The WaterSavers Neighbor of the Month for November is Catherine Salam, a Cape St. Claire resident since 1989. She’s not only a 10-year member of the Cape St. Claire Garden club, but she’s also a graduate of the Maryland Master Gardener program, class of 2006. Some weekends Catherine is a team leader for the “Ask a Master Gardener” project at the Severna Park Farmer’s Market.
One of the programs administered by the University of Maryland Extension’s Master Gardeners is Bay-Wise Landscape Management. With this program, homeowners can learn how to maintain a healthy landscape. Conserving water, minimizing runoff, composting, controlling pet waste, and eliminating erosion can earn you Bay Wise certification. You’ll see one of the iconic blue “Bay Wise” signs by the Salam’s driveway.
Catherine’s yard is a wealth of environmentally friendly features. There are five rain barrels to make sure all downspout water is put to good use. A series of bins and stations for the various stages of composting are located strategically around the property, to ensure no clippings, branches, scraps or leaves are wasted. A copper tubing drip irrigation system is in place for the raised vegetable garden plots in the back yard.
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The edges and down slope borders of the property are buffered by absorbent gardens, filled with hundreds of native plants, edibles for both table and wildlife, as well as ornamentals. Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Woodland Poppy, Maple Leaf Viburnum, Coreopsis Tick Seed, Yellow Flag Iris, and Red Twig Dogwood begin the parade. Rare Pitcher plants grace the idyllic stone lined pool in the front yard. Cornus Florida, Late Winter Blooming Witch Hazel, “Fireworks” Goldenrod, “Flame” Azaleas, Red Bud and Beauty Berry turn the corner toward the side yard, with its pervious stone paved walkways. Late Blooming Rudbeckia, Helianthus Augustafolia, and Rosa Rugosa dress up the back yard, with its graceful stone benches and statuary. Along with the vegetable gardens, the feast of figs, blueberries and strawberries make a fine dessert!
We’re fortunate to have such an oasis of beauty and care in our midst so thank you for all your hard work, Catherine!