June and the color yellow

There is a day in June celebrating yellow, appropriately named Yellow Day. In the psychology of color, yellow is linked to joy, and “the happiest day of the year” was started by psychologist Cliff Arnall to balance Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year, which occurs on the third Monday of January.

June is the start of picnic season

I always enjoy sharing tried-and-true favorites from my recipe box, and this one has become a longtime favorite for good reason. I first brought this salad to a friend’s Labor Day picnic years ago, and after several people immediately asked for the recipe, I knew it was a keeper!

A gardening adventure awaits

Near the center of town, community gardeners work the soil in the tradition of Granby’s agricultural past. On Hungary Road, in Ahrens Park, kids enthusiastically play ball near the south entrance while gardeners use the next entrance for the Granby Community Gardens. Just as enthusiastically they plant, water and care for their little bit of nature.

Spring migration brings spectacular birdwatching

On the Granby Land Trust’s annual Mother’s Day Bird Walk, which took place at the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby, participants spotted an incredible 52 species of birds over the course of two hours, with especially fine views of rose-breasted grosbeak, kingfisher, black-throated blue warbler (always a crowd pleaser), wood thrush, spotted sandpiper, great blue heron, common yellowthroat and Virginia rail.

Gardening for the plants

“Companion planting” is a good way to think about relationships in the kitchen garden. This is a method of gardening where plants are situated alongside one another for mutual benefit: tomatoes and basil, marigolds and squash, cabbage and thyme, cucumbers and radishes for a few. Each relationship offers something different, whether it’s pest control or shading the soil, attracting pollinators or improving soil fertility.

Ray Haack’s legacy at Christensen Pond

Since 1956, the scenic pond on Wells Road has been open to the public for fishing, picnicking, bird-watching and assorted social gatherings thanks to the generosity of Allen and Carol Christensen, who own the property. The pond has never had an identifying sign, until now.