Listicle June 29, 2025

Peak summer here in Maryland, folks. Summer Anna is very happy, indeed. Here are a few samplings of why.

1. Fave wildflowers: the colors continue. The buttercups are finished but mid-June in mid Maryland is prime day lily time and the roadsides are decorated now in a sea of orange. I love these guys (even though I just learned they are not native) and they compliment the soft blue of the chicory which is also coming up. Mullein and teasle are also starting. It's like visiting old friends.

   

   Some good friends of mine. Credit: A O'Brien

2. Fave hobby involving stingy things: first honey harvest of 2025! Typically in this part of the state, honey is harvested in mid-July. This year, we decided to harvest early to try to capture some of the lighter stuff and it worked! It's not always possible but the bees did have enough honey ready for us to collect. Typically, the later in the year, the darker the honey will get due to the different plants in bloom. We like the lighter stuff, as it has a brighter, more floral flavor. If anyone is in the area, we plan to have a farm stand up on August 2. Watch our Instagram for updates: @adastraapiary .

   

   Honey 2025! Ain't she a beauty???? Credit: A. O'Brien

3. Fave non-stingy hobby: biking. Hitting the road a lot lately where the roads are long and evenings are longer. Here's a view from last weekend:

Zoom zoom zoom

4. Fave sittin' hole: So then after the bike ride, when it's 90 something degrees, you gotta find yourself a good sittin' hole. And buddy, let me tell you: I've got one. Should I tell you where it is or keep this to myself? I'll give you a hint: somewhere in the bounty of the Frederick County Watershed. Now go find your own sittin' hole.

   

   Get yer buns in this sittin' hole and have a nice little cool down Credit: A. O'Brien

5. Fave reminder to enjoy things while they last: annual cactus bloom. Starting last year, I've learned that my growing cactus collection enjoys being outside in the summer. This squat one in particular loves it so much that it gives off one flower (just one) for one day (just one) each year. A few days ago was The Day and I'm so happy I was around to enjoy it. Smells good, too.

   

   BEHOLD for one day and one day only! Credit: A. O'Brien