Charleston City Paper: Digs - March 2021

March 2021

RE AL E T ESTA INGS LI S T E INSID

PREPARE YOUR

INDOOR PLANTS

FOR SPRING PLAN NOW FOR A REENERGIZED

SUMMER VACATION

At home with

KATHLEEN HAY HAGOOD a Charleston City Paper publication

Ruta Smith

CHARLESTON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

RECYCLE RIGHT! Volume 1, Number 8

P A P E R B O A R D

&

C A R D B O A R D

PLASTIC BOTTLES & CONTAINERS G L A S S

B O T T L E S

&

A L U M I N U M

March 10, 2021

J A R S &

S T E E L

INSIDE AT HOME IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Hagood counts the blessings and joys of Charleston BY ANDY BRACK

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DIGGING OUT

C A R T O N S

P A P E R

PLACE MATERIAL LOOSE IN CART, NO PLASTIC BAGS

ALL MATERIAL MUST FIT IN CART

Make summer plans now for a reenergized 2021 vacation FROM STAFF REPORTS

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DIGGING REAL ESTATE

Properties for sale and rentals in your area

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DIGGING LOCAL

Q U E S T I O N S ?

C I T I B O T :

T E X T

H E L L O

T O

VISIT AND LIVE CHAT: RECYCLE.CHARLESTONCOUNTY.ORG 8 4 3 . 7 2 0 . 7 1 1 1

Digs, our monthly home-focused publication, connects the people who make the Lowcountry special with content they’ve been missing. Digs gets up close and personal with stories on local personalities, home design and remodeling, plants and gardening, home repair and real estate. To learn more about advertising opportunities offered through Digs, contact our advertising team at (843) 577-5304 or send an email to: sales@charlestoncitypaper.com. Dig it!

PUBLISHER Andy Brack

P L A C E A T L E A S T 3 F E E T F R O M A N Y O B J E C T

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BY TONI REALE

8 4 3 . 8 0 0 . 4 1 2 1

F O L L O W U S O N F A C E B O O K @CHARLESTONCOUNTYENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT

C A L L

Tips for preparing indoor plants for spring

A W A Y

H A N D L E S F A C I N G H O U S E

EDITOR

Sam Spence

PHOTOGRAPHER Ruta Smith

CONTRIBUTOR Toni Reale

Published by City Paper Publishing, LLC Members: J. Edward Bell | Andrew C. Brack

Views expressed in Charleston City Paper cover the spectrum and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Charleston City Paper takes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. © 2020. All content is copyrighted and the property of City Paper Publishing, LLC. Material may not be reproduced without permission.

Proud member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia and the South Carolina Press Association.

CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 03.10.2021

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AT HOME IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Sponsored by

Hagood counts the blessings and joys of Charleston

BY ANDY BRACK

CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 03.10.2021

T

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here’s an elegance and grace about Kathleen Hay Hagood that masks something you might not expect: She was kind of a klutzy kid.

“I was very accident-prone as a child and am still somewhat now,” the 33-year-old Charleston native recalled while sitting on a sofa in her light-filled West Ashley home.

Most notable was the time during preschool when she broke her leg while walking on buckets as stilts. She had to wear a cast that went to her knee until the bone healed.

Other accidents: She sprained her neck when falling out of a friend’s bed (neck brace required) and also sprained an arm while falling down some steps (soft cast needed).

“I even had a bad burn on my foot from a bonfire on No Name Island on a boat picnic and had to be on crutches for several weeks,” she remembered.

You’d never expect any of this today.

She almost floats through the two-story stucco home where she lives with her husband, Andrew, and toddler, James.

It’s filled with heirloom family furniture, modern pieces and walls punctuated with colorful Lowcountry paintings and art.

On a table are several silver-framed family photographs. Nearby in a bookcase is a silver cup that documents a 2017 victory in a family crab-catching derby.

“I adore our city,” said Hagood, who works as a buyer, salesperson and marketing guru at Croghan’s Jewel Box, a King Street institution started by a great grandfather more than 100 years ago.

“Every day, I wake up and am so grateful to live in this beautiful place. I feel like my appreciation for this place is even greater when I am on or near the water. Sunsets, bright sunny days, marsh grass in the spring and fall, even the smell of pluff mud make me happy.”

Keeping it in the family After graduating from Ashley Hall, Hagood attended Clemson University where she got a degree in marketing. She

then moved to New York City for more than three years, where she earned a degree from the Gemological Institute of America and had an internship with the famed jeweler Cartier. Then, she worked as a sales and production assistant at Seaman Schepps, another respected jeweler of note that had Jacqueline Onassis as a client. As part of the job, she worked jewelry trunk shows and in retail stores from Switzerland and Nantucket.

But, the Lowcountry and her family business lured her back.

“I loved everything about New York, but I felt it was time to be serious,” she said, reflecting on her move back in 2014.

Soon she started dating Andrew Hagood, three years her senior. She knew him from growing up downtown just a couple of houses away, but they didn’t start dating until she came home. It wasn’t too long before they got engaged and then married.

A couple of years ago came their first child.

Through it all, Hagood has worked alongside her mother, Mariana Hay; aunt, Rhett Outten; and sister, Mini Hay Avant. Recently, her brother, Mikell Hay, joined the business where family members and employees multitask to keep it thriving, even through a pandemic.

Hagood works in several roles — sales, buying jewelry and marketing of the business, particularly on social media.

“I became interested in the reporting and buying and how fast things sell and replenishing things,” she said. “They always laugh that I’m the dorky one who likes to study the reports.”

In 2014, Hagood’s sister designed the store’s unique Goldbug line to sell creative gold jewelry featuring gold Palmetto bugs.

The sisters operate the venture, which recently expanded its line to include other natural elements, such as bees and honeycomb designs.

“We wanted to create something with a Charleston orientation that was different from sweetgrass baskets,” Hagood said.

“This golden cockroach now has gotten very famous and become a brand. I just love

Kathleen Hay Hagood stands with her son, James, outside their Moreland home.

THE LOWDOWN ON KATHLEEN HAY HAGOOD Age: 33.

Birthplace: Charleston.

Education: Ashley Hall; Clemson University; Gemological Institute of America in New York, N.Y. Current profession: Sales, marketing and buying at Croghan’s Jewel Box, Charleston.

Family: Husband, Andrew, and James, who will be 2 in April. I’m blessed to have a majority of my extended family in Charleston, too.

Favorite cocktail: Rangpur gin with soda and a big squeeze of orange.

Favorite family tradition: Christmas Eve. It’s so fun to be together after a busy fun-filled season at the store. We celebrate with dinner out and all spend the night together.

The Hagood home is filled with family heirlooms and mementos.

Books on bedside table: Jesus Calling and What to Expect-Toddler Edition.

its quirky nature, and it’s something that reminds me of home that’s not too serious.”

Hobbies: Boating, sailing, biking, fishing, playing on the beach with James.

Favorite musicians: Van Morrison, Lake Street Dive

Family is a top priority

Favorite food: Anything Mexican.

Favorite dessert: Cheesecake.

Describe your best day in 50 words or less: I’d spend it with my family! Breakfast out, boat ride to an island, back for a rest in the afternoon, dinner out somewhere...we love sitting outside.

Your hero now: My mom (Mariana Hay). She’s just amazing! She’s extremely selfless and always thinking of others first. She goes out of her way to help any and everyone. She’s an incredible mother, leader and business owner. Always full of joy!

Two people (alive or dead) you’d like to dine with: My late grandmother Mary Ramsay. I always loved her stories. And my grandfather, George Ramsay, who I never got to meet, but I have heard he was the most wonderful man.

Advice for someone new to Charleston: Walk around and explore new areas and streets as much as you can. Every time I walk around town, I find something new and beautiful. Also, get out on the water. Charleston by water is magical!

Your advice for style: I think it’s so exciting to see new styles for each season. Be true to your personal style and find someone to bounce ideas off of. My sister and I are always talking about what we see in shops and online.

DIGS | charlestoncitypaper.com

Pet peeve: People who are not kind.

Photos by Ruta Smith

The Hagoods make it a priority to spend lots of time with members of the Hay and Hagood families, even though Kathleen works every day with her clan on King Street.

She likes to take walks in her Moreland neighborhood and sit to soak up the sun.

On weekends, the Hagoods are often outdoors visiting with family members on Sullivan’s Island or in the country. When the weather’s good, they may borrow a boat to get out on the water.

“We love going out as a family on adventures together,” she said. “My family has always had boats, and we spend many days each year on the water fishing, going to the beach and riding around.”

These days, she and her husband also spend a lot of time with their son, who turns 2 in April. His presence is easy to discern as he runs and thuds down an upstairs hallway.

“I dream of a growing family,” Hagood said. Laughing, she added, “This little guy has been so wild it has caused us to pause for awhile.”

She also is taking more time to appreciate the little things of life.

“Taking time to enjoy the people and things that bring you joy is crucial,” Hagood said. “That’s what I try to do every day. There’s always something to be happy about. I do think there’s always something to celebrate and be grateful for so many blessings.”

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DIGGING OUT

Sponsored by

Make summer plans now for a reenergized 2021 vacation FROM STAFF REPORTS

CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 03.10.2021

Itching to go on a real vacation and end the year-long pandemic stay-cation? The months ahead offer plenty of opportunities to get out and go. Whether you head to an outdoor escape or simply cozy up with loved ones while enjoying beautiful surroundings, vacation is on the minds of many.

What they’re thinking of is what they missed last year, including visits with family members. A new survey shows 44 percent of travelers who had a trip canceled due to COVID-19 are planning to reschedule the same vacation they would have taken in 2020.

And 54 percent of respondents who want a redo said they were looking forward to going to that destination, according to the 2021 Vrbo Trend Report. One in three, in fact, said the main reason they want to go on their next trip is to spend quality time with family.

Here are some vacation trends to keep in mind as you plan your next vacation:

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FIND FRESH AIR Heading to the great outdoors for adventure has long been a popular form of travel, and that desire will likely reach new heights in 2021. After a year of isolation and uncertainty, many families are seeking the serenity and escape of the wilderness.

Three in five families say they are likely to drive instead of fly and that they are likely to visit an outdoorsy destination instead of an urban one.

According to the survey, four of the top five emerging destinations for 2021 are near lakes, rivers or streams where families can camp, hike and fish. Near the top of the list is Albemarle Sound, the gateway to North Carolina’s legendary Outer Banks where bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other storied birds are abundant.

Also making the list in the South is the Red River Gorge in Slade, Kentucky, which is near Mammoth Cave National Park.

A much longer drive is the area around Emory, Texas, where

Trips to lakes and rippling streams are increasingly popular.

Gettyimages.com

Lake Fork offers a top fishing spot for catching largemouth bass, and the area is also home to the A.C. McMillan African American Museum.

“Four of the top five emerging destinations for 2021 are near lakes, rivers or streams where families can camp, hike and fish.”

COZY IS KING The search for coziness and comfort is nothing new for travelers. The pandemic has only heightened the need for a place to relax and unwind. Many travelers looking for an escape are opting for cabins and chalets, which provide inviting spaces to make family memories while also recharging the proverbial batteries.

Typically nestled near mountainsides, forests and lakes, cabins and chalets offer open spaces so families can leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life while being surrounded by natural beauty, which has led to an increase in demand for cabins by nearly 25 percent.

Looking for ideas that are just a few hours away from the Lowcountry? Check out South Carolina’s diverse and verdant state

parks. Or head to the other Carolina’s mountains where cold streams bubble as Charleston bakes.

A DREAM VACATION MAY BE ON THE AGENDA After a year of canceled trips, families may have found a new appreciation for travel and have a sense of urgency to finally take that dream vacation.

When travel eventually returns to preCOVID-19 levels, many are thinking big – 65 percent of survey respondents said they planned to travel more than they did prior to the pandemic. A third said they were willing to spend more money than they traditionally would and 54 percent said they are more likely to book that bucket list vacation.

Among those willing to increase their vacation budgets, 46 percent said they planned to travel farther away, 55 percent said they’ll stay longer and 48 percent said they have nicer accommodations in mind.

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DIGGING REAL ESTATE

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19

DIGGING LOCAL

Tips for preparing indoor plants for spring

BY TONI REALE, ROADSIDE BLOOMS With consistently warmer temperatures on their way to the Lowcountry, now is the time to prepare your indoor plants for spring. During the winter months, indoor plants slip into a state of dormancy; their growth slows down significantly as does their need for water and nutrients.

But in the next month or so, indoor plants will wake from their slumber and be eager to regenerate and grow. Here are some useful tips to set up your indoor plants for success as they transition from one physiological Reale state to another: Ensure your plants are not in distress. Your winter care regimes hopefully have kept your plants healthy and happy during dormancy. This is a great time to recheck each plant for any pests, quarantine if necessary and treat them. If pest control is overlooked, your plant will likely not survive and worse, may spread pests to your other plants.

CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 03.10.2021

Assess and restock your potting materials. Soil is literally the foundation of a plant’s ecosystem. Take the time to research soil brands to ensure they source their materials sustainably, and then stock up locally. We recommend the North Carolina company, Good Dirt. Get a bag or two of lava rocks (depending on the number of plants that you have in your collection) for drainage and a bag of activated charcoal to help prevent mold and some insects. Add some new pots to your collection if any of your plants are ready for a larger pot or if you want to change up your collection’s look. Pro tip: You can find great pots in local vintage stores such as The Station Park Circle, Old Hat Vintage or even Goodwill. Remember to clean them thoroughly before use.

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Repot or pot-up? Most plants benefit from repotting about once a year, and the best time to do this is in spring. Repotting means to refresh a plant’s soil and “potting-up” means putting the plant into a larger pot as it grows. Before embarking on any re-potting or potting-up endeavors, evaluate each plant and determine if your plant has outgrown its current container.

According to Good Earth Plants, a few sure signs that you need to move your plant into a larger pot include roots coming out of the bottom of your pot, visible soil shrinkage, mineral or salt build-up on the top of the soil or on the outside of the pot.

You can inspect as you water them a couple of days before you

Most plants benefit from repotting about once a year.

Gettyimages.com

repot as you’ll want your plants perky and hydrated before you work with them. If you believe your plant is ready for the big move, be sure to only go up a standard pot size. For example, if your plants are in a 4-inch-diameter pot then move up to a 6-inch diameter pot. The Sill suggests if your new pot is too big, then too much soil paired with too much water will lead to root rot.

Get to the root of the matter. Whether you’ve determined that your plant is perfectly happy in its current pot size or if it’s time to move up a size, follow these steps.

1 With care, remove the plant from its pot.

2 Loosen up the roots by gently massaging them and letting old soil fall away.

3 Cut any rotten-looking roots. If the roots are tight and balled up, you can trim them so that they fit into your current pot or expand in a new, larger pot. We recommend not trimming more than one-third of the root mass.

4 Compost old soil from the pot and clean it out.

If potting-up, be sure that the container is clean.

5 If the pot you are using doesn’t have a drainage hole, add about 1 inch of lava rocks to the bottom to aid in drainage as overwatering is the number one cause of death for houseplants in our experience.

6 Consider adding a thin layer of activated horticultural charcoal to stave off mold, fungus and odor on top of the gravel or lava rock layer.

7 Add some soil to the pot leaving room to create a space for your plant.

8 Carefully nestle your plant into the space you created. Add soil around and on top, filling in any air pockets. Firm up the surface by gently pressing down with your fingertips. The top of your soil should be about an inch below the rim.

9 Water your plant about half as much as you think you should and without soaking.

Be patient. As your plant adjusts to its new surroundings, you may notice it decline a bit before it thrives. After a plant is repotted, it will need a little time for the roots to heal, according to Pistils Nursery. To care for your plant in this tender stage, place it in an environment that has a little less light than it typically requires. Additionally, hold off on watering for about five days (depending on plant type) to allow the plant to adjust.

On propagating. Repotting is also the perfect time to propagate your plant. Some plants are easy to divide as you loosen the soil; others take a bit more care. Research the most successful ways to propagate each specific plant. Don’t get discouraged if your propagation doesn’t root. Each propagation is an experiment and never guaranteed to work.

Toni Reale is the owner of Roadside Blooms, a unique flower and plant shop in Park Circle in North Charleston. It specializes in weddings, events and everyday deliveries using nearly 100 percent American- and locally grown blooms. Roadside Blooms is online at roadsideblooms.com. 4610 Spruill Ave., Suite 102, North Charleston.

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89,900

$

2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Suite B276 843-762-0110 Trademark-Properties.com

DIGS | charlestoncitypaper.com

Quiet and beautiful subdivision; build your dream home here.

Large 1.39 acre lot with gorgeous trees and privacy while still being close to town. Approximately 12 miles to the Citadel Mall, MUSC and 526. Shopping in Ravenel, Charleston and West Ashley only minutes away. City water and electricity in a historic neighborhood with the circa 1905 Butler Home. The community consists of only 15 lots, don’t miss this opportunity to build now!

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