PROGRAM: Behind the Gates: A Tour of the U.S. Naval Academy

Following our business meeting, members gathered at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center for a private, two-hour walking tour of the scenic grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy, affectionately known as “the Yard.” With beautiful weather accompanying us, it was the perfect day to explore this historic and inspiring campus.

We were especially fortunate to have Rear Admiral Kenneth Barausky, Retired, as our guide. A proud graduate of the Class of 1967, Admiral Barausky shared his extensive knowledge of the Academy, bringing its history and traditions to life through stories and historical details along the way.

As we walked through the Yard, we saw how the Academy’s distinctive architectural styles reflect its evolution through the years. Historic buildings and grand monuments offered plenty of opportunities to learn about the people, events, and traditions that have shaped the Academy over time.

The tour gave us a chance to see the Naval Academy from a different perspective and learn more about its history and traditions. We thank Admiral Barausky for sharing his time, knowledge, and personal connection to the Academy with our group.

Many thanks to our hostesses, Linda Marquand (lead), Margo Antonelli, Littany Hollerbach, and Jessica Kruse, for a delicious and beautiful autumnal spread. 

Girl Scouts Explore the Stonegate Nature Trail

​Crofton Village Garden Club members Nancy Percivall, Littany Hollerbach, and Yuki Adams recently joined a Girl Scout troop at the Stonegate Nature Trail, created by Nancy to provide a welcoming place for visitors to enjoy nature and observe plants and wildlife.

During their visit, Nancy quizzed the girls on how to identify poison ivy and then explored the trail with them, pointing out the plant along the way. She shared the familiar reminder, “Leaves of three, let it be,” along with tips for recognizing this common woodland plant.
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The Crofton Village Garden Club is pleased to share its knowledge of gardening, conservation, and the environment with young people in the community. Working with groups such as the Girl Scouts provides an opportunity to introduce the next generation to the importance of appreciating and caring for the natural world.

HORTICULTURE: Leaves of Three, Let It Be!

​​Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall recently helped members get better acquainted with a plant most gardeners would rather admire from a distance: poison ivy! Her informative presentation covered how to identify, avoid, and safely manage this common garden nuisance.

Nancy reminded members of the familiar rule, “Leaves of three, let it be!” She explained that the middle leaflet typically has a longer stem than the two side leaflets and can grow as a low plant, shrub, or climbing vine. Its leaves can also change color and appearance with the seasons.

Members got a chance to test their knowledge with a quick quiz, identifying different plants as poison ivy or not. Nancy also explained that urushiol, the oily substance found throughout the plant, causes the allergic reaction and can be transferred by clothing, shoes, gardening tools, gloves, and pets.

For those who encounter poison ivy, washing the skin promptly with soap and water can help remove the oil. Nancy also reminded members that the rash itself is not contagious and that poison ivy should never be burned, as its smoke can carry urushiol.

Although poison ivy may not be welcome in our gardens, Nancy pointed out that it does have an important place in nature. Its berries provide food for birds and other wildlife, giving us one more reason to appreciate this native plant...from a safe distance, of course!

The obedient plant is really putting on a show in the pollinator garden behind Crofton Community Library! Its tall spikes of pink flowers are adding a beautiful burst of color to the garden and attracting pollinators as summer begins to give way to fall.

Also known as false dragonhead, obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a native perennial that blooms in late summer and early fall. It gets its unusual name from its flowers, which can be gently pushed to one side and will obediently stay in place. The plant is also a favorite of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a wonderful choice for a pollinator garden.

​The library pollinator garden is one of the gardens established through the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway, an initiative that encouraged the creation of connected pollinator-friendly habitats using native plants. The program has since evolved into RePollinate Anne Arundel, continuing the effort to expand native plantings and provide food and habitat for pollinators throughout the county. The garden at the library remains identified by its Pollinator Pathway sign and serves as a “stepping stone” in this countywide effort.
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The garden is tended by TLC, the Library Crew, a group of Crofton Village Garden Club members who care for the gardens at the library. On this visit, Littany Hollerbach, Nancy Percivall, Yuki Adams, and Laura Austin were there to tend the garden and enjoy its late-summer beauty.

The Crofton Village Garden Club held its fifth annual Yard Sale Fundraiser, and once again, the event was a big success! Despite a hot and humid day, the rain stayed away, and shoppers came out to browse and purchase a wonderful assortment of treasures.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to our club members who generously donated items for the sale, and to everyone who stopped by to shop and support the Garden Club. Your support helps make this annual fundraiser possible.

Many thanks also go to Sandy Robertson and her fundraising committee, along with the members, spouses, and volunteers who helped make the sale a success. From staging and pricing items throughout the week to moving tables and chairs, working the sale, and delivering remaining items to donation sites, there were many helping hands behind the scenes.

A special thank-you goes to Sally and Shirley and their team of jewelry experts for sharing their talents and helping with the jewelry table!

We are also grateful to Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church for once again allowing us to use their grounds for the yard sale. We truly appreciate their continued support and generosity in welcoming us back year after year.

The proceeds from the yard sale will be used to support Crofton Village Garden Club projects throughout the community. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to another successful fundraiser!