You've probably seen this before. You may even have one in your yard. There is one plant most iconic to Southern living: The Crepe Myrtle (also spelled Crape Myrtle, Southerners unofficially changed the spelling from Crape to Crepe because of the blossom's resemblance of crepe paper.)

The Crape Myrtle is native to Southern Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1700's by Royal Botanist Andre' Michaux. Michaux collected and studied plant specimens from several continents to help progress the advancements of medicine, agriculture, and carpentry. The Crepe Myrtle was brought to England but European's were unimpressed as the tree wouldn't bloom because the temperature wasn't hot enough. Michaux then brought it to Charleston, South Carolina where it quickly became one of the most sought after plants. In the late 1700's records indicate Crepe Myrtle seeds arrived at George Washington's home at Mount Vernon. Hence, the Crepe Myrtle has been part of the Northern Neck lifestyle for hundreds of years. 

The Crepe Myrtle  maintain blooms in the summer and fantastic fall color. There are many species of Crepe Myrtle that grow to fit the ornamental look a gardner wants. If you're looking to freshen up your current landscaping, or building a home and need new landscaping, consider adding a Crepe Myrtle to the garden for that classic, Southern look. 

Mr. & Mrs. Carter were looking for a scenic, low-maintenance home to build the home of their dreams and enjoy their retirement. They found the Landing at Totuskey Creek! Situated on the Northern Neck's Totuskey Creek and approximately an hour from Richmond, VA. The Carter's worked hand in hand with builder/developer Gregory Packett to create a home that exceeded their needs. Here are a few photos from the process...

Construction started in the Fall of 2014. Several adjustments were made to increase the appearance and utilize the space. 

The front of the home has large front and side windows to maximize the water view. The side windows in the photo below ere modified by the owner for increased privacy in the Master Suite.

Here is the finished product:

The front, outside.

The great room gives access to the phenominal views.

Kitchen options (granite countertops, appliances, lighting, etc. all chosen by the Carters)

The dining area.

Spacious upstairs bedroom.

Bonus spaces were created upstairs with the Carter's input.

(Part of the) View from the deck 

Here is what the Carter's had to say about the experience:

We are very happy in our new home at the Landing.  Gregory Packett worked very well with us on the price and building details involving our new home.  We are very pleased with his work ethic and commitment in building our home.  We would highly recommend him as your builder. 

 The Carters chose the Pole Green floor plan

Tappahannock Farmer's Market

The Tappahannock Main Street Program, the Town of Tappahannock and Essex County have planned a series of monthly Farmers’ Markets located in historic downtown Tappahannock. The markets will be held from 9-1 pm on the third Saturday of each month starting April and running through November.

The Markets will feature: vegetables and fruits; meats and seafood; garden plants and accessories; bread and baked goods; home made crafts and fine arts; and an assortment of restaurant and food vendors, as well as, music by local performers.

The Markets will be located on two blocks of Cross Street between Queen, Prince and Duke Street and on Fountain Green, right in the center of historic downtown Tappahannock.

The 2020 dates are:

May 16

June 20

July 18

August 15  
September 19

October 17

November 21

Come enjoy some hometown hospitality every 3^rd Saturday. Each month features live entertainment and the produce changes with the season. Guaranteeing no two Saturdays will be the same!

As duck/goose season comes to a close; this post will be dedicated to all the water fowl that fly over the rivers, marshes, and swamps of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Ducks and geese fly thousands of miles each year to find habitat suitable for feeding, nesting, and protection.

Each Fall these waterfowl fly over the United States in four main zones or ‘flyways’. As you can see in the image below, that the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula (really all of Eastern Virginia) is in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway. This is because the marshes, rivers and wetlands provide millions of acres of habitat for these birds.

The cold air that freezes lakes, streams, and rivers push waterfowl to their wintering grounds. When Arctic air is pushed down into the mid-west migrations move faster as the birds stay in front of the extreme cold. With a strong tail wind (~50 mph) ducks can fly around 800 miles in an 8 hour period. After such a long flight, ducks would have to spend two or three days feeding and resting to recover from the journey. But when extreme cold comes (like the 2013-2014 winter) where the cold Artic air is pushed into the South, ducks and other waterfowl struggle to find suitable feeding grounds and in turn die of starvation.

Migration and population data has been studied by biologist for over 60 years. Biologists look for patterns to help and preserve healthy populations. Check out www.flyways.us/ for more information.

Thanks to www.ducks.org and www.wildfowlmag.com for information in this article.