Plants have loads of personality, but what shrub for the urban landscape could possibly have more charm than the camellias? While leaves of deciduous plants swirl in the crisp breeze and marigold blossoms fade, this broad-leaved evergreen takes a prominent stand with glossy foliage and lovely ...
The Jefferson County Planning Commission has proposed a new comprehensive plan for our county. It should be changed considerably or be rejected by the Jefferson County Commission. Of 55 counties in West Virginia, only five have countywide zoning (four others have partial zoning). Jefferson was ...
The other day, a reporter asked me how I met Ken Lowe. I paused, smiled and said, “You know, I have no idea.” It felt like I’d known him forever. We connected because we were both adamant fighters for what we believed in, protectors of the downtrodden and, at times, disliked for our ...
For those who dibble and hoe, it’s easy to be seduced by a sedum. Although many of the stonecrops are remarkably lovely throughout the growing season, late summer is the ideal time to enjoy the taller varieties. Emerging in spring with fleshy succulent leaves, these sedums will add cooling ...
Recently the Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) resoundingly rejected a bid by West Virginia American Water (WVAW) to take over the sewer system for Charles Town, Ranson and the surrounding unincorporated area. I think this is good news for the Eastern Panhandle. A couple of years ago, WVAW ...
In a world overflowing with information, it is paradoxical how overconfidence often emerges from a lack of knowledge. This phenomenon is known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, where those with the least knowledge or skill in a domain tend to overestimate their competence the most. Cognitive bias, ...
Raucous “jay-jay” alerts announce that acorns and hickory nuts are ripening for wildlife harvesting in Shepherdstown. Once you hear the blue jay’s jeering call, look for this large songbird’s perky head crest and striking blue, white and black plumage amongst the leaves still holding ...
Back in April, I went into my friendly neighborhood chain convenience store to buy two daily newspapers (Washington Post and Martinsburg Journal). I usually pay a six percent tax, but this time I was charged seven percent. Currently, the West Virginia state sales tax is six percent, and ...
For several years, I lobbied state legislators to pass a bill requiring students to earn credit in personal finance to graduate. As you may know, this requirement finally came to fruition, and starting with the 2024 cohort, entering ninth graders will be required to take a personal finance ...
Run for cover! Groundcover, that is, to camouflage a trouble spot in your landscape. Low-growing cover plants are hardy alternatives to turf, perennials and shrubs. Many can thrive under shade trees. And they can add the finishing touch to your garden design. Covers (under 1 foot tall) retain ...