Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

• Thrive in lower light conditions, 60-80F
• This humidity-loving fern grows best in loose, fast-drying soil with monthly fertilization during the growing season (spring & summer). Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

African Violet (Saintpaulia)

• Prefer indirect sunlight, 73-77F
• African violets need moderate watering and prefer to be watered from the bottom in a self-watering pot, with care given to keep their leaves dry. With proper conditions and regular fertilization, these little beauties can bloom almost all year round.

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

• Bright, indirect light, 70-80F
• Monthly fertilizer (spring & summer)
• This spotted beauty provides a pop of color all year round. This is a great plant for folks who tend to water often, as they prefer consistently moist soil.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

• Prefers bright, indirect light, but can adapt to slightly lower light conditions.
• Use a weak fertilizer once or twice per growing season (Spring-Fall)
• These lovely palms bring a touch of the tropics to your home! They prefer a peaty soil-based potting mix (look for one labeled for tropical plants) and can grow to be 2-6ft tall. These plants are sensative to overwatering, so only water when the top inch of soil is dry. 

Echeveria

• Prefer a warm, dry location with bright sunlight, with at least four to six hours of sunlight daily.
• These plants do best in well-draining, porous soil. You can find cactus potting mixes at nurseries and garden centers, or make your own with three parts potting soil, two parts coarse sand, and one part perlite.
• These fast-growing succulents are perfect if you find yourself forgetting to water your plants. They prefer dryer soil and can tolerate periods of neglect. When watering, never let water sit inside the rosette and always remove dead leaves from the bottom as it grows, as they can cause fungal diseases  or attrack pests.

Air Plants (Tillandsia)

• These tropical plants don't require potting soil and take their nutrients from the air and water. Since they grow on trees and recieve dappled sunlight in the wild, they prefer bright, indirect light in our homes.
• If your home is more dry, your air plants may need to be misted more frequently between soaks, while, if your home is more humid, they need water less often.
• To water air plants, place them "face down" in a bowl, sink, or container and let them soak for 10-20 minutes. Gently shake an excess water off or allow them to dry on a towel afterwards, as sitting water on the plants can cause rot.

Radiator Plant (Peperomia)

• Peperomia prefer loose, well-drained soil, such as orchid mix, and a pot with plenty of drainage. Warm, ~65-75F temperatures and humid environments are great for these plants. Their ideal location is in medium to bright, indirect light, but they can also handle lower light. Plants in lower lighting conditions will be slower growing and require less water.
• Water slowly, allowing water to drain from drainage holes, rather than allowing it to sit in the saucer. Allow the soil to dry out between watering so the plants do not stay soggy. Over-wet plants can lead to root rot. If the stems and leaves feel firm and the soil is moist, wait to water.
• Peperomis plants come in a variety of fun colors and leaf textures!

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

• Prayer plants are tolerant to low light conditions, but prefer bright, indirect sunlight. The best location for them is somewhere with high humidity.
• Feed with all-purpose fertilizer and warm water every two weeks, spring-fall.
• When potting your prayer plant, use well-drained soil, so that water does not sit around the roots. They should be kept moist, but not soggy. In the winter, keep the soil a bit drier, while maintianing humanidity.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Prefer bright, indirect light (but can tolerate lower light), ~60-75F
• Fertilize once a month in spring & summer with indoor plant fertilizer.
• This plant is classic when it comes ot easy care houseplants, as they are pretty tolerant of different conditions and of care mistakes. Water well, but do not allow the plant to get soggy.
• Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings.

The post Pet-Safe Houseplants appeared first on The Beacon at Waugh Chapel Blog.

During its early history as a colonial capital city, Annapolis was considered the “Athens of America,” for its cultural and intellectual offerings, as well as its thriving social life. This small port town has gone by multiple names since it was founded, from the Puritan name “Providence” to “Anne Arundel’s Towne,” after the wife of land owner, Lord Baltimore. In 1649, Royal Governor, Sir Francis Nicholson, decided to move the colony’s capital city and, in doing so, give the new capital a name change. He settled on “Annapolis,” after the heir apparent to the British throne, Princess Anne. To this day, Anne’s royal badge, a crown on a Scottish thistle and Tudor rose, is depicted on the city flag. 

 Best known today as home to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis played an essential role in early American history. Only a 20-minute drive from The Beacon, Annapolis is the perfect place to step back into the past or enjoy modern offerings. Check out the list below for some of our favorite places to visit! 

Historic Annapolis

Annapolis is a cozy, walkable city with plenty of attractions, shops, and restaurants to explore. One of the first cities to receive the National Historic Landmark District status, the vibrant Annapolis Historic District is bursting with ways to step into the past. This part of the city is centered on the spiritual and government hubs, with streets radiating out from there. Check out this unique city planning design as you explore. 

The Maryland State House’s spectacular wooden dome is one of the most beautiful in America and also one of the oldest. This building played an important role in post-Revolutionary America. Explore the halls that saw George Washington resign from leading the Continental Army, housed the new nation’s government from 1783 to 1784, and hosted the Annapolis Convention, a precursor to the Constitutional Convention. 

From the State House, take a short walk down to the harbor to visit the Naval Academy Museum and Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park. One of Annapolis’s most unique destinations, the Naval Academy Museum features two floors of exhibits focused on the history of wartime seafaring, the development of the U.S. Navy, and more. Experience the stories of men and women who served their country at sea through artifacts and multimedia displays. Focused on Annapolis’ rich maritime heritage and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, The Maritime Museum teaches visitors of all ages through engaging, hands-on exhibits, programs, and events. 

As the State of Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage, the Banneker-Douglass Museum offers a variety of events, exhibits, and educational programs to build appreciation of African American history and cultural. Their permenant exhibition focuses on African American nation-builders, community leaders, activists, and other prominent figures who shaped Maryland and the nation as we know it today. Be sure to check their website to see upcoming temporary exhibitions and events. 

Want to explore the city with a local guide? Consider booking a tour! If you'd like to rest your feet and still see as much as possible, the Towne Transport Historic Annapolis Trolley Tour, starting at the Annapolis Visitor’s Center, will take you past the most popular historic sites and along the waterfront. Another fun tour option is the Tours and Crawls Ghost Tour! During this leisurely stroll through historic downtown, you’ll be treated to a spooky journey through the darker side of the city’s history. 

If you’re looking for a sweet treat while exploring the Historic District, check out Annapolis Ice Cream Company on Main Street, one of four Always Ice Cream Company locations. Voted Best Ice Cream in Annapolis and Central Maryland in Best of Annapolis 2022, this Maryland small business offers homemade ice cream with unique, seasonal flavors. You can't go wrong with any flavor, but a staff favoite is Cookie Moster!

A quick drive into the countryside will also reveal a number of great destinations to both relax and learn. One of our favorites is Historic London Town & Gardens! From living history demonstrations to thriving gardens, this beautiful destination is a treat for the senses, offering a variety of learning opportunities and events.  

Looking for more to see, do, and taste? Check out visitannapolis.org or flip through the official Annapolis Visitor’s Guide. 

We hope you enjoy your Annapolis staycation! 
 

The post August in Annapolis appeared first on The Beacon at Waugh Chapel Blog.

Sometimes, though, it’s difficult to grill outdoors. It can be too hot, raining, or perhaps you want less clean-up. This Father’s Day, maybe the father figures in your life would appreciate an easy way to prepare a delicious barbecue without leaving their own kitchen? If you’re still looking for something to treat your loved ones, an indoor grill pan is a great option for a gift. They work incredibly well on gas ranges like the ones in our kitchens.

There are several options on the market and chefs suggest a heavy, thick skillet with deep “ribs” to give you the grilled look on your burgers, vegetables, etc. Click here to check out some Food Network recommendations on the best grill pans.

Now that you have the option to grill indoor or outdoor, it’s time to cook something delicious! Check-out the recipes below to get started.

We hope you and the father figures in your life have an amazing Father’s Day!

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow squash
• 1 zucchini
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed
• 1 small red onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 ear fresh corn, cut into 1-inch rounds
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Tzatziki, pesto, or Greek dressing for drizzling/serving

Instructions:
Heat a grill to medium-high and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Cut the vegetables into similar sized chunks and thread onto 4 skewers. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the skewers for 8 minutes per side or until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Remove from the grill, season to taste, and serve with desired sauce or dressing.

Classic Grilled Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of pork ribs
• 1/3 cup paprika 
• 1/8 cup ground pepper
• 2 spoons of salt
• 3 spoons of sugar cane
• 1 spoon powder garlic
• 1 spoon powder onion
• 1 spoon of cayenne powder
• 1 spoon of ground cumin
• Hickory sauce or Olive oil

Instructions:
First make a bunch of little holes with the tip of your knife along the pork ribs to allow the spices to soak-in while cooking and increase the flavor. Next, in a bowl mix all the spices until well-blended, and then use the hickory sauce or olive oil to rub the seasoning into the ribs; make sure to apply the mixture to the front and back. Set it on the hot grill and cook to your preference.

The post Grilling With Dad appeared first on The Beacon at Waugh Chapel Blog.