BOX 5 TAKES THE LEAD: BLUEBIRD TRAIL UPDATE

As the nesting season wraps up this August, the bluebird trail at the Crofton Community Library has had a quiet but rewarding summer. Project co-chairs Littany Hollerbach and Nancy Percivall have been diligently monitoring the trail’s birdhouses and keeping track of nesting activity.

Box 5, located in the pollinator garden, continued to be the only active nesting site on the trail this season. Back in May, Littany and Nancy recorded five eggs in Box 5. By July, the bluebirds had returned for another nesting attempt, with a smaller clutch of two eggs.

During a recent check of the box, a male bluebird flew out as Littany and Nancy approached. Inside, they found that no eggs remained, but at least one baby bluebird was present in the nest—a wonderful sign of continued activity in Box 5.

Meanwhile, Box 4 showed some initial promise with a small amount of nesting material, but the bluebirds ultimately did not build a complete nest. The unused nesting material was cleared during the recent inspection. The remaining boxes along the library trail stayed quiet throughout the season.

A special thank-you to Littany and Nancy for their dedicated monitoring and care of the bluebird trail throughout the summer. Their efforts help us follow the progress of our local bluebirds and provide them with safe places to raise their young.

CVGC Second Vice President Rena Pogue hosted a special luncheon at her home for new members and their sponsors. Beautiful weather and a lovely backyard setting provided the perfect backdrop for the gathering.

The new members and their sponsors enjoyed lunch and fellowship together while celebrating the beginning of their membership journey.
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Thank you to Rena for her gracious hospitality and for hosting this delightful event.

TLC Members Improve Visibility at Library and Crofton High School

TLC (the Library Crew) is a dedicated group of Crofton Village Garden Club members who volunteer every Monday, weather permitting. While they regularly maintain the gardens at the Crofton Community Library, TLC members also lend their time and talents to other Garden Club projects throughout the community.

During a recent workday, TLC members took on projects that improved visibility and enhanced the appearance of community spaces. Their first project involved clearing vegetation around a stop sign near the library exit onto Aberdeen Drive. Overgrowth had made the sign difficult to see, but after TLC members removed the obstructing vegetation, the sign became clearly visible to drivers exiting the library.

The group then traveled to Crofton High School, where they cleared overgrowth around the school entrance sign on Underwood Road. Their efforts helped restore visibility to the sign and improve the appearance of the entrance to the school.

While at Crofton High School, TLC members also stopped by the CHS Green Team garden before concluding their day of service.

Whether maintaining gardens, beautifying public spaces, or tackling special projects such as these, TLC members continue to make a positive impact throughout the community. 

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING: Brighten Your Summer Landscape

June’s longer days and warmer weather mean your landscape is in full swing — and it’s the perfect time to focus on keeping pollinators happy while using water wisely.

Native summer bloomers like bee balm (Monarda didyma) and butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) provide bright color and steady nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when they need it most. These tough plants handle summer heat well and thrive with minimal care once established.

As temperatures rise, water deeply and early in the day to reduce evaporation and encourage strong root systems. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation direct water straight to the roots, conserving moisture and avoiding waste.
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Smart watering, paired with resilient native flowers, keeps your garden buzzing with life while protecting this vital resource — a simple step for a healthier, more sustainable landscape all summer long.