Board at the Beach

Summer vacations are around the corner, but what to do when we need to stay indoors? My family is a huge fan of board games, which is a great solution for those times when it’s rainy or too late to be outdoors. You have your standard classics such as Sorry, Scrabble, Life and Monopoly, but if you’re looking for something a bit more unique and interesting, then look no further. I’ve compiled a short list of some of our family favorites:

Pandemic:

2-4 Players, Ages 8 and up, approximately 60 mins to play.
Four diseases have popped up across the globe and it’s up to you and your team of specialists to eradicate them before they take over. Each player selects a role from several different specialists each with a specific skill that makes them unique to the team. For example, a Medic will remove all cubes of a certain type of disease in a city instead of just one when treating. Each player will work in conjunction with one another to use skills wisely, plan strategies and ultimately save the world from extinction. This truly is a game where you all win or lose together. 

Forbidden Island:

2-4 Players, Ages 10 and up, approximately 30 mins to play.
Play as a team of explorers seeking out sacred treasures from a beautiful island paradise. Watch out though, this island is sinking! It’s a race against the clock as you work together to collect all four treasures and escape before the island is engulfed completely in water! Like Pandemic, Forbidden Island is also a cooperative game containing specialists that must use their talents wisely to accomplish their goal.

Survive Escape from Atlantis:

2-4 Players, Ages 8 and up, approximately 60 mins to play.
If escaping sinking islands sounds like a fun theme for you, this is a great choice for those looking for a competitive game. The volcano has awoken and now the people of Atlantis face certain doom! Each player works independently to evacuate their pawns (ranked by point value 1-6) from the island as quickly as possibly either by boat or by swimming, but watch out! The water is a dangerous place filled with sharks, whales and serpents! Whoever has the most points on the safe islands at the end, wins! This is an amazing reboot of Parker Brothers classic game, Survive!

Karuba:

2-4 Players, Ages 8 and up, approximately 45 mins to play.
Let the expedition begin! Karuba is an addictive tile placing board game in which all players take their turn simultaneously (great for those, especially kids, that have a hard time waiting until their turn). In this game, each player must get their explorers to their corresponding temples before everyone else, collecting treasures along the way. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins! This is a really fun strategy game for the whole family.

Ticket to Ride:

2-5 Players, Ages 8 and up, approximately 60 mins to play.
Ticket to Ride is a train-themed board game in which players connect cities across the country via railway routes. Players will collect various colored train cards in order to claim railways and connect their destinations. Tensions rise as you use strategy to decide whether to go for more points or secure a critical route! This is an easy to learn game that offers a lifetime of replay value.

Blokus:

2-4 Players, Ages 7 and up, approximately 45 mins to play.
Blokus is a low-key and fantastic strategy game. Players take turns placing one of their geometric shapes on the grid. The object is to fit as many of your pieces on to the board as possible while also trying to block your opponents. The rule is this, your pieces cannot be adjacent to your own, but must touch at least one corner of them. The game ends when no more pieces can be played and the player left with the least amount of squares (what each shape is made up of) wins!

Qwirkle:

2-4 Players, Ages 6 and up, approximately 45 mins to play.
Qwirkle is another fun, tile placing game.  The objective of this game is to place matching tiles into the play area. Matching tiles consist of those that share ONE attribute (all the same color but different shape OR all the same shape but different colors) but not both. The dynamic of the game is similar to that of Scrabble, in that you place tiles in straight lines and can play off of other rows of tiles. Players score 1 point for each new tile they place in addition to 1 point for every adjacent tile affected by the placement. If a player is able to complete a row of 6 (1 of each color OR 1 of each shape) that is considered a Qwirkle and 12 points are given. Play continues until all tiles have been drawn and one player goes out. The person with the highest score wins!

Incan Gold:

2-8 Players, Ages 8 and up, approximately 30 mins to play.Will you brave the hazards of the temple or escape with all your coveted treasures? That’s for you to decide in Incan Gold, a fast-paced, press your luck game. Players take on the part of an explorer looking for treasure in an ancient Incan temple. Over the course of 5 rounds players secretly decide if they will continue going deeper into the temple for more treasure, or leave safely with the share they’ve already found. Watch out! If you get scared out of the temple by a hazard, you lose it all! At the end of the game, the player with the most fortune wins!

Hive :

2 Players, Ages 8 and up, approximately 20 mins to play.I’ve included this game because not only is it fun, but it can sometimes be challenging to find a really great 2 player game. Hive is along the same lines as chess, but with insects. Each insect type has a specific movement or ability that makes it unique from the others. Use strategic planning and trap your opponent’s queen bee first! The first player to surround their opponent’s queen (by using ANY of the pieces on the board) wins!

Cranium:

4-16 Players, Ages 13 and up, approximately 60 mins to play.

Outrageous fun for everyone! Cranium is a great party game that incorporates creativity, thinking and trivia all into one game. Players work on teams to complete tasks in each category (Data, Performance, Creative and Words) to win. The team that makes it to the end and completes all of their challenges wins!

Bonus Party Game
3-10 Players, Ages 8 and up, approximately 10 mins to play.
**Requires a FREE app to play**
If you’re looking for something REALLY different, I’d like to recommend One Night Ultimate Werewolf. This is a fast-paced bluffing game. Over the course of one round (1 day) each player will secretly have a role to play. At the end, you as a group must decide who the werewolves are amongst you. This gets fun as people try to bluff their way out of being revealed as werewolves. Can YOU think on your feet?

There you have it, a list of some of my favorite games. Find one that has peaked your interest? Great! Now what?

I love to learn as much about a game as I can before purchasing it because, let’s face it, they can be pricey and I want to be sure it would be a good fit for us. One resource I can’t live without in regards to board game research can be found here . On this site, you can find just about any game you can think of. In addition to providing descriptions, they offer reviews, game ratings, a forum for discussion, a place to browse games for sale and they also have put together lists of top games in different categories.

Buying the games. Some of these games can’t be found in your local toy superstore, but they are all easily obtainable. Here are some other options for purchasing:

*Some comic book stores carry a variety of board games.
*Boutique toy stores usually offer these higher end games. 
*Small gaming stores such as Born to Game in Dover, DE, will usually have a great selection to pick from.
*Online retailers such as Ebay or Amazon are also a popular choice.

I hope you enjoy one (or more!) of these titles as much as I do and they can find their way into your board game library!

Happy gaming!

Delaware… It’s Not Just for Summer.

Longing for those warm, summer days at the beach? Well great news! You don’t have to wait! Even in the off season months, there are still a ton of things to do near Rehoboth and all throughout Delaware.

Tour History
Delaware is bursting with history, why not enjoy the off season by taking in some of the sites. A great way to begin, is tour the Delaware History Trail. The Trail focuses on significant sites throughout the state that have had major impacts on the history of Delaware as well as the nation. For more information, click here.

Go To Museums 
One thing is for certain, there is no shortage of museums in Delaware. Lighthouses, trains, aviation, just about anything you want to learn about can be found depending on how far you want to travel:

Sussex County alone has an extensive variety of museums. A good reference that I have found is Visit Southern Delaware. This website has a huge list of museums located in Southern Delaware and even breaks them down into itineraries based on whether you want to travel through Eastern, Central or Western Sussex County.

If you are feeling more adventurous and looking to get outside Sussex County, Visit Delaware gives a breakdown of what they consider the top 10 museums in the state, while Wikipedia provides an extensive list of all the museums available throughout the entire state along with a brief description of each.

Shopping:
With Delaware being a tax-free state, why not take advantage of the shopping year round. Tanger Outlets, located right in Rehoboth, has a huge selection of stores and with fewer crowds in the off season, you just may find a larger selection of items or even better deals. 

If going to the outlets isn’t your cup of tea, you have plenty of other options during off season months as well. Delaware is FULL of Antiques & Boutiques as well. If you’re looking for a great resource on shopping available anywhere in Delaware, click here!

Catch a Show
Whether you are the type of person who wants a night out at the movies or if you’d prefer live theatre, Delaware has something to offer everyone during cold winter months.
 
Southern Delaware Theaters – A variety of cinemas, performing arts as well as summer time venues.
Wilmington Area –Wilmington, Delaware’s largest city, is in the middle of it all. You can find just about anything you want to do if you plan on being in this area.
 
Skating
 Roller skating and Ice skating venues are available in various locations in Delaware:
 
Dover Skating Center – Roller skating available for people of all ages.
Centre Ice Rink – Located in the Delaware State Fairgrounds, this venue offers indoor ice skating.
Carousel Oceanfront Hotel – Offers indoor ice skating to both guests and non-guests.
Riverfront Outdoor Rink – Located in Wilmington, DE

View Nature
 Believe it or not, during the month of February, you can view seals on the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park. Keep in mind that seals are wild animals and can bite, so best to leave them alone. How cool  it must be to see them in their natural habitat! Resources state that Delaware gets harbor seals, harp seals, gray seals and the occasional hooded seal.

Delaware certainly does not lack in state parks and trails. In addition to Cape Henlopen State Park, here is just a small sampling of other places to enjoy Delaware’s natural beauty:

Bellvue State Park  - Located in Wilmington, Delaware.
Lums Pond – Located in Bear, Delaware.
Killens Pond State Park – Located in Felton, Delaware.

Any of these parks will provide you the opportunity to observe wildlife, admire plant life or get in some exercise. For information on other state parks availabe, click here.

Hit the Beach
Even during the winter months, you can enjoy the beach and the boardwalk. With fewer crowds, you can take in a tranquil walk along the ocean or get in your morning run or ride on the boardwalk.

Some beaches, for example Dewey Beach, also allow bonfires on the beach provided you follow the rules and obtain the proper permits. It may take some looking into, but this could be a fun way to spend a winter night with some friends.

Dining
 Many people think of boardwalk food when going to the beach, but really, Delaware has a ton of unique fare to dine on all year round. Some of the most popular choices near Rehoboth are:

Big Fish Grill – Casual dining and affordable prices.
Fins Fish House – Fresh seafood and custom-crafted beer.
Salt Air – Boasts farm to fork fresh with a continually evolving seasonal menu.

A good resource for locating good, year round dining in the Rehoboth area is Trip Advisor. They have taken the time to separate restaurants by food type or by price range.

In addition to a wide variety of fine dining, you can also participate in the Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail, which includes over 20 breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies across the state. Download your passport and send your taste buds on an adventure!

Take a Train Ride
The Wilmington and Western Railroad is open year round and has quickly become one of Delaware's premiere attractions. Visit their website for more information.

While Delaware may be well known for it's amazing beaches in the summer, it may be well worth you while to do some exploring to find out just how much there is to do all year! 

New Faces of Piccard Homes

A lot of exciting things have been happening at Sawgrass South, and among them is the addition of several new faces at Piccard Homes! We would like to take a moment to formally introduce and welcome our new sales and construction staff:

Christine Fox
Christine Fox is the new Sales Assistant at Sawgrass South.  Originally hailing from the D.C. Metro area, Christine led a successful career in the Aerospace Quality Assurance Control field. Upon her relocation to Delaware, Christine worked in the healthcare field for several years before shifting her focus towards a career in the new home sales and marketing field.

Christine is enthusiastic to be part of our Sales Team and is excited to help our homebuyers have the best experience possible. She possesses a bright personality and a passion for helping others. We’re sure she will be a great asset to Piccard Homes and the Sawgrass South community.

Josh Weldin
The newest addition to the Piccard Homes is Josh Weldin, our new Assistant Construction Manager.  Josh is native to Delaware and has lived in Milton his entire life.  He has an extensive background in construction due in part to his previous experience at Bayside Exteriors working as a roofing and siding contractor.

Josh’s role at Sawgrass South includes working closely with Customer Care and Steve Shoemaker, our new Project Manager, to ensure each home meets or exceeds the standard of quality that homebuyers have come to expect at Piccard Homes.

Josh is very happy to be working at Sawgrass South and looks forward to utilizing his skills and expertise in a capacity that allows him to ensure the happiness of our current and future residents.

Kathy Hickerson
Kathy Hickerson is the new Sales Manager for Sawgrass South.  Originally from the Hudson Valley area of upstate New York, Kathy has been a resident of Rehoboth Beach since 1996 and loves living at the beach!

Having sold new construction for both regional and national homebuilders in the area, Kathy is attuned to the dynamic and ever-changing real estate market in this resort area.  Kathy takes pride in her honest and professional reputation and enjoys fulfilling the expectations of every buyer she works with.

Kathy is eager to be part of such a dynamic team at Sawgrass South.  She is looking forward to helping new buyers attain their dream of living in coastal Delaware and making the home buying experience as satisfying and effortless as possible.

Steve Shoemaker 
Steve Shoemaker, the new Project Manager at Sawgrass South, has recently relocated to the Millsboro, Delaware area from northern Maryland. He and his wife Teresa, a pre-school teacher, are loving living in this wonderful area of Delaware.

Steve has worked in the construction field for 39 years, overseeing both commercial and residential projects. He brings a tremendous amount of experience and professionalism with him to Sawgrass South.  His positive attitude is contagious and we are so pleased to have him with Piccard Homes.

Be sure to introduce yourself to Steve when you see him in the community!We hope you will take a moment to help us welcome these new, wonderful additions to the Sawgrass South family!

Fall Fun

Apple cider and donuts and hayrides, oh my!

During the autumn months, a fun, traditional outing is to visit a pumpkin patch.  There are several places that offer pumpkins and produce for sale, however, if you are looking for a full day experience, here are some details on three of the bigger places located around Delaware:

Fifer Orchards:
Location: 1919 Allabands Mill Rd, Camden Wyoming, DE (About 1 hour north of Rehoboth)

Fifer Orchards is a fourth generation family farm dating back almost 100 years. Fifer’s focuses on safe, sustainable farming practices that preserve the environment, reduce waste and promote healthy growing systems. All the fruits and veggies grown here are ‘Non-GMO”.

U-Pick experiences:
Strawberries (daily picking conditions are subject to change. It’s best to call ahead (302-697-2141)
Apples (Fridays and Saturdays only through late October)
Pumpkins (closed Sundays)
Blueberries (currently not in season)
Peaches (currently not in season)

Corn Maze Fun Park:
Corn maze, pumpkin painting, straw slides, pumpkin pad, tire tumblers, straw castle with farm volleyball, bee line swings, mini straw maze, corn crib, rubber ducky races, pedal tractors, octo-ball, tetherball, additional fun games and attractions and free parking.

Country Store:
Fall veggies, pumpkins, apples, fresh apple cider, doughnuts, apple butter, local honey, caramel apples, fresh baked pies, hand-dipped ice cream, unique specialty foods, fall decor items.

*Saturday only* extras:
Hayrides, tractor train rides, farm animal exhibit, pony rides, food vendors, live music, face painting, kids bounces.

Corn Maze Fun Park Admission Pricing:
Youth – $10 (ages 2-17) – includes 1 free jack-be-little pumpkin
Adult – $5 (ages 18-69) – includes 1 free jack-be-little pumpkin
Children under 2 years – Free admission
Ages 70+ – Free admission

Some ‘Saturday only’ activities have additional costs:

The ticket booth on Saturdays sells tickets for ‘a la carte’ activities such as: hayrides, tractor train rides, pony rides, farm animal exhibit and face painting. Tickets are $1 each. Season passes are available.

 Fifer Orchards also has live music each Saturday from 11:30-2:30

 For full details and pricing, visit their website.

Loblolly Acres:

Location: 3893 Turkey Point Rd, Viola, DE 19979 (About 1 hour north of Rehoboth)

Another option if you’re looking for a place that offers a little bit of everything is Loblolly Acres. This fun farm has been in business since 1964 and still going strong today.

Admission:
Children - $6.00
Adult - $3.00

Your admission price includes:
Scenic hayride tour of the farm
A petting zoo with adorable and unique furry friends, including hedgehogs, a mini pony, and Ruddy the pot belly pig Straw maze
Fun play area
Corn Maze
Face painting
Nature Trail
Corn pit
Chickens
Big slide

In addition to your admission there are plenty of other things Loblolly Farm has available:

A beautiful PUMPKIN PATCH
Straw bales for sale
Corn stalks
Mums
Gift shop
Wonderful café with homemade soups and chili
Great fall decorations
Bonfires
Tag your Christmas tree and get 10% off your tree purchase
Special Events

For more detailed information check out their website.

Ramsey’s Farm:
Location: 330 Ramsey Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 (About 2 hours north of Rehoboth)

This farm has been operating successfully since 1995. With a sprawling 12 acre pumpkin patch and 8 acres of corn maze, Ramsey’s Farm has plenty to do for everyone. If you happen to be going to the Wilmington area, this might be the place for you:

Activity Costs:

Corn Maze - $7.00
Sorghum Maze - $4.00
Hay Maze - $3.00
Pumpkin Painting - $2.00
Hay Play Area - Free
Hay Ride - $3.00

All Activities Wristbands:
Adults and children 6 and up - $10.00
Children 5 and under - $6.00

In addition to farm activities, Ramsey’s also has a food tent and pumpkin field.

Click here for more info:

We wish you all a happy and fun filled autum season!

Prepare for Change

Autumn is here, the season of change. Vibrant reds, oranges and yellows will fill the trees, the warm breeze of summer will turn crisp, kids return to school and our clocks will fall back an hour. Before we know it, winter will be staring us right in the face. So- what can you do to prepare? Here are some tips you can use now to get ahead of the game and make your home winter ready:

Check for drafts – Now is the time to ensure your home is sealed up tight to prevent cold drafts and excess heating. A good starting point isto look for old caulking or weather stripping that needs to be replaced. For more information, click here for a great article on detecting air leaks.

If you do happen to notice a problem with the caulk in your home, it is an easy, do-it-yourself project. Please see here for simple steps to follow the next time you need to reseal.

Mulching leaves – While most people tend to rake and bag their leaves, you may consider the alternative of mulching them instead. Mulching leaves has many benefits including the improving grass and reducing weeds. For more information read here, or do some further research to make the best decision for you.

Test your home’s detectors – Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are one of the most valuable assets to your home, and ensuring they are working properly should be one of your top priorities. It is recommended that you test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a month and replace their batteries twice a year. A good rule to follow is to change the batteries when you change your clocks.

Evaluate your roofing – Before we get hit with snowfall, it is a great idea to give your roof another once over to ensure there are no cracked, broken or missing shingles. Without intact shingles, you run the risk of your home getting water damage as the snow melts. Read here for more information, but remember, roofing work is dangerous and it is always a good idea to hire a professional.

Keep gutters clear – Due to the high amount of autumn debris from leaves and twigs, it is imperative to ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clean. Clearing your gutters allows for water to drain properly while also preventing them from getting weighed down, causing separation from your home. With the wide variety of issues that can come from clogged gutters, it is best to clean them in early fall instead of waiting.

Check your HVAC system ahead of time – Have a certified professional perform a standard maintenance check on your heating and air conditioning system now before the cold sets in. During this time, it would also be beneficial to replace your air filter according the manual’s instructions. This way, you can be sure that there will be no down time when you really need it most. **If your air conditioning unit is outdoors, it is advisable to put a cover over it while not in use.

Adjust HVAC dampers – With the weather cooling down and many people starting to run the heating in their homes, it is important to remember to make these changes. By adjusting the damper in your home, you can redirect the warm air to the lowest level of your home. Since heat rises, this adjustment will help with the amount of energy your furnace uses to heat your home.

Turn on humidifiers – Another change that occurs in fall is the level of humidity in the air. Along with the cooling temperatures the air becomes dryer. Using a humidifier to increase moisture in your home has many positive impacts such as reducing dry skin, lessening static electricity and helping your home feel warmer. Please refer to your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your unit.

Chimney inspection – After sitting dormant during the warm months, a good practice is to contact an NFI Certified Chimney Sweep to evaluate your chimney and fireplace for cleanliness. Having a dirty chimney can result in fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Click here for a great resource to help you when determining your selection.

Winterize outdoor faucets – Before freezing temperatures arrive, it is necessary to winterize any outdoor faucets. To do so properly, you must drain all water from the faucet before shutting off the outdoor water supply.  When water freezes, it can build up pressure, resulting in pipe bursts and possible leaks which cause major damage to your home. This website offers a great tutorial on winterizing your faucet as well as other basic maintence operations.

In addition to draining faucets, it is also a good idea to drain and store any hoses which may be attached to outdoor faucets.  It is recommended they be rolled neatly and stored in a dry place.

If your home has an irrigation system, it is advisable that these be drained as well.  In some cases, the homeowner may be responsible for this on their own and should consult their owner’s manual or hire a professional for assistance. In other circumstances, homeowners may have an HOA that does the work for them when appropriate. Click here for more winter plumbing tips.

Reverse ceiling fans – During the cooler months of the year, it is ideal to switch the rotation of your ceiling fan blades. By doing so, the fans help to push warmer air towards the floor as it rises.

Service winter equipment – Now is the time to ensure that all equipment you may need for a snowy winter is in proper working order. If you happen to have a snowblower or backup generator, here are some of the basic things you can do:

* Check the oil
* Inspect the belts
* Tighten the bolts
* Replace air filter

Be sure to review your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance for your specific unit or call a professional for servicing.

Check walkways and driveways – Take the opportunity now to evaluate your walkway and driveway for cracks. This would be the perfect time to get them filled preventing water from settling in and freezing, causing them to get bigger and more expensive to repair later.

Stock up on supplies – Don’t wait until there are mobs of people flooding the stores to stock up. Here are a few items you may consider getting ahead of time:

 * Firewood
 * Shovels
 * Emergency items: flashlights, batteries, bandages, blankets and replace any expired items from an emergency kit
* Non-perishable foods
 * Bottled water

Reorganize shed or garage – Rearrange your garage or shed so fall and winter tools are more accessible and shift other things back that you won’t need. This is also a great time to clean and store seasonal furniture.
 
By preparing now, you can get ahead of the game and have a much smoother winter.

Did You Know...

1. The State Bug of Delaware is the Lady Bug - This became so on April 25, 1974 due to an intense effort by Mrs. Mollie Brown-Rust’s second grade class at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford, Delaware. Ladybugs are great allies to gardeners, since they are a natural predator to crop-damaging aphids.

2. The State Butterfly is the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail – This butterfly was adopted on June 10, 1999.This large yellow and black-striped beauty is indigenous to Delaware. Out of a possible three choices selected by Richardson Park Learning Center, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail won by a vote of 1,611 out of 3,175 students.

3. The State Wildlife Animal is the Grey Fox – The Grey Fox was adopted June 10, 2010. This swift and powerful creature is the only American canine that can climb trees, and can also run up to 28mph.

4. The State Mineral is Sillimanite – Sillimanite was officially named the State Mineral in 1977 as suggested by the Delaware Mineralogical Society. This polymorph mineral is often fibrous, and comes in many colors ranging from clear to gray-white, yellowish, brownish and bluish. Sillimanite is formed in higher temperature/ higher pressure environments.

5. Henry Heimlich – The man responsible for the Heimlich maneuver was born in Wilmington, DE on February 3, 1920. Heimlich first wrote about the maneuver in a June 1974 informal article published in Emergency Medicine. In 1974, there was a report that a retired restaurant-owner used it to rescue a choking person.

6. The State Star is Delaware Diamond – Delaware Diamond is a star of the 12th magnitude that can be seen with binoculars or a telescope. Located in the constellation of Ursa Major (Great Bear) with the coordinates of right ascension 9h40m44s and declination 48⁰14’2”. Twelve-year-old Amy Nerlinger of Wilmington named the star through a contest sponsored by the Delaware Museum of Natural History in the summer of 1999. Delaware Diamond is the first star on the International Star Registry to be registered to a state.

7. The State Macroinvertebrate is the Stonefly – Adopted in May, 2005, the Stonefly was chosen due to its intolerance to any sort of water pollution. This Macroinvertebrate was chosen because its presence around the state represents Delaware’s remarkable water quality.

 8. The State Shell is the Channeled Whelk – The Channeled Whelk was adopted as the state shell in May of 2014. After reading a book of Delaware state symbols, 6th Grade Girl Scout Allyson Willis, noticed that Delaware did not have a state shell while many other states with fewer beaches did. This realization prompted her to contact her state legislators and it was officially signed by Gov. Jack Markell. The channeled Whelk is one of only two predatory sea snails found near central and lower Delaware, and the typical shell size can grow up to 5-8 inches long.

9. Lowest Average Elevation – While there are states that beat Delaware on the lowest low point or lowest high point, its overall mean elevation is the lowest in the country with an average of 60ft above sea level. Delaware’s highest point reaches 450ft and its lowest point is Sea Level.

10. Fewest Counties – Delaware has the fewest number of counties in the country totaling only three - Kent County, New Castle County, and Sussex County. Sussex County was established in 1631 and is the largest of the three at 938 sq. miles. Since the city of Lewes was the first town in Delaware, it holds the title of the first town in the first state, and also makes Sussex County the birthplace of modern day Delaware.

Plotting a Successful Garden

Warm spring temperatures invite us to take advantage of the outdoors. If you are looking for a new way to spend time outside, you may want to consider planting your own vegetable garden. Not only will it produce some delicious food, but gardening can be very relaxing. If you’ve never grown your own produce before, it has been recommended to start off small and build up to a larger garden in the future. Creating a small plot gives you a great introduction to gardening, what tools you like, and how much time is required to maintain your plants.

Garden Bed– The first decision you will need to make is what type of bed you’d like for your garden. In addition to just using pots, you have two choices - planting directly into the ground or in a raised bed. Both options have pros and cons so it really just comes down to preference. With many views on each type, it’s best to do some research and decide which works for you. If you choose to go with a raised bed, you can either buy one at your local hardware store, or build your own.  For information on building your own click here.

Basic Gardening Tools – When starting a garden, you’ll need to acquire the basic tools necessary to regularly maintain it. The size of the tool you purchase will be heavily determined by the type of garden you choose to create. For instance, if you choose to go with a raised bed garden, you may want to opt for smaller hand tools. This list should help you get an idea of what many gardeners keep in their shed:

• Gloves - A thick pair of gloves to protect your hands from thorns and chemicals. Leather or synthetic offer a bit more durability and protection over cotton.
• Hand Trowel – A small tool used for digging holes in a garden bed or mixing soil with other additives such as fertilizer or compost. Look for a hand trowel with a solid/comfortable grip and strong blade.
• Hori Hori Knife – A versatile tool that can be used for digging, weeding, planting, cutting bags open and much more.
• Pruning Shears/Knife – Ideal for harvesting as well as cutting plants back.
• Hoe – Good for breaking up soil and weeds
• Shovel – For digging larger holes to plant trees and shrubs, and is also good for mixing larger quantities of soil.
• Rake – Ideal for removing leaves and bits of debris from your garden.
• Hose – Be sure to purchase a nozzle for the end so you can water your garden with more of a spray rather than a large stream of water.
• Wheelbarrow for carrying your soil or heavy items.
• Bucket to keep small tools, gloves etc… in a central location, it can also be used to gather up your leaves and clippings.

Location – Where you place your garden can have a big impact on its success.

• Reminder – It is a good idea to put your garden somewhere you will see it or pass it daily so you will be reminded to tend to it for at least 10 minutes a day.
• Sun – Most vegetables tend to grow best with between 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. While this is pretty typical, there are other options if your home does not have quite so much sunlight. You can plant vegetables that require less sun, such as root vegetables, or stick to planting seeds in containers that can be moved to sunnier locations as needed.
• Space – You will need to put some serious thought into what you hope to accomplish with your garden and then select an area that can accommodate the amount of space you will need to achieve your gardening goals. This will definitely come into play if you are planning to grow any vegetables or fruits that sprawl, such as grapes or others that just require more space between plants.
• Water – To save yourself a little bit of work, try to situate your garden close to your water supply.

Choosing vegetables– With your garden all ready to go, you just need to get some veggies planted. Things to consider:

• Your Climate
• What season you are planting in
• How much maintenance is required
• How much space do you have
• Timing – Should you plant seeds or transplants? Consider when you are planting, if you get a late start you may want to just go with transplants.

A few ideas to get you started in your veggie choice for late spring include:

Cucumbers – These tasty vegetables are a great option for your home garden and are best to be planted when the temperature is a reliable 70 degrees or above. While there is a vine variety, bushes are better suited to containers or small gardens. Cucumbers are great because they grow fast and don’t require a ton of maintenance aside from consistent moisture, about one inch per week. For more information on cucumbers please click here.

Snap Beans – Another great addition to your home garden are snap beans. Not only are these a dependable producer but they are very easy to manage. These delicious veggies come in a variety of sizes and colors. These can be grown either by pole, which requires a tall trellis, or bush, which requires less set up. It is important to keep beans weeded and mulched to conserve moisture. To learn more, click here.

Tomatoes - These are a great, low-maintenance option to consider planting in your new garden. Tomatoes need a heavily sunlit section of your garden to ensure they get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. Before planting, it is wise to decide on a plan for supporting them, trellis, cage or stakes, as they tend to grow pretty tall. Click here for more info.

Here are a few links to help you get started with seed selection and a timelines:

Delaware Center for Horticulture

Delaware State University

Old Farmer’s Almanac

The options are really endless when trying to work out your garden. It is a good idea to jot down your ideas, research your options and plan your space before starting. By planning ahead, your chances for success become much greater. Happy gardening!