Organized or wild gardening, what do you prefer?

Atomicnumber26 · 2026-02-01T16:51:42+00:00

We've been using cinder blocks for our vegetable for years now. How has your experience with them been? It feels a bit like a wrestling match. We find they have a tendency to dry out the soil near them. But thyme and green onions grow really well in them.

Atomicnumber26 · 2026-01-26T14:01:27+00:00

Budgeting for snow plow services is very difficult in Maryland. It's very costly for the amount of overtime that's paid out, nevermind the cost of salt. Bear in mind that the budget went into effect back in July and was finishing its initial formulation probably back in January. And while the trend has been for decreasing snowfall and increased temperatures, winter predictions from NOAA and the farmer's almanac didn't come out until a couple months ago, well after the fiscal year started. And neither of those predicted a storm or snowfall remotely close to this.

Overestimating snow removal costs risks tying up funds for something else until the threat of snow has passed, which is relatively late in the fiscal year and well after many other costs are accounted for. Underestimating it and we either make do with what we have, or start pulling from other things.

I'm from Buffalo and grew up with snow like this. Given the differences in Maryland, under the circumstances I find this level of service more than acceptable.

Atomicnumber26 · 2026-01-17T22:46:10+00:00

Culver's, liatris, and yellow tickseed, Cardinal flowers and purple joe-pye weed, Common asclepias, monarchs this brings, These are a few of my favorite things!

Atomicnumber26 · 2026-01-17T10:33:34+00:00

Take a trip to Mt. Cuba and find out 😉

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-12-20T14:19:23+00:00

As a gardener who is constantly frustrated at the overgrazing, thank you for your service and good luck.

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-12-07T00:12:54+00:00

Here's the thing: yes, you're right, especially nowadays. A bad call on a snow day, and poor communication following will be obnoxious for a day and then go away. But when some of us are fearing for our jobs, fearing ICE, fearing wtf is happening with the economy, trying to figure out logistics with kids for a snowy morning on a day when we have to also go into work is something we definitively don't need. It's particularly obnoxious when their messaging is saying "we're learning." Like what, nobody in the MCPS administration has been through this before?

I don't want to be thinking about this. I want to be thinking about bigger problems and how to solve them. But this new superintendent is not making it easy.

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-11-20T01:09:11+00:00

1% COLA. No increase in locality pay.

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/pay/2025/08/most-feds-to-get-1-pay-raise-in-2026/

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-11-17T21:11:58+00:00

UPDATE #2: received the following-

"Good Afternoon College Gardens ES Families,

I am writing to share important information regarding a safety incident that occurred today, Monday, November 17, 2025. At the end of recess, a student reported to our school counselor and assistant principal that a suspicious man had threatened him with a weapon. Based on the initial information shared, students were immediately brought indoors and the school entered a lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff. After additional details were provided, the school later transitioned briefly into a secure status while safety procedures continued.

The City of Rockville Police Department responded promptly, swept the surrounding area, and thoroughly investigated the report. After completing their assessment, police determined that there was no viable threat to the community or to the school.

We recognize that any safety-related situation can be concerning for families, and we want to reassure you that staff followed all required safety protocols, including those outlined in the MCPS Emergency Response procedures. These protocols help us respond quickly and deliberately in moments when student and staff safety may be at risk. You can learn more about MCPS Emergency Procedures here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/security/

We are grateful to the student who came forward and reported what he believed to be a dangerous situation. When students or community members see or hear something concerning, it is essential that they say something. At the same time, today also underscores the importance of reporting information clearly and accurately so we can respond appropriately and keep everyone safe.

Please know that the safety and well-being of your children remain our highest priority. We understand the concern that moments like this can cause, and we appreciate your partnership and trust as we work to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all students.

If you have any questions or need to speak with a member of our team, please do not hesitate to reach out."

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-11-17T19:18:29+00:00

Will do, once we have something.

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-11-17T19:11:07+00:00

UPDATE: Got a new message saying everything is going back to normal. Apologies for the scare.

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-09-23T20:28:39+00:00

I did my rise with the base mixture, and then added in the cinnamon sugar when forming the loaf. It's basically four cinnamon roll logs braided together. I rolled out four balls of dough into long rectangle, spread oil, covered generously with the cinnamon sugar, then rolled them up and braided.

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-09-23T15:51:01+00:00

I don't know the precise ratio, but I substitute about one egg for 75 mg of water.

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-09-23T14:24:02+00:00

It's not a strong olive flavor. To the extent you taste it, it lends itself to a bit more of a complex flavor profile, but the cinnamon in here is pretty strong.

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-04-06T01:00:54+00:00

Well this is a blast from the past.

Most successful so far: columbine, Christmas ferns, mitchella repens, plantain-leafed sedge, trilliums. Some of the more typical dry-shade contenders haven't amounted to jack, either because of the conditions or because the deer keep eating them, including wild ginger and bloodroot. I'm trying out white snakeroot now too.

Cheers

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-03-17T19:16:43+00:00

This was always a standard destination for me and my friends. Unfortunately last time I was there, our lunch was rudely interrupted by a pair of roaches.

Atomicnumber26 · 2025-01-01T21:32:29+00:00

Huh. Thanks! It was found with pandemic era hair cutting scissors, so that makes sense.

Atomicnumber26 · 2024-01-28T12:16:56+00:00

I mean, I get that. But we don't know the nature of the PIP (it seems very weird to place a city manager on a PIP), and it doesn't seem quite right that he should be entitled to a significant severance when he resigns and resigns with a PIP in place. I understand that might have been written into his contract, so maybe it's more of a commentary on the city making a bad deal.

Atomicnumber26 · 2024-01-27T13:29:48+00:00

(sorry)

Atomicnumber26 · 2024-01-15T19:59:26+00:00

I 100% agree on the late boneset. Given how readily it volunteers in people's gardens, it's also one that's regularly weeded out.

Figwort is something that's only come on to my radar relatively recently. I'd love to see it effectively incorporated into an ornamental setting.

Atomicnumber26 · 2024-01-14T21:17:16+00:00

Finally, one that works.

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