Latest News
Sourcing Native Plants is Worthwhile but Difficult
Embarking on the journey to incorporate more native plants into your garden is a commendable and environmentally conscious decision. However, finding these plants can often pose a challenge, especially when trying to source them sustainably and ethically. The golden...
A RESOLUTION HONORING ROBERT “BOB” LOWDERMILK
The following resolution was read aloud by Mayor Sheldon Poplin Morley at the April 2 Town Board meeting:
The war of the pears
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. I moved to North Carolina in late February 1995. A couple of weeks after I arrived, the trees along the streets of our suburban neighborhood...
Poison Ivy is One of Our Most Misunderstood Plants
Poison ivy, a plant often met with a mix of fascination and dread, holds a unique place in the natural world and in our gardens. Known scientifically as a member of the sumac family, this plant is a native species that plays a significant ecological role despite its...
Have you any dreams you’d like to sell?
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. Like many writers, I keep a notebook and pen on the nightstand next to my bed to jot down ideas that come to me in the middle of the night....
The Benefits of Using a Hayfork in the Garden
Conventional wisdom says we need to till our garden every season. Maintaining healthy soil is paramount for the flourishing of plants. While tilling has been a traditional approach, an alternative method known as forking offers a less disruptive yet highly effective...
The drop-bed pickup that wasn’t
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. It's Halloween, 1990. “Ice, Ice Baby” is the No. 1 song in the country, “Rosanne” is the most popular show on television, the Cincinnati Reds...
You Might Not Need to Till Your Garden
No-till gardening is transforming the way we approach our gardens, turning traditional methods on their head. This innovative approach, which avoids the disruption of soil through tilling, offers a plethora of benefits not just for the garden but for the environment...
You betcha!
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. The Ohio Lottery launched with much fanfare in 1974. I recall my father buying a couple of $1 scratch-off tickets to see what it was all about....
“Lasagna Gardening”!? No, it’s not growing tomatoes!
Lasagna gardening, a term that brings to mind both the kitchen and the garden, is a no-till, no-dig gardening method that offers a simple and effective way to prepare soil for planting. This method, named for its layering technique similar to making a lasagna, is...
Birkenstocks not required
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. Living sustainably often gets painted as an exclusive club reserved for the left-leaning, granola-toting, Birkenstock-wearing elite. But the...
Gardening to Offset the Rising Cost of Groceries
In a time when the cost of groceries continues to climb, turning to the garden for relief can be both a practical and fulfilling endeavor. Gardening, often seen as a hobby or a way to beautify our homes, can also become a significant source of good food. However, it's...