

Executive Director Sheryl Swed 21085 JOHN J. WILLIAMS HWY., LEWES
said, "We have created several out-
door venues around the gardens to UPHOLSTERY
be used by the local community and FABRIC SALES
visitors alike. We believe that combin- CUSHIONS
ing science and art into living labora- FREE PICK-UP AND DELIVERY
tories will inspire a new generation of
garden enthusiasts, master garden- DAVE PHILLIPS • (302) 645-0838
ers, nature lovers, and scientists. We
also hope to inspire homeowners by
demonstrating the use of various na-
tive plants that will enhance their own
homes." 

Other learning opportunities in-
clude the Dunes Garden, a re-creation
of an important ecological habitat
prominent in this area 10,000 years
ago, and the Dogfish Head Learning
Garden, a created wetlands outdoor
laboratory. Delaware Botanic Gardens
is partnering with Sussex Technical
High School to build birdhouses to
help regenerate the local bird popula-
tion. Student-constructed birdhouses
will be popping up throughout the
gardens this spring. Funds raised from

32 SPRING H & G 2021

Tell mosquitoes to buzz off

The value of a retreat-like backyard small receptacles that can collect to-repellant qualities. For example, bee
was never more apparent than in water. Even clogged gutters can lead balm releases a fragrance as it grows,
2020. Over the last year-plus, much to the accumulation of a small amount and mosquitoes don’t like that fra-
of the world has been forced to stay of water, and that can be enough for grance. Homeowners can speak with
home. mosquitoes to breed. Remove these a local lawn and garden professional
potential breeding grounds when for recommendations about plants
A revamped outdoor space can you find them, and do so each day, that can thrive in their region and repel
provide the perfect retreat for home- as mosquitoes mature from eggs to mosquitoes at the same time.
owners who want to get away from it nymphs in roughly four days.
all. But one winged, unwelcome guest Mosquitoes can make it hard to
can quickly transform an oasis into an • Mow regularly. Mowing the lawn enjoy a backyard oasis. But various
uninviting space. so the grass never gets too high is strategies can help homeowners keep
another way to make a backyard less these unwanted guests out of their
Mosquitoes make their presence felt hospitable to mosquitoes. Pest experts backyards.
in many areas each summer. These note that mosquitoes seek tall grass
pesky, often hungry insects can carry to protect them from the elements,
disease, and their bites can be painful including wind and hot summer sun.
and itchy. Homeowners can try these Mowing enough so grass never gets
three techniques to keep mosquitoes too high in summer can make back-
out of their backyards. yards less inviting to mosquitoes.

• Remove standing water. Standing • Plant with mosquitoes in mind.
The home remodeling experts at
water is a breeding ground for mos- HGTV note that plants can be part of
quitoes, which don’t even need a lot homeowners’ strategy to repel mos-
of water to successfully breed. A daily quitoes. Various plants have mosqui-
walk around the property may uncover
kids’ toys, empty flower pots or other

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SPRING H & G 2021 33

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HEALTHY HOME = HAPPY HOME

Tips to upgrade your home living environment

People are Create an ideal sleep environment. Most as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
spending more people sleep most comfortably when the air Smoke alarms should be installed on each
is slightly cool, so target a room temperature level of your house and inside each bedroom.
Test smoke alarms monthly and replace
time at home, between 65-70 F. If this is cooler than you batteries as needed. In addition, install a fire
where their keep the home during the day, consider using extinguisher on each level and consider one
a programmable thermostat that automati- for the kitchen, as well. Make sure to check
living spaces extinguishers routinely and replace every 10-
cally lowers the temperature at bedtime. Also, 12 years.

have become remove distractions that may keep you awake Install carbon monoxide alarms. Another
classrooms, gyms, and, if necessary, use a white-noise device for cause for concern amid COVID-19 is the
uninterrupted sleep. potential for dangerous levels of carbon mon-
offices, restaurants oxide (CO) in homes. CO alarms should be
Improve indoor air quality. Maintaining installed on each level of the home and out-
and more. If you're heating and air conditioning filters is a con- side sleeping areas, and it’s important to test
looking to improve cern many homeowners reported. Accord- them monthly. Consider installing alarms with
a 10-year battery. It offers wire-free intercon-
your living space, ing to the survey, 49% of respondents are nect capability, a voice warning feature that
concerned about reducing dust, pollen and accompanies the loud alarm tone and verbal
consider these other indoor pollutants as part of their filter announcements such as “replace alarm” at
tips for making maintenance. the end of the alarm’s life.

your home the Update fire protection. Since the pandemic
began, people are also more concerned about
healthiest it can fire safety precautions in their homes, such
be:

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302.856.3579
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SPRING H & G 2021 37

SPRING HOME & GARDEN COVER STORY

A buzz about bees

Club cares for hives at four locations

By Nick Roth
[email protected]

With spring right around the corner, several PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUE SANDMEYER
Cape Region residents are buzzing with
anticipation for warmer weather and the The Lewes Beekeeping Club has grown to nearly 50 members.
emergence of their black-and-yellow friends. The club has hives in Lewes and Milton.

Founded in 2016, the Lewes Beekeeping
Club has brought together a diverse group of
nearly 50 members who care for more than a
half-dozen hives at four locations in Lewes and
Milton.

Denise Bridgens formed the teach the art and science of hives too often. She instead By the
group after completing a class beekeeping to members, but works hard to promote the Numbers
at Osher Lifelong Learning also teach the community at club in the community. One of
Institute. large about the importance of her favorite events each year $18 billion
honey bees and other pol- is a presentation to children at
“It really helped us under- linators to the health of the the Lewes in Bloom Children’s Value of added revenue
stand how critical bees are to planet. Learning Garden in Stango to U.S. crop production
our current lifestyle and the Park. She dresses up like a bee from pollinators
future,” Bridgens said of the Pam Meador, an original and offers easy-to-understand
class. member, said the club has facts to young learners. $700 million
brought together an interest-
Several of her classmates ing collection of people. “I’m like a queen for a day,” Total annual value
joined the club that first year, she said. of U.S. honey bee
and it’s continued to grow “Everybody that’s a part of products and services
each year. They had initially this club is different,” she said. Club President Linda sold
searched for a local beekeeper “We have retired engineers, a Rancourt joined in 2017 after
to help, but when that didn’t retired veterinarian, a former moving to Lewes permanently. 2.8 million
pan out, they collectively this and a former that. It’s an
funded an effort to purchase interesting conglomerate of “I didn’t have any beekeep- Number of honey bee
the necessary equipment and people, but it really makes ing experience,” she said. hives in the U.S.
supplies to start their own this club work. They all bring “I was always interested in
hives. something different.” nature and bird watching, 7,200
but this was the first time I
Membership was primar- Meador said joining the club considered that beekeeping Number of bee
ily women over 60 years old is a good first step to being a might be a fun thing to do in colonies in Delaware
through the first few years, but part of the community, espe- retirement.”
more men have joined recent- cially for someone who feels $2.5 million
ly, Bridgens said. The club still their voice isn’t being heard on The club’s busiest time
attracts mostly retired folks. the state or national level. of year is typically spring Value of honey bee
Bridgens said its demographic and summer. Bees will not industry in Delaware
breakdown is pretty unique, as “It’s a way to have an come out of the hive until the
most beekeepers across the impact in your own commu- weather is about 55 degrees. $30 million
nation are much younger. nity and feel like you’re doing They may poke their heads
something,” she said. out during warmer winter Annual contribution
The mission of the club is to bees make to
Meador doesn’t visit the Continued on page 42 successful production
of fruits and
vegetables
.

Source: U.S. Department
of Agriculture and
Delaware Department of
Agriculture

38 SPRING H & G 2021

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SPRING H & G 2021 39

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUE SANDMEYER

Under non-COVID circumstances, a group of Lewes Beekeeping Club members will go together to inspect hives.

40 SPRING H & G 2021

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SPRING H & G 2021 41

Buzz about bees

Continued from page 38 PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUE SANDMEYER

days, but they won’t find much food. A full frame of honey is ready for extraction by a member of the Lewes Beekeeping Club.
Among the first pollen-producing
plants to bloom in spring are red
maples and dandelions, Rancourt said.

Once bees are able to bring pollen
back to the hive, the queen will start
laying eggs; she can typically lay 1,000
to 1,500 eggs in a day.

Rancourt said some hives are at risk
of overcrowding, which is one of the
things members look for when visiting
hives.

“We have to watch for swarming
in April/May,” she said. “They will
swarm if they don’t have room to
grow.”

While there are measures to miti-
gate swarming, it’s also an opportu-
nity to start a new hive if the club is
prepared.

Bridgens said they also need to
watch for pests and predators that
can feast on a hive. Small hive beetles

Continued on page 44

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Buzz about bees early in the pandemic, the club jumped keep people engaged and informed.
on the Zoom train for monthly virtual One of the fruits of the club’s labors
Continued from page 42 meetings. As far as tending to the
hives, Rancourt said the club chose is honey. They typically extract 100
and varroa mites are common pests, a small group, primarily four people, to 140 pounds of honey each year. It’s
she said, but carnivorous bald-faced to check on the hives throughout the then sold to members and others out-
hornets can be very problematic. summer. side the club. The revenue is used to
sustain the club’s costs for insurance,
Tim Campbell, who joined the “We really do our best to make website and other annual expenses.
second year, said the club taps into the bee yard visits as safe as pos-
the expertise of university professors sible,” Campbell said. “You really can’t While honey is a nice benefit,
when confronted with a new problem. maintain strict social distancing, but Campbell said, maximizing honey
everybody is masked. It puts more of production is not a focus.
“There’s a saying, if you ask 10 bee- a work burden on the fewer number of
keepers about a novel problem, expect people involved. “It’s really about helping members
to get 12 answers,” he said. understand more about honey bees
The club’s usual outreach events and their place in the environment,”
While access to experts is nice, such as Coast Day were canceled in he said.
he said, sometimes the best answer 2020, so they’ve tried to beef up vir-
comes from a local beekeeper. Outside tual meetings with guest speakers to “We want members to understand
the Lewes Beekeeping Club, there are what goes on in the hive and to put
also other clubs in Sussex and Kent their hands in the hive. That actually
counties that serve as great resources. causes the hive to produce less honey,
because we’re interrupting the bees
Like many other members, Camp- from their work. Producing honey is
bell had no experience with bees prior not as important as opening up the
to joining the club. But the learning ex- hives for the members.”
perience has been addicting, he said.
To learn more about the Lewes
“What makes beekeeping interest- Beekeeping Club, go to lewesbees.org.
ing is finding unexpected things and The club also has some interesting
trying to figure out if it’s a problem videos on YouTube. They can be found
we’ve dealt with before or something by searching for Lewes Bees.
new,” he said.
Your Local Supplier
“We’ve been at it long enough that For Building
we’ve seen a lot of things for the first
time.” Materials & Hardware

All in all, Bridgens said the club has Lumber Plywood Decking
been a success, providing educational Tools
and positive experiences for dozens of Treated Lumber Siding Paint
people in the community. Personally, Doors
she said, it’s very rewarding. Hardware Windows

“There’s nothing like picking up a Cabinets Shingles
frame and seeing all these baby bees
poking their heads out. It’s like a chick 302-645-2233
being born,” she said. “It’s the most
adorable thing. It warms your heart.” 18744 John J. Williams Hwy. Rehoboth

She said there’s something special
about watching the entire life cycle
of a bee, which is about six weeks.
Beekeepers also learn a lot about the
personality of each hive, she said.

“Some queens are docile; some are
aggressive,” she said. “Hives take on
her persona.”

COVID has provided a unique
challenge. Although beekeepers wear
protective suits, members were still
required to mask up and social dis-
tance, when possible.

After canceling in-person meetings

44 SPRING H & G 2021

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Should you buy or sell a home in 2021? Here’s what to know

While the roll-out of the COVID-19 to continue through 2021, with the 30- work remotely drove up home sales
vaccine has left a lot of question year FRM expected to average below (the measure of the number of homes
marks about the future of the U.S. 3 percent. Low rates are good news for sold every month). This year, home
economy at large, analysts expect the buyers looking to purchase a home, sales are expected to ride that wave,
housing market to remain strong and and homeowners looking to reduce averaging 6.5 million for the year.
stable in the coming year. their mortgage payment through
refinancing. • House prices to grow moderately.
“Despite the uncertainties of In the second half of 2020, the high
the pandemic, the housing market • Home sales to remain high. The volume of home sales and low supply
performed well in the second half demand for housing is expected to of housing drove up house prices. In
of 2020,” says Sam Khater, Freddie remain strong in 2021, creating a 2021, house price growth is expected
Mac’s chief economist. “Low mortgage favorable market for sellers. Last year, to moderate for the full year.
rates and the ability to work remotely low mortgage rates and the ability to
continued to propel demand for hous- • Refinances to start declining.
ing, which is reflected in home sales Low mortgage rates spurred refinance
reaching levels not seen in 15 years.” activity in 2020, boosting mortgage
originations (the process in which
Whether you’re a potential home- borrowers apply for a home loan) to
buyer, a current homeowner or consid- historic highs. As mortgage rates rise
ering selling, here are some of the modestly in 2021, refinance activity
biggest takeaways of Freddie Mac’s should start to slow. “While many
Quarterly Forecast: homeowners took advantage of these
low rates last year, evidence suggests
• Interest rates are likely to remain that many lower-income homeowners
still have the opportunity to strength-
low. The average 30-year fixed-rate en their financial position by refinanc-
mortgage (FRM) hit a record low ing,” says Khater.
over a dozen times in 2020. The low
interest rate environment is projected

46 SPRING H & G 2021

with our community
of area real estate experts

CELESTE BEAUPRÉ JOHN BLACK KIM BOWDEN BETH BOZMAN KARA BRASURE MATT BRITTINGHAM JAMIE COLEMAN RICH COOPER
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Direct: 302-228-2041 Direct: 302-542-1967 Direct: 302-567-8393 Direct: 302-239-3003 Direct: 302-228-4840 Direct: 302-344-3140 Direct: 302-542-9318 Direct: 936-662-7374
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Not Pictured:

DEBRA WATERS BECKY WILKINS JOHN ZACHARIAS Rehoboth Beach Office NATALIE MONROE
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SPRING H & G 2021 47

HOUSEPLANTS 101

Caring for the needy diva to ‘do not touch me ever’

By Alyssa Pepper
Special to the Cape Gazette

Help! You bought every houseplant other plants, clean them with diluted holes, you are better to leave the plant
in sight, but now what do you do with bleach. As a general rule, don’t go in the plastic nursery pot so you can
them! Plus, your friends keep giving more than 2 inches larger than the dump the excess water out. Repot-
you cuttings or plants they are trying current pot. All houseplants want to ting should only happen in the spring
to kill. The pandemic and an increased be in pots that drain. Stones in the and summer when the plant is more
interest in houseplants have turned bottom of pots help, but only if you active. Use a well-draining potting mix
everyone’s houses many shades of don’t fill the pot with too much water. that does not hold a lot of water. Most
green. So how do you care for all these If the pot does not have drainage potting mixes are made of perlite,
plants that can range from a needy
“diva” to a “do not touch me ever”? Home Services at the Beach

Here is a basic guide on caring for 302.555.3226 | 410.726.9079
your houseplants and having them
thrive for many years. Let’s start with [email protected]
when you first bring the plant home.
Always try to isolate new plants from Simple to extraordinary
your current plants in case they have Repairs. Staircases.
any bugs or diseases. Leave them in Accents. Built-ins.
their current pot and try to keep them
in bright light since most likely they LEWES, REHOBOTH & SURROUNDING BEACH AREAS
had good sunlight at the nursery they RT 1 FROM BETHANY TO OCEAN CITY AND BERLIN, MD
came from. You may notice leaf drop
or yellowing, since they are adjust- FREE ESTIMATES
ing to new conditions. Water them as
needed. After a couple weeks when
you are sure they are clean, place
them in their new spot. If you are
setting them in a low-light area, try to
step down the light levels gradually
every week or so. That way they don’t
go into shock over the change from
bright light to less light.

Usually, houseplants do well in a

room you can read in without turn-

ing on a lamp. Keep them away from
drafts, such as doors that open fre-
quently, heating vents, and air condi-
tioners. Most houseplants do not need
to be repotted. I’ll repeat that – Most
houseplants do not need to be repot-
ted. They like to stay in smallish pots.
Since they don’t grow very fast, they
don’t outgrow their pots very fast. Pull
them out of the pot and look at the
roots. If they are circling the root ball
and there isn’t much potting soil left,
it’s time to repot.

If you are using pots that have held

48 SPRING H & G 2021

vermiculite, peat moss, coir, bark, and means the plant needs more water. and lighter in color, and leaf drop can
compost. Some contain a slow-release The temperature also affects watering. also happen. On the other hand, plants
fertilizer. There are many blends avail- Plants will dry out faster in a warmer can get sunburn if they are getting too
able for specific plants like succulents, room than a cooler room. Sunny days much light. They can look wilted or
African violets and orchids. dry out plants faster than cloudy days. have brown edges. Their new growth
The type of plant also determines the may be stunted. 
Time to talk about watering. For watering schedule. Ferns want more
most plant parents, this is the greatest water than succulents.  Lack of humidity in the house can
struggle and biggest killer of house-
plants. There are two ways to kill The type of plant factors into the also cause houseplants to struggle.
houseplants, either too much water or Most houseplants have come from
never giving them another drop once need for fertilizing, too. Only fertilize jungles where it is hot and humid.
they enter your house. Overwatering in spring, summer, and early fall when Misting plants can help, but it needs
plants causes droopy leaves, yellow- plants are more active. Most house- to be done often. Placing plants that
ing leaves, and waterlogged roots that plants do not want a strong fertilizer. need high humidity in bathrooms will
are black and mushy. Underwatered You can dilute most fertilizers in a be beneficial. Placing shallow dishes of
plants may show similar signs; how- watering can and apply while water- water near plants will add humidity as
ever, the root ball will be hard and dry.  ing. Be careful of using tap water from it evaporates, and putting in a humidi-
town systems. It can contain extra fier can help. Most houseplants love to
A lot of factors go into watering minerals such as fluoride and chlorine be moved outside for the summer in a
plants properly, and light levels are that will cause older leaf tips to turn shady spot. That way, they can enjoy
a large factor. If the plant is in a hot, black. Distilled, filtered, or good well the natural heat and humidity. 
sunny, south-facing window, it will dry water is usually the best. Most house-
out faster than a plant in low light. The plants can adapt to lower light levels. If you have had houseplants long
more rootbound a plant is, the more Usually, they have ways of telling
water it will require. The time of year you they are getting too much or too enough, you’ve probably seen all the
changes the watering, too. Plants are little light. If the plant starts stretch-
not as active in the winter months ing toward the light source and puts common bugs they can get. That’s
and do not dry out as fast. Summer out weak new growth, it is not getting right – you have to pamper and care
usually brings more growth, which enough light. Leaves may be smaller for these plants, and they have the
nerve to bring critters into the house!
It is always best to catch infestations

Continued on page 50

SPRING H & G 2021 49

Houseplants

Continued from page 49 Most houseplants do not need to be All houseplants want to be in pots
repotted. that drain.
early, since there are no predators in
your house to eat them like in nature. It’s important to choose the right size Use a well-draining potting mix that
Keeping plants healthy will also help for a plant’s pot. As a general rule, does not hold a lot of water.
fight the bugs. Common pests seen don’t go more than 2 inches larger
on houseplants include scale, mealy- than the current pot.
bug, aphids, spider mites, and fungus as you may think. They will tell you
gnats.  when something is wrong; you just
have to pay attention to the signs. If a
Scale and mealybugs attach to the plant is struggling or just not working,
plant and suck on it to feed. They it’s OK to throw it out or gift it to a
are usually hard to spot at first, since friend with a better green thumb. Here
they hide in the leaf joints and under are some general rules: 
the foliage. Mealybugs look like small
pieces of cotton and can be suffocated It is best to put a plant where it
with diluted rubbing alcohol. For the wants to be, not where you want it to
ones you see, there are many more be. 
you cannot see. Scale has a hard outer
coating that makes treating them When in doubt, don’t water!
exceedingly difficult. Scale leaves a When in doubt, don’t repot! 
sticky substance on the leaf top. Both Scout plants often for problems.
mealybugs and scale can be treated There is always room for more
with a systemic insecticide that the plants!
plant absorbs, and it kills the bugs as Alyssa Pepper is manager of
they feed on the plant. If the infection Pepper’s Greenhouse in Milton.
is completely covering the plant, you
probably just want to throw it away. 

Aphids are small, whitish-green
bugs that are usually found on new
growth. They can quickly cover a plant
and spread easily. You can blast them
with water, neem oil, or insecticidal
soap, but it needs to be done often.
They can be easily smushed, or the
affected growth can be cut off. Spider
mites are hard to see. The webbing
they create is usually seen first. Shake
the plant over a blank sheet of paper. If
you see tiny black dots moving, those
are the spider mites. They also suck on
the plant and cause the leaves to yel-
low and fall off. They can be controlled
with insecticidal soap, neem oil, and
systemics.

Fungus gnats really don’t harm the
plant; they are just annoying! The
adults fly around while the younger
stages stay in the soil. They are at-
tracted to wet soils, so letting the
plants dry out will help. You are prob-
ably overwatering them anyway! Plac-
ing rocks or sand on the soil surface
will also keep them from laying eggs in
the soil. 

Houseplants are not as complicated

50 SPRING H & G 2021