Barbara Raley

BELIEVE IT OR NOT SOMETIMES MULCH CAN DO MORE HARM THEN GOOD IF YOU DO NOT DO IT PROPERLY.

Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, controls weeds, (we hope) and maintain temperature in hot and cold weather. Applying too much mulch or adding it too often can prevent much needed oxygen from reaching the roots of plants. Mulch often becomes compacted, preventing rain from penetrating the soil. Mulch piled high around tree trunks will soften tree bark and promote the growth of fungi. This will eventually invite pests and disease. I found out a little to late that repeated applications of hardwood mulch around azaleas, and rhododendrons, releases the metallic element manganese into the soil. The manganese prevents these shrubs from getting the iron they need resulting in shrubs with smaller, yellowing leaves and branch dieback. This is what happened to 8 of my azaleas before I know what was the cause.

Here are some tips on mulching.

Mulch only 2-3 inches deep

Mulch should never touch the tree bark. Keep it at lease 5 inches away

You don't need to mulch every year- only when needed.

Azalea Rhododendron

Unfortunately, mine did not look like this, but next year they will.

DISCOVER SOUTHERN MARYLANDS SECRET.....WHERE RELAXATION IS A LIFESTLE, NOT A VACATION!!!!

If you are looking to buy or sell in southern maryland, call me or visit my web site www.barbararaley.com

O.K. this is it the one and only crab cake recipe you will use over and over again.

Of course you have to start out with great crab meat. !

1 1/2 cups of salines crackers crushed

1 lb. jumbo lump crabmeat

1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 1/2 teaspoon. Old Bay seasoning, 1/3 teaspoon. caynne pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoon chives ,(optional) 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon regular mustard, a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a bowl, mix saltines, egg, mayonnaise,and seasonings. Add crabmeat and mix gently. If mixture is too dry, add a little more mayonnaise. Shape into 6 cakes. Cook cakes in fry pan, in just enough fat to prevent sticking, until browned, about 5 minutes on each side. NOTE: Crab cakes may be deep dried at 350 degrees 2 or 3 minutes or until browned. cakes may also be cooked in the oven for about 15 or until browned.

(Hopefully no one received the unfinished version of this recipe, I hit the wrong button when entering the info. Enjoy

DISCOVER SOUTHERN MARYLANDS SECRET....WHERE RELAXATION IS A LIFESTYLE, NOT A VACATION!

Have you ever noticed the many different styles of houses? You have haunted houses, dog houses, bird houses, igloos, boat houses, tree houses Investment homes just to mention a few and I thought I would try to find as many as I could and share the funny ones with you.

Crooked house Rental house?

Lighthouses

What do you think some of these would go for on the market?

How about this row home? We could all move in!

DISCOVER SOUTHERN MARYLAND WHERE RELAXATION IS A LIFESTYLE, NOT A VACATION!

When You Think of Real Estate, Think of Me!

Solomons - Patuxent Plaza

(301)-904-2172 - Mobile

(410)-326-3133 Ext. 218 - Solomons Office

Email: barbararaley@mris.com

Visit My Websites:

Southern Maryland Real Estate

www.barbararaley.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

I'm going green, wanna join me?

DISCOVER SOUTHERN MARYLAND WHERE RELAXATION IS A LIFESTYLE, NOT A VACATION!

When You Think of Real Estate, Think of Me!

Solomons - Patuxent Plaza

(301)-904-2172 - Mobile

(410)-326-3133 Ext. 218 - Solomons Office

Email: barbararaley@mris.com

Visit My Websites:

Southern Maryland Real Estate

www.barbararaley.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

Hot Crab Dip Recipe-Great This hot, creamy crab dip is great with anything, crackers, baguette slices or vegetables.

* 16 oz. crab meat

* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

* 12 oz. cream cheese

* 1/2 cup sour cream

* 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

* 2 Tsp. Old Bay seasoning

*1 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tsp. hot sauce, 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 1/2 tsp. each of salt and pepper.

DIRECTIONS:

Combine together all ingredients except crab meat and cheddar cheese, mix well. Then fold in crab meat and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Mix well. Pour into 1 oval baking dish or 6 7oz. ramkins. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup shredded chaddar cheese, and return to oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. THIS IS A KEEPER!

DISCOVER SOUTHERN MARYLANDS SECRET.....WHERE RELAXATION IS A LIFESTYLE, NOT A VACATION!

For more information on Southern Maryland and the surrounding communities, or if you are interested in buying or selling your home please contact me at www.barbararaley.com