Walking for My Mom ~ Join Me or Cheer Us On 💜 | | |
On Saturday, September 28, I’ll be walking in memory of my beautiful mom, Sonja Behnke Festerling, as part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Centennial Park in Ellicott City.
Last month, I shared my story, and I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who has already supported me with kind words, donations, and encouragement. Your love truly means the world.
Ever since we first heard her diagnosis, I wanted to help… but at first it felt too overwhelming. And after she passed, it was simply too hard. But now, I feel ready.
Alzheimer’s slowly took the moments that made her who she was, but I believe each one was waiting for her in heaven. I’m walking with love, purpose, and hope, and I’d be honored to have you join me.
➡️ If you’re local and would like to walk, I’d love to have you on Team Sonja!
➡️ If walking’s not your thing, you can still support this cause with a donation; every step and every gift makes a difference.
Thank you for walking beside me in spirit, in support, or right there at the park 💜
| | Photo of the month, by Larry Hurley | | |
Alfred's Sunflower Beds
Long-time customers of Behnke Nurseries at Beltsville may recall that for many years, the southeast side of the property was dedicated to the sale and display of trees. When we moved the tree sales area to the north side so that it was easier for folks to shop, we had to fill that space. Some of it was turned into perennial and annual display gardens, but, in the beds that were lining the fence along Route One, our President, Alfred Millard, planted sunflowers.
They had multiple purposes. The primary purpose was to have an eye-catching display of flowers to entice people to come in. Sunflowers are also popular with bees and other pollinators, and we harvested the seed heads to give away to customers so that they could hang them out for the birds and squirrels. All in all, it was a great use of fallow land.
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Trees and Shrubs
- Water deeply, but not frequently. Shrub and tree expert Miri says: “For
established plants, don’t water for brief periods every day or every other day – doing so can encourage fungal growth on the constantly wet surface and yet keep deeper roots dry, since the water doesn’t soak in very much and some of it evaporates. Plus, watering that often wastes water. “Here’s the best way to water: Soak thoroughly. Soaker hoses and drip systems are best, sprinklers are second-best and hand-held hoses will do if you must. Just make sure the root area is well soaked and that the water seeps into the soil at least 4-6 inches deep. A guideline is to put down at least an inch of water, so if you use a sprinkler, measure how long it takes to fill a shallow can or dish about one inch deep. You’ll have to experiment a bit, but probing the soil down to about five inches gives you a better idea of how moist the roots are getting.”
- Miri also reminds everyone to get the last of our needed pruning done now, or wait until early winter to resume shaping shrubs or trees. Fall pruning can lead to a last-minute flush of tender growth that will be easily frost-killed and waste the plant’s energy.
- And a warning from Larry: “The stress of drought increases trees’ susceptibility to diseases and insect attack, especially street trees; take pity on them and soak the ‘hell strip’ between the sidewalk (if you have one) and the curb with water at least once every couple of weeks. Your grass can go brown and come back, but trees…even ‘native trees,’ are a lot healthier with water in the summer.”
- Here’s another tip from Larry: “Trees dropping leaves or little acorns? That is the plant adjusting to dry weather after a wet spring. It’s normal.”
- Don’t fertilize trees or shrubs. Doing it in August (or any time after July) will stimulate new growth at a time when plants are beginning to enter dormancy, and could result in excessive winter damage.
- Removing spent blooms on crape myrtles will encourage new growth and blooms.
| | | Summer Sparkle + Garden Magic ✨ Still 25% Off! | | |
One of my favorite parts of having this little shop is curating pieces that bring joy, whether it's a shimmering glass ornament or a tiny fairy cottage tucked into the garden 🧚♀️🌿
Right now, I’m continuing my 25% off sale on a few customer favorites:
🎁 All Glass Ornaments – 25% Off
🧚♀️ All Fairy Garden Items – 25% Off (Online Only)
✨ I won’t be restocking the ornaments, so if you’ve had your eye on one, now’s the time!
Hope you’re enjoying August and finding some peaceful garden moments along the way 🌼 Stephanie 💙
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NEW Quilled Greeting Cards Just Arrived
Buy 5 Cards and Get the 6th Card FREE
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Ready to Try a Healthier Way to Clean?
If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a way to clean your home without harsh chemicals… There is.
When I found Norwex, it completely changed how I clean—and how I feel about what I use around my family.
Just water + these amazing cloths = clean surfaces, less waste, and peace of mind.
Now, for a limited time, Norwex is helping me send FREE Mini Basic Sampler Kits to those who’ve never tried it before!
These samples will come straight from Norwex—but they’re still a gift from me to you.
Even better? If you decide you love it, you’ll get 25% off your first order—but that part is only available for a short time.
Want to give it a try?
Just click here to request your free sampler 👉 FREE SAMPLE
No pressure—just a chance to experience a safer, simpler way to clean.
Because when something makes life better, it’s worth sharing ~ Stephanie ❤️
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Watch MY Butter Demo Video Watch how I clean butter off a glass door and make it shine with water! See Norwex in action as I demonstrate how our products work—even with butter! It's the perfect way to see the power of BacLock® in action. Click here or below to watch the video.
Check Out My Online Store Click here or on the button below to visit my online Norwex store and explore our range of safe, effective cleaning products.
Need More Info? 💬 Have questions or want to learn more? Click Here or Scan the QR code below to visit my LinkTree, where I have many helpful resources, including tutorials, product details, and more. I’m here to help!
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Want to know more
about Norwex?
Just scan the code for more details on just what Norwex is! Or click on the link below.
Nor-What?
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Beyond Behnke's Sponsors
Just click on the photos to check them out!
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Spear Head Spade®
Spear Head Spade®
Behnke's garden writer Larry Hurley says: "I bought the long-handled version last year. It's the only shovel I use now for edging and planting. I love this shovel!"
MAKE SURE YOU PUT "Behnke's" in the Special Instructions section.
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