
Dee Salomon
The plant sale that I wrote about in my last column, a joint effort of Lindera Nursery and Tiny Meadow Farm, was fantastic. I came home with pots of rattlesnake master, Eryngium yuccifolium, which I planted in the meadow with the hope that their tall glaucous leaves and round balls of white flower will punctuate the otherwise mostly grassy green expanse. For a shady spot left by transplanting a witch hazel, several pots of Jacob’s ladder, Polemonium reptans echo the tones of the violet and bluebells nearby.
I added two plants to the river path beds: Echinacea pallida — a restrained looking echinacea with thin pale pink petals that drape downward, and obedient plant, Physostegia virginiana, whose whitish- pink upward- growing flowers are reminiscent of snapdragons or lobelia. These should fill in alongside the existing penstemon, mountain mint and the low growing, shocking-pink Silene caroliniana that is flowering right now.
Not only are all the new acquisitions native, most of the plants are also local eco-types; the seed from which the plants were grown was came from plants grown locally. The thinking is that insects and birds are accustomed to the particular tastes, smells, shapes and colors of local plants and so, from the perspective of habitat preservation, they will have the best opportunity to succeed. Even humans, who are the most adaptable species, can relate to this notion: one person’s award-winning three-alarm chili is another person’s digestive nightmare.
On the other end of the native plant spectrum are the cultivars. These are versions of native plants, selected and bred because they have an appealing aesthetic or disease resistance that differs from the original species. Some cultivars are strains of native plants found in nature and are grown from seeds from these plants, others, mainly woody plants, are created by cloning using plant cuttings.
Also called nativars, they are most often what you will find in nurseries and garden centers when looking for native plants. A cultivar, native or not, will always have it’s specific name in quotation marks; this is the best clue to identify it as a cultivar. Producers are allowed to trademark cultivars of plants, such as ‘Balmy™ Purple’ Bee Balm which is one of the many nativars bred and sold under the American Meadows brand.
I succumbed to this mild-mannered marketing about ten years ago, well before I really paid attention to native plants, when purchasing a redbud nativar that has deep purple leaves, rather than the green leaves of the species. Even if the nursery had carried the species, I would have selected this one; I was seduced by its name, ‘Forest Pansy’, as well as the charming color and shape of its leaf.
What I did not know at the time, and wish I had, is that nativars with purple or red leaves are far less interesting as a food source to caterpillars than are the original green leaves of the straight species. The chlorophyl of the green leaves is replaced by anthocyanins, flavonoids that, while healthy, are ‘feeding deterrents’ according to Doug Tallamy who did the research with Mt. Cuba, a botanic garden and research center focused on native plants. Mt. Cuba’s research team looks at native species and their cultivars, assessing them over many years and then rates them for considerations including growth habits, hardiness and habitat benefits.
I spoke with Melissa Starkey, Ph.D., from Mt.Cuba who agreed that “there seems to be a lot of misinformation floating around that cultivars are ‘bad’ though in our research sometimes they are the winner for pollinators.”
What do we need to take into account when making a decision about a nativar, so that we end up with a plant that, in addition to being pleasing to us, is helpful to caterpillars, bees, other insects and birds? Apart from avoiding red and purple cultivars of green-leaved native species, Melissa advises that we be aware of nativars cultivated to have double or triple rows of petals. These plants, while more decorative forms of the original species, are far less attractive to pollinators. Some cultivars, such as mophead hydrangea, have mostly sterile flowers and therefore are of little use to bees and other pollinators. Lacecap hydrangea, such as Mt. Cuba’s highly rated ‘Haas Halo’, is a haven for pollinators.
To compensate for the three Ninebark ’Coppertina’ shrubs I had planted 8 years ago, Robin Zitter, the horticulturalist who helped me create the river path, wisely advised that I plant a few straight species alongside these deep coppery red-toned nativars. Robin sourced one plant and the others came from Earth Tones, a wonderful source for native plants in Woodbury.
Our sources for native plants have improved over the last few years and seeing examples of the beautiful native flowers, shrubs and trees has encouraged many to seek them out. We can aim for the local ecotype of a species when available to us and strive to plant native species first and nativars second.
Dee Salomon “ungardens” in Litchfield County.
A Plus Detailing Hiring: Open position for a Full Detailer & Cleaner. Depending on experience $21 to $30 per hour. Contact Ryan at 959-228-1010.
Driver: For The Lakeville Journal and Millerton News newspaper routes, part time Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays. Call James Clark. 860-435-9873, x 401 or email publisher@lakevillejournal.com.
Town of Amenia Highway Department HIGHWAY WORKER:Truck Driver, laborer, Full time, Health Insurance, NYS Retirement, paid holidays, vacation, Personal leave, comp time, longevity pay etc; CDL LICENSE REQUIRED $26- $28 an hour depending on experience. Pick up applications at Amenia Highway, 8 Borden Lane, Wassaic, NY Or call 845-373-9922.
Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center: is a year-round 120-person retreat facility that is located in Falls Village, CT. Want to work at a beautiful, peaceful location, with great people? This is the place to be! We are currently seeking positions for a Maintenance Associate (full time, temporary), Retreat Services Associate (front of house), and Mashgichim (F/T and P/T) for our summer season. For more details please visit our website at adamah.org/about-adamah/careers/ or email a copy of your resume to rebecca.eisen@adamah.org.
Music Director: Sharon Congregational Church in Connecticut seeks a Music Director to plan, coordinate and develop the music ministry. Responsibilities include weekly worship and holiday services. Weddings and funerals will be at his/her discretion. Director will lead a small group of volunteer musicians instrumentally and vocally in traditional and contemporary Christian music. The Director must be an active Christian and proficient with piano or guitar. Position requires three hours on Sunday and two to four hours prep weekly. Salary range is $9,000 to $10,500 commensurate with experience. Three weeks of vacation. Contact email: PastorDawson06@yahoo.com.
Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499 or 860-671-7024.
Experienced Horse Equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-671-0499 or 860-671-7024.
Carpenter, Builder: David James Valyou 25 years serving NY CT MA older homes and barns my specialty. Repairs, Renovations Based in Canaan CT. Contact: 917-538-1617 davidvalyou@yahoo.com.
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
NEED YOUR HOME CLEANED?: Diana and Juliet have been servicing the Northwest Corner since 1998. We offer guaranteed satisfaction and have great references. Please call 860- 605-0528.
Hay For Sale: Round Bales. First Cutting covered hay, round bales. First cut hay covered with plastic. $10.00 for bale loaded. 860-671-0499 or 860-671-7024.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
SALISBURY spacious 2 bedroom apt.: in historic house. Private garden entrance in quiet location overlooking town. Ideal for a single person or a couple without children. $1200 per month. 860-435-1007 or richardjboyle9@gmail.com No pets.
3b/3b home in Sharon:fully furnished, lake access, 3.84 acres. $5000 per month. 860-309-4482.
Sharon Rentals: 1b/1b home on a private lake. Avail 4/1/25. Yearly. $2750/Furnished, weekly housekeeping, garbage, water, ground maint. included. utilities addtl. 860-309-4482.
North Canaan, CT
Town wide tag sale: Sat June 14th & Sun June 15th in North Canaan, CT. Spots available at Lawrence Field. To register your spot at home or at the field for $10/weekend go to www.NorthCanaanEventsCommittee.org for more information.
Legal Notice
Notice of formation of Pioneer Window Cleaning & Paint LLC. Arts. Of Org. Filed with SSNY on 2/5/25. Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY designate as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Timothy Thompson, 4 Mc Arthur Pl,
Plains NY 12522. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
05-08-25
05-15-25
05-22-25
05-29-25
06-05-25
06-12-25
TOWN OF PINE PLAINS
DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held by the Town of Pine Plains Planning Board on the 11th day of June 2025 at 7:35pm at the Town Hall, 3284 Route 199, Pine Plains, New York, for the purpose of hearing all persons for or against an application submitted by The Hudson Company for a site plan, special use permit, and lot line adjustment for a mill, showroom, and accessory apartment located at 2436 Route 83 Tax Map ID #134200-6871-00-455865-0000 and 7702-7714 South Main Street Tax Map ID#134200-6871-00-437906-0000, Town of Pine Plains, Dutchess County.
Any resident of the Town of Pine Plains shall be entitled to be heard regarding said application. The application is available for review during regular business hours at the Pine Plains Town Hall.
By order of:
Town of Pine Plains Planning Board
05-29-25
Members of American Legion Post 178 and local veterans march in the Millerton Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025.
MILLERTON — The sun came out in full force for Millerton’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26 — a welcome change from the recent stretch of cold and rainy weather.
Sidewalks were filled with friends, families and furry companions as the community came together to honor fallen service members.
The Webutuck School Band plays patriotic tunes as they lead Webutuck Little League, elected officials, and fire and emergency vehicles through the Village toward Irondale Cemeter. Photo by Aly Morrissey
American Legion Post 178, the Webutuck School Band, Webutuck Little League and local fire and emergency vehicles marched down the flag-lined Main Street to cheers and applause.
The procession began at the Fire House on Century Boulevard, paused at Webutuck Creek Bridge to honor Navy and Merchant Marine veterans then continued across Route 22 to Irondale Cemetery for a prayer and moment of silence.
A woman pauses to pay respect at the grave of a United States veteran Photo by Aly Morrissey
Back at Veterans Park, ceremonies resumed as the American Legion’s New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Jenks introduced Dr. Julian Strauss, who offered a prayer honoring fallen soldiers, active service members, and their families.
Following the presentation of colors and the National Anthem by the Webutuck School Band, Jenks addressed the crowd.
He began with a quote by President Ronald Reagan: “Memorial Day is a day of ceremonies and speeches. Throughout America today, we honor the dead of our wars. We recall their valor and their sacrifices. We remember they gave their lives so that others might live.”
U.S. Army veteran Justin Dishart, currently a signal officer with the New York Army National Guard, delivers keynote remarks in Veteran’s Park during the Millerton Memorial Day Parad. Photo by Aly Morrissey
Jenks noted Memorial Day honors more than one million men and women who have died defending the United States, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror.
“As Legionaries, we are pledged through the preamble of our constitution to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations of the great wars,” he said. “Yet, we do not remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms because of an edict of ritual; we do so because we want to.”
A Battlefield Cross assembled in Veteran’s park to honor fallen soldiers.Photo by Aly Morrissey
Jenks then welcomed Millerton Mayor Jennifer Najdek, who read the 2025 Memorial Day Proclamation: “Memorial Day has been set aside to honor the memory of those military personnel who gave their lives for — and in the defense of — our country.”
U.S. Army Veteran Justin Dishart, currently a signal officer with the New York Army National Guard, of Clifton Park, New York, served as keynote speaker. Enlisting in 2009, Dishart has deployed multiple times to Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Syria, and now serves as the G-6 at Joint Forces Headquarters–New York.
“We are very fortunate to be here today, and of course Memorial Day is here every year … and it is our duty to be here rain or shine,” he said.
Dishart framed his remarks around the idea of happiness, pointing out that people often confuse Veterans Day — a celebration of those who have served — with Memorial Day, a more solemn occasion honoring those who died in service. Instead of criticizing the misunderstanding, he encouraged the crowd to find meaning — and even joy — in remembrance. “In our Declaration of Independence, it says ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,’” he said, noting that while life and liberty are guaranteed, happiness is not. “You have to pursue it.”
Members of Webutuck Little League marched in the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025.Photo by Aly Morrissey
Dishart shared emotional stories from his service, expressing gratitude for those he knew, those he never met, and those he lost.
“Beneath all of that… all of us did it from a sense of duty that each of us feel as Americans deep in our hearts,” he said. “Each of us joined for the flag we bear on our shoulders.”
After the keynote, a bell was rung in remembrance of each Millerton veteran who died in service during the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror.
Dr. Strauss closed the ceremony with a benediction, and Sgt. Maj. Jenks acknowledged those who helped organize the day, including past commanders, the Sons of The American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary, NorthEast Fire District and Millerton Fire Company, Chief Olenik and the Millerton Police Department, New York State Police, Webutuck School Band, and Townscape for designing and planting the patriotic memorial.
Svend Lindbaek is creating a giant wooden chair at his workshop at 2 Main St. in preparation for a May 29 special event.
MILLERTON — On the Day of Ascension, observed this year by the Catholic Church on May 29, a mass celebrating Christ rising into heaven will take place outside in the burial ground at St. Patrick’s Church at noon.
To prepare for this special event, artist Svend Lindbaek is creating a giant wooden chair at his workshop at 2 Main St. The sculpture — designed by Father Andrew O’Connor, the new priest at the Immaculate Conception in Amenia — is based on a Bernini sculpture in the Vatican. O’Connor’s goal, like Bernini’s, is to create a sacred space for worship.
“Since St. Patrick’s was closed 10 years ago I am restricted to celebrating mass outside,” explained Father O’Connor. “It is quite appropriate to celebrate a mass about Jesus ascending into heaven in a churchyard in communion with the dead who also anticipate rising again. Being outside, the chair’s monumental size makes all that cannot be seen somehow present.” The mass will be conducted in Spanish and English.
Elyse Harney, who is urging the Arch Diocese of New York to reopen the church, has upgraded the entrance to the church and is supporting the creation of the “Chair.”