Home & Garden
F | | SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2026
ANTIQUES: Bicentennial platter that was made in redware style, F6
IN THE GARDEN: You really can grow corn in your backyard, F4
& Real Estate
The surprising ways dandelions are good for us — and our gardens
By K ate Morgan
The Washington Post
IF YOU WERE ASKED TO picture a weed, there’s a good chance a dandelion would come to mind. As a child you may have been instructed to pull up as many as possible, or told not to blow their dainty, fluff-ball seed heads to make a wish. (Sorry, kids, that just helps them spread.)
The truth is that although dandelions have been vilified in lawn care commercials and popular imagination, they’re useful in myriad ways. The entire dandelion plant is edible and has medicinal properties. Even in gardens it can be beneficial to other plants.
There are more than 250 species of Taraxacum, otherwise known as the dandelion, a name derived from the French phrase “dent de lion,” or lion’s tooth, for the distinct jagged shape of its leaves. The plants
“[Dandelions are] incredibly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. They’re well-known as a diuretic, and we can use it as a blood sugar regulator and a support for the liver.”
- Linda Patterson, director of the Boston School of Herbal Studies.
belong to the family Asteraceae, alongside daisies, asters, marigolds and sunflowers. Some are native to North America, but the one we’re most familiar with, the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), is an import. It arrived from Europe with the earliest colonists, who brought it along for its medicinal and nutritional qualities.
“We brought them here on purpose in the 1600s, because we’d been using dandelions for a long time,” says Abiya Saeed, an extension horticulture specialist at Montana State University. “The early settlers brought them for cultivation, especially as a food source.
They’re nutritionally equivalent to things like spinach and other greens.”
The dandelion plant is rich in vitamins A, C and K, and contains such minerals as calcium, iron and magnesium. Its bright yellow petals are sweet and commonly used to make dandelion tea, wine and jelly. When the leaves are young and tender, they can be eaten raw. They take on a bitter flavor as they mature, but that is easily mellowed by blanching or sautéing. The roots can be cleaned and cooked like other root vegetables, and when dried and roasted, they take on a nutty flavor that mimics coffee.
The plant is featured in traditional dishes of various cuisines, including French and Korean salads, the Lebanese side dish hindbeh and rustic Italian dishes such as cicoria ripassata. The dandelion also has many medicinal properties, says Linda Patterson, director of the Boston School of Herbal Studies.
“One of my herbal teachers used to say if you eat dandelion every day, nothing will be able to kill you,” she says. “They’re incredibly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. They’re wellknown as a diuretic, and we can use it as a blood sugar regulator and a support for the liver.”
Dandelions have other applications, too: Its flowers make a vibrant natural dye, and its latex-rich sap is a source of natural rubber. The plant’s cultivators also prized the dandelion, Saeed says, for the ease with which it reproduces. A single dandelion flower contains several hundred seeds, and a mature plant can produce multiple seed heads in a season. But what historic dandelion lovers saw as a plus is what led to its reputation as a weed.
“The seeds are designed with these really interesting little mini parachutes, which allow them to hitch a ride on the wind and travel for miles,” Saeed says. Thanks to that bit of natural engineering, it took only
a couple of centuries for the common dandelion to spread across North America.
The lawn as we know it originated in Europe around the 17th century, where a patch of grass was a status symbol that meant its owner was wealthy enough to not farm it. In the United States, the trend took off with the rise of the suburbs in the middle of the 20th century. A tidy lawn of close-cropped grass became an integral part of the American Dream.
“We started to really dive into the idea of that monoculture turf grass lawn that’s uniform and spotless,” Saeed says.
“People were really interested in getting rid of dandelions from that landscape.” The first chemical weed killers were introduced after World War II, she adds, and dandelions have been a target ever since.
Beyond the quest for a perfect lawn, Saeed says, many people simply want to remove invasive plants from their yards and gardens. But whether dandelions fall into that category is a bit complicated.
“They’re naturalized throughout North America and through much of the world. That just means they’re growing without human cultivation and human propagation, and have been for a long time,” she says.
The fluff-ball seed heads on a dandelion. The seeds are designed in a way that allow them to hitch a ride on the wind.
(ADOBE STOCK IMAGES)
Lee Reich | In the Garden
Sweet corn in your backyard garden
MY THIRD AND second-to-last planting of sweet corn went in a few days ago. I grow sweet corn despite reading years of advice that backyard gardens are too small to make sweet corn worth planting. In the last few decades, that advice has been reinforced by the fact that supersweet corn — which can be more than four times sweeter than heirloom (traditional) sweet corn and holds that sweetness much longer after harvest — is so readily available at farmstands and markets. I strongly disagree on both counts!
Backyard gardens are too small? My vegetable beds are three feet wide and about 20 feet long. I plant corn in “hills,” which actually are not at all hilly. In gardening, a “hill” is a station, a location where you grow a clump of plants. Squash is another plant grown in hills, in this case so that trailing vines from each of a few plants can radiate out in all directions.
One reason to plant corn in hills is for good pollination. The pollen that drops from the tassel atop each plant is heavy, relying mostly on gravity, not wind or insects, to carry it to the silk. Pollen grains germinate on the silk then penetrate and travel to the female ovule attached to the cob, each one of which becomes, when fertilized, a kernel.
Mating is more guaranteed with clumps of tassels perched above lots of receptive ears.
Five seeds go into each planting hole, which are two feet apart running two rows per bed. That leaves twenty hills per bed, thinned to three plants per hill.
The fourth seed per hill was for insurance, mostly from mice or chipmunks. As further insurance, I dust the
GARDEN NOTES
STOCKBRIDGE
Upcoming events at Berkshire Botanical Garden
Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming program, “Music Mondays,” kick off on Monday, June 29, with The Rejuvenators featuring Wanda Houston from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy live music drifting across the Garden grounds, bring a blanket, sip something cool, and let the sweet sounds of some of the region’s most talented musical performers set the tone for a perfect summer evening. Cost members: $15, non-members: $25.Online ticketing is available until 2 p.m. on the day of the show. Tickets are also available at the door.
has officially launched its new Seed Library. Home gardeners are invited to visit the Seed Library, located on the second floor of the library at the Information Services Desk, to choose up to five packets of seeds for their gardens. A wide variety of vegetable seeds (arugula to zucchini), as well as herb and flower seeds (amaranth to zinnia) will be available. Borrowing guidelines will be provided, and gardeners are encouraged to return seeds after the harvest season ends. This program is free and open to everyone. For more information, contact Nancy Little at nancy. little@greenfield-ma.gov or call 413-772-1544.
HAMPDEN
Hampden Garden Club guest speaker
seeds with a mixture of cayenne pepper and cinnamon. This year, for even further insurance, and for an earlier crop from the earliest planting, I presprouted the seeds indoors by soaking them overnight in a jar with a screened lid, then rinsing then turning the jar upside down in a saucer twice daily. Seeds went into the ground when roots were 1/2 inch long.
At any rate, I thin the number of plants in each hill to the strongest three once they are up and growing. Each plant yields one or two ears, usually two. Let’s say one and a half, which makes ninety ears per bed. That’s a lot of sweet corn, and from only one of the four beds! (It’s hard to believe. Have I miscalculated?)
It’s not as if this last corn bed, any of my four corn beds for that matter, has
stood idle waiting to be planted. All the beds do double or triple duty. What’s planted before or after the corn depends on when the bed is planted.
The first planting went in in mid-May, which coincides with the average date of the last killing spring frost here. Even that first can be preceded by an early planting of arugula, turnips, spring radishes, and lettuce. These plants thrive in cool whether, germinating and growing, with their harvest over and plants pulled as soon as young corn stalks have grown enough to need the space.
Following harvest of the corn, the bed can be cleared for any one of a number of fall crops such as winter radishes, bok choy, spinach, and, again, lettuce, and turnips.
Thursday, July 2, “Evening Firefly Walk.” Experience a magical summer firefly light show at the garden, led by Nicaela Haig, senior naturalist teacher with Mass Audubon’s Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Learn about the lives and habitat needs of fireflies and view their ephemeral glowing light. After a brief indoor introduction, take a twilight stroll around the gardens and meadows for firefly viewing while keeping your eyes open for the stars, planets, and listening for twilight birds and mammals. Participants will also learn ways to support firefly health in their yard and community. Cost $30 members, $45 non-members. Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. to noon, “250 Years of Trees.” Explore 250 years of trees and celebrate America’s semiquincentennial in this workshop with Levi O’Brien. A faculty member at the New York Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, O’Brien teaches required woody plant courses for horticultural certification, along with in-depth public workshops. Cost is $30 members, $45 non-members. For more information, or to register visit www.berkshirebotanical. org.
Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
GREENFIELD Seed library
The Greenfield Public Library
On Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m., the Hampden Garden Club will be hosting Chris Ferrero, a writer and consultant, who will be presenting her program “All About Hydrangeas.” Chris trained as a Cornell Master Gardener in New York. For ten years, she led demonstration garden teams, plant propagation workshops, alternative-to-invasives work groups, and children’s programs. The program will be at the new meeting location at the Town Hall (formerly Thornton W. Burgess Middle School), 85 Wilbraham Road, Room A7. Guests are asked to use the library entrance. There is a $5 fee for non-members of the garden club. New members are welcome. Membership fee for the year is $15 and includes admission to all programs.
AGAWAM
Agawam Garden Club news
This year Agawam Garden Club’s annual potluck picnic was hosted by the veterans at Soldier On. The program topic, “Farming Without Limits,” was presented by Cody Parker of Drop The Beet Farms. Club members learned about the hydroponic system and how it was being utilized to grow up to 300 vegetables and herbs in the greenhouse there.
Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.
Golden Bantam has been a favorite variety of many corn growers since it was introduced over a hundred years ago.
(LEE REICH PHOTO)
Dandelions
And although some research suggests dandelions might compete with other plants in certain situations, for the most part they don’t have a dramatic impact on native species, Saeed says. “I like to also remind people that yes, dandelions are non-native, but so are most of the turf grass species we’re growing,” she says. “Kentucky bluegrass, for example, is the most common and most dominant turf
grass species in the northern part of the United States, and it is also not a native plant.”
Native or not, dandelions can perform crucial services in the garden. They have a tap root — a thick, central root that grows straight down, which helps aerate compacted or poor-quality soil. “Those tap roots also bring nutrients that are really, really deep in the soil up closer to the surface,” Saeed says, “making it so other plants can use them.”
When it comes to supporting pollinators, dandelions
Pre-sprouting corn seeds before planting gets them off to an earlier start and might also make them less appealing to voles.
provide some nectar, though not nearly as much as many native species, Saeed says. But they thrive in soils and landscapes where other plants don’t, and in those places, less-than-ideal nectar and pollen is better than none.
“In locations where there’s not much else besides dandelions growing,” she says, “they’re a really important source for the pollinators that share those landscapes.”
The plant is also good at drawing other things out of the ground. Studies have shown that in areas near mining or industrial sites, dandelions can help remediate soil contaminated with heavy metals such as cadmium and petrochemicals (though that means it’s important not to eat dandelions grown in polluted soil).
Even if you can’t come around to love the dande-
lion, you may be able to respect it for its resilience.
“Part of what makes dandelions so adaptable is something called phenotypic plasticity,” Saeed says. “It basically means they can change their shape depending on the environment.”
They tend to grow taller in flower beds, but in lawns that are frequently mowed, dandelions adjust, she says, “to grow just an inch or two
Sweet corn is among the vegetables that I most eagerly await in summer, which brings me to debunking the second reason “experts” put forward that corn isn’t worth planting in backyard gardens.
All sweet corns are not created equal, and planting sweet corn lets me — and could let you — choose which varieties to grow: yellow, white, bicolor, supersweet, or heirloom sweet. I’m partial to old-fashioned sweet corn. It’s not nearly as sweet as modern supersweets but has a rich, corny flavor and a texture you can sink your teeth into.
My favorite variety, Golden Bantam, specifically “8-row Golden Bantam,” was the standard of excellence for sweet corn over a hundred years ago.
One season about 30 years ago my corn crop, for some reason I can’t remember, came up short. I went to the farmstand of a local sweet corn grower and asked if they grew and sell Golden Bantam. The farmer behind the counter smiled and said, “Yes, we grow it, but we grow that for ourselves.”
Not everyone is a fan of Golden Bantam. My friend Kit says it tastes like “horse corn.” Still, growing your own corn lets you seek out and grow whatever variety you like best.
(LEE REICH PHOTO)
Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting
Bicentennial platter made in traditional redware style
AS WE APPROACH THE 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, many Americans are looking to the past. Fifty years ago, the country celebrated its bicentennial, and commemorative items are still collectible. This celebratory redware pottery platter, featuring the dates 1776 and 1976 along with an American eagle and a proud declaration of “The Union Forever,” sold for $75 at an auction by Conestoga. It was made by Breininger Pottery, a Pennsylvania company founded by Lester Breininger (1935-2011), a devoted collector of antique American redware as well as a potter himself. While many modern artists create innovative and unusual redware pieces, Breininger was passionate about keeping old techniques alive. Like the potters of previous centuries, he decorated his pieces, including this platter, with sgraffito designs and colorful slip. This platter is marked “L & B” on the back, meaning it was a collaboration between Lester Breininger and his wife, Barbara. Redware is considered the first type of pottery made by European colonists in North America. It was made from local clay deposits, which contained iron, so the clay became a brick red color when it was fired. It was utilitarian, but that never meant it had to be plain. Some early pieces have very elaborate multicolor decorations that make them especially desirable (and expensive) today.
While redware was made throughout colonial America, different regions, of course, developed their own decorating styles, which can help identify antique pieces. In Pennsylvania, redware was often decorated with Pennsylvania Dutch motifs, such as the brightly colored flowers and birds seen in fraktur folk art.
Q. My grandmother’s water pitcher is at least 100 years old. It has an unusual shape that I have not seen in other pitchers. It has a round bottom, the neck has a ring around the base, and the opening tilts back diagonally from the spout. It has some painted flowers and gold stripes, but there is no mark or number on it. Can you tell me anything about it?
A. Unfortunately, glass is not often marked, which makes it difficult to identify — and easy to reproduce. Knowing that your pitcher belonged to your grandmother helps confirm its age. Paying attention to the shape and deco -
Many centennial and bicentennial collectibles celebrate historic American crafts and industries. This bicentennial platter was made for the occasion by Breininger, a company that made redware pottery based on early American pieces. (CONESTOGA AUCTIONS DIVISION OF HESS AUCTION HOUSE)
rations, as you did, can help identify the maker.
We have seen pitchers with the shape you describe listed in antique glass catalogs as “lemonade pitchers.” They were usually sold as a set with tumblers. Several famous American glassmakers, including Fenton and Northwood, made pitchers like them. There are collectors’ clubs dedicated to these companies, including the National Fenton Glass Society (nfgs.org), or to antique American glass in general, like the National American Glass Club (glassclub.org), that may be able to help you find additional information.
Q. I have an old gateleg table that has been in my family for at least 50 years. I would like to know more about it. How can I find out its real age and what it might be worth?
A. Gateleg tables were first made in the 17th century, putting them in the William and Mary furniture period, which lasted from about 1690 to 1720. (The fact that it is named after English monarchs is a clue that it pre-dates the Revolutionary War.) Gateleg tables have been made since then, and period furniture designs are frequently copied, sometimes so accurately that even museum professionals are fooled.
Colonial American styles saw a resurgence in popularity around the Centen-
CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Wedgwood, plate, jasperware, green, white relief, seated putto in center, six classical scenes around rim, wreath garland swags, impressed mark, 20th century, 9 inches, $30.
Milk glass, dish, lid, figural, duck, amethyst head, molded feathers, 5 x 10 inches, $80.
Coca-Cola, door pull, figural, bottle shape, embossed, round logo at top, Drink Coca-Cola, red ground, aluminum, marked, Micro-Flex Co., Kansas, 11 x 3 1/2 inches, $195.
Silver plate, cocktail shaker, figural, zeppelin, on wheels, nose cap lid, fins, Art Deco, 12 1/2 inches, $360. Jewelry, belt, Zuni, chain, 15 oval cabochons, turquoise inlay, silver, etched signature, Jobeth Maize, 39 1/2 inches, $610.
nial celebrations of 1876 and again in the 1920s to ’30s, around the time of the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary). A general rule for estimating the age of a piece of family furniture is to count the number of generations before you that owned the piece and multiply that by 20, but this is not always accurate, and usually only gives you a maximum age. There are some clues in the type of wood and construction of your table that can help you determine its age. For example, the earliest gateleg tables usually have a drawer at one end, and walnut was a frequently used wood.
If you are comfortable with online sources, Kovels.com and Antique Trader.com have guides and articles that can help. The value of your table will depend on its age, type of wood, construction quality, and condition.
TIP: Put a piece of cardboard between the back of a collector plate and the wire plate holder to keep the back from scratching.
Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses
Textile, flag, American, 13 stars, parade, Centennial, printed, star wreath, black lettering Lincoln & Union, muslin, wood standard, framed with engraved Lincoln portrait, c. 1870, 22 x 15 inches, $715. Satin glass, rose bowl, mother-ofpearl, rainbow, quilted, crimped rim, three applied legs, Victorian, 4 x 5 inches, $750.
Advertising, cabinet, Merrick’s Spool Cotton, rectangular, four long over two short drawers, lettering on fronts, brass pulls, eagle decals on sides, turned feet, 19th century, 22 x 30 inches, $810.
Sampler, needlework, pictorial, brick building, flower field, sheep pasture, trees, stylized vine and flower border, dated, 1805, gilt frame, 21 x 25 inches, $980. Clock, tall case, Bawo & Dotter, mahogany, swan’s neck pediment, silvered dial, moon dial, landscapes, gilt leafy scrolls, three chimes, 13 tubular bells, inlaid borders, paw feet, 97 inches, $2,175.
or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels. com.
Average 30-year US mortgage rate rises to 6.49%
Little has changed from its range for the past 6 weeks
By A lex Veiga Associated Press
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate edged higher this week, staying close to 6.5%, where it’s been the last six weeks.
The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.49% from 6.47% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.
One year ago, the average rate was 6.77%.
When mortgage rates rise, they can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, reducing their purchasing power.
Deeds
AGAWAM
Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, often sought by borrowers refinancing a home loan, also rose this week. That average rate ticked up to 5.84% from 5.81% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.89%, Freddie Mac said.
Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation. They generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.
Rates have been mostly trending higher since the conflict between the U.S. and Iran began in late February,
Arlene Mazza, representative, Arlene J. Mazza, representative, and Adeline R. Ayers, estate, to Mishka LLC, 17 Royal St., $200,000.
Christopher H. Stearns and Rachael M. Stearns to Lucas Giusto, 4 Hunters Greene Circle, $740,000.
Christopher Ryan McAdaragh to Jennifer Lyons, 40 Corey Colonial, $255,000.
Denise T. Bedard, estate, and Michelle Bedard, representative, to Sareen Properties LLC, 50 School St., $200,000.
Linda M. Cardaropoli to Johnathan Bachta, 97 Beekman Drive, $202,000.
Louise L. Moriarty to John Frederick Kukahiko and Jung Hee Lee, 134 Hendom Drive, $490,000.
Omar Silva-Charbonier, Marisol Reyes and Omar Silva to Lora Pfundheller, 65 Corey Colonial, $285,000.
Todd L. Bousquet to Ryan Gazlay, 95 Carr Ave., $300,000.
William C. O’Neill, Ellen A. O’Neill, William E. O’Neill II, and William E. O’Neill to Ellen A. O’Neill, William E. O’Neill and William C. O’Neill, 331-333 Springfield St., $100.
AMHERST
Linda G. Peltz, trustee, and Peltz Living Trust to Christopher Alfred Davis and Mary Ann Davis, 32 N. Prospect St., $750,000.
Daniel Cookson and Holly Robinson Cookson to Jose Bolivar Padilla and Xaviera Ortiz Soto, 390 Shays St., $472,000.
disrupting the flow of crude oil from the Persian Gulf to customers worldwide
. That’s sent oil prices sharply higher, helping drive up inflation, bond yields and mortgage rates.
Oil prices have come down recently amid negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their war.
That’s helped ease some of the pressure on bond yields. The 10-year Treasury yield was at 4.38% at midday Thursday on the bond market. A week ago, it was at 4.46%, though it got above 4.5% earlier this week. It was just 3.97% in late February, before the war broke out.
Bond yields remain elevated, though, amid worries about inflation.
James M. Kane to Iris L. Broudy, trustee, and Broudy Family Trust, 28 Greenleaves Drive, $354,000.
Susan West, trustee, and Susan West Revocable Living Trust to Dominick W. Usher, 24 Greenleaves Drive, $238,000.
Gus A. Sayer to Shemon Salam and Amna Ali, 43 Morgan Circle, $725,000.
Anna Jaysane-Darr and Michael Barrett to Jennifer Barry and Kevin Barry, 1360 Bay Road, $499,000.
Elizabeth C. Langmore-Avila and Ricardo Avila to Andrew S. Lavender, 170 E. Hadley Road, $315,000.
BELCHERTOWN
Leslie Champoux to Sarah Elmes, 292 Gold St., $430,000.
Cheri Ann Ulrich to Zachary Finne and Angela M. Finne, 440 Chauncy Wallker St., $440,000.
Lochlyn Brown and Heather Brown to Lochlyn Sebastion Bryar Brown, trustee, Heather Kristin Brown, trustee, and Brown 2026 Revocable Trust, 161 Federal St., $100.
Thomas Michael Upton Jr., Sarah E. Upton and Sarah Erickson to Nicholas Clement, 84 Allen St., $499,000.
Hugh F. Connolly-Brown and Elizabeth K. Bulman to Tang Properties LLC, 162 Amherst Road, $65,000.
Andrey Korchevskiy to Brittany Walas and Zachary R. Walas, 17 Woodland Lane, $690,000.
Pamela Hussey to Rick J. Joniec, 34 Allen Road, $449,000.
Gina Damato and Gina Maggi to Jennifer Stokes, 7 Terry Lane, $575,000.
The Federal Reserve has signaled that it could raise interest rates at least once before the end of the year.
The central bank doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its decisions to raise or lower its short-term rate are watched closely by bond investors and can ultimately affect the yield on 10-year Treasurys.
As recently as late February, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage had slipped just under 6% for the first time since late 2022. It’s hasn’t fallen below that threshold since.
Four weeks ago, it reached 6.53%, its highest level since Aug. 28.
While average long-term mortgage rates remain lower than they were at this time
BERNARDSTON
Wendolyn J. Abramson, Martha L. Pantermehl and Brenda M. Wozniakewicz to Shirley A. Lilly, 87 & 93 Cross Street, Cross Street, Falls River and Route 91, $243,750.
BLANDFORD
Kyle Bean to Kathleen Keefe, 76 Main St., $305,000.
BRIMFIELD
Jocelyn Tourtellotte to Jason Cornu, 279 Little Alum Road, $345,000.
BUCKLAND
James C. Bragdon to CLJL Realty LLC, 141 North St., $200,000.
PAH Properties LLC, to Ralph Chery and Jessica Yanick Pierre-Chery, 10 Gardner Falls Road, $515,000.
CHARLEMONT
Bannish Land Preserves Inc., to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., Todd Mountain Road, $395,000.
Bannish Land Preserves Inc., to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., Zoar Road, $125,000.
JH Deerfield Valley Properties LLC, to Charlotte E. Brothers and Warren Brothers, 14 Harmony Heights, “aka” 14 E. Harmony Road, $250,000.
CHESTER
Wayne C. Pierce and Debora A. Pierce
last year, uncertainty about their trajectory amid the war with Iran kept many would-be homebuyers on the sideline.
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes declined in the first three months of the year compared to a year earlier, extending a nationwide housing slump that dates back to 2022 when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales were essentially flat in April but accelerated in May to their fastest pace since December.
Still, sales of existing U.S. homes continue to be hovering close to a 4 million annual pace, far short of the historic norm that is closer to 5.2 million.
to J. Sperry Realty LLC, 31 William St., $90,000.
CHESTERFIELD
Finance of America Reverse LLC, Ascribe LLC, Compu-Link Corp., attorney-in-fact, and Celink, attorney-in-fact, to 413Group LLC, 316 Main Road, $169,700.
CHICOPEE
Acclaim Properties Inc., to Industriae Variae LLC, 157 Exchange St., $4,350,000.
Akim Rivera to Jose Polanco, 56 Marion St., $307,000.
Amat Victoria Curam LLC, to Mazal Real Estate LLC, 35 Kimball St., $480,000.
Charlotte N. Wodi to Raymond Paquette and Deborah Paquette, 109 Andersen Road, Unit G6, $225,000.
Daviau & Robert Properties LLC, to Ulices A. Guillermo, 748-750 Grattan St., $515,000.
Donald Lavalley, Aleicia Gillum, Alecia Gillum and Domonica Allene Lavalley to Michael Monikowski, 165 Applewood Drive, $300,000.
Earl V. Watson and Barbara Watson to Tresten Perez, 61 Abbey Memorial Drive, Unit 145, $265,000.
Francis Cassidy, estate, and Catherine Cassidy-Nunes, representative, to Jason Hinckley, 800 McKinstry Ave., $258,000.
Hum Real Estate Holdings LLC, to RTJ Property Services LLC, 330 Montgomery St., $455,000.
Kyle Callendar and Kyle Callender to Celtic Holdings LLC, 77 South St., $720,000.
Deeds
Melissa M. Wegman to James Norris and Rebecca Norris, 71 Ann St., $279,000.
Nickolis A. Blais, representative, Richard J. Blais, estate, Richard Nazaire Blais, estate, and Richard Joseph Nazaire Blais, estate, to Louisette Blais, 206 Greenwood Terrace, Unit 6003A, $180,000.
Polly Curtiss and Robin Volovski to Kelsey R. Hynds and Jose A. Cardona Jr., 90 McKinstry Ave., Unit 303, $129,999.
Robert Paul Blout, representative, and Margaret Ellen Blout, estate, to Asa Apprey, 47 Boucher Circle, $355,000.
Roberto C. Jimenez to Frederick Ifeyichi Ononibaku, 62 Britton St., $490,000.
Sophia E. Barnes and Ryan P. Barnes to Kayla M. Armando and Phelipe M. Johnson, 135 Nutmeg Circle, $500,000.
Susan Boyd, Sharon Bordeau, John Mongeau, William P. Chacona and Karen Gosciminski to Oleksandr Verbetski and Liudmyla Verbetska, 30 Catherine St., $318,000.
Susanne M. Bewsee, Gordon N. Strobel Jr., Darcy A. Dineen and Suzanne M. Bewsee to Bernardine Lewis, 200 Lambert Terrace, Unit 77, $260,000.
CONWAY
Gary S. Fentin and Susan G. Fentin to Brandon L. Hawks, 901 Roaring Brook Road, $1,275,000.
Dennis Anderson to Michael Edward French, 80 Baptist Hill Road, $395,000.
DEERFIELD
Greenfield Savings Bank, personal representative of the Estate of Henry P. Hirschel, to Kamil Bak and Alyssa M. Ippolito, 90 Whately Road, $620,000.
EAST LONGMEADOW
Carlo F. Raschilla and Carla M. Raschilla to Francesco Raschilla and Maria Raschilla, 22 Allen St., $600,000.
James A. White and Teresa A. White to Jonathan Cascarilla and Kristen Cascarilla, 144 South Brook Road, $700,000.
Patricia Kelly and Patricia Kelley to Nelson Barbosa and Melanie Barbosa, 27 East Circle Drive, $485,000.
EASTHAMPTON
Samuel Lev, Marta Lev and Beth Tabor Lev to Rosio S. Yunga and
Segundo Pichazaca Alvarez, 59 East St., $430,000.
Charles H. Meyers Jr., and Eileen G. Meyers to Daniel L. Holmes and Leih M. Boyden, 10 First Ave., $510,000.
James H. Douglass and Johanna R. Douglass to Devin Desmarais and Courtney Desmarais, 158 Park St., $805,000.
Lynda Tache, trustee, Lynda A. Craig, trustee, and Robert J. Craig Revocable Family Trust to Frank Padellaro Jr., 38 Ward Ave., $550,000.
Ellen Ginsberg and Matthew Schenker to Louie Cardasis and Stephanie Kranchick, 7 Dragon Circle, $385,000.
Kelly M. Holbert to Marion Rose Eckl and Bastian Eckl-Stocker, 12 Ranch Ave., $475,000.
GILL
Lynne M. S. Dyer and Mark A. Dyer to Ellen S. Purinton and Scott R. Purinton, 137 French King Highway, $980,000.
GRANBY
Leighann M. Novotney to Robert C. Murphy, 6 Griswold Circle, $190,000.
Doreen A. Beard to Robert R. Chauvin, 81 South St., $192,500.
GREENFIELD
David C. Brooks, trustee of the Freedom Hill Realty Trust #2, to Camila Hwang-Carlos, 46 Colrain St., $155,000.
Jordan Javier Coriza and Graunt Raoul Kruger to Michael George Gorczyca and Jo Ellen Warner, 57 Meadow Wood Drive, $699,000.
Thomas F. Luippold to Daniel Luippold, 28 Meridian St., $100,000.
Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity Inc., “fka” Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Inc., to Hannah Heineman, 5 Birch St., $175,000.
Elizabeth Stuart Conlisk and Mary Conlisk Stuart to Dean Edward Matweecha and Emily Mikolayunas Rich, 14-16 Abbott St., $430,000. Knox Wilder to Angela Clark, 71 Washington St., $227,000.
Patrick E. Peters and Sally A. Peters to Alexandru Veverita, 19 Arnold Lane, $250,000.
Erin L. Stacy, trustee of the Testamentary Trust of Doreen A. Krupski, to Brianna M. Bristol and Ebbett A. Krupski, 39 West St., $20,000.
HADLEY
Guojin He and Jennifer He to Michael Fenster and Tammy C. Fenster, 3 Grand Oak Farm Road,
$695,000.
Mark J. Krause and Sarah E. Goodwin to Karen White and James Mase, 111 West St., $825,000.
HAMPDEN
Edward K. Shuttleworth and Suzanne M. Shuttleworth to Anna Pauline Hart and Tyler Renaud Canterbury, 192 Glendale Rd, $500,000.
Monica Margeson and Paul Margeson to Lindsey Laflamme, 18 Fox Run La, $522,000.
Sarah Haras to Deborah Pacheco, 77 Woodland Dr, $315,000.
HATFIELD
Gerald D. Buzzee to Gerald D. Buzzee, trustee, Laura L. McGrath, trustee, and Buzzee-McGrath Joint Family Trust, 42 West St., $100.
Laura L. McGrath to Gerald D. Buzzee, trustee, Laura L. McGrath, trustee, and Buzzee-McGrath Joint Family Trust, 62 Main St., $100.
Tina M. Stevens, trustee, Stanley Atwood, trustee, Stanley J. Atwood, trustee, and A & S Realty Trust to Bryan Aloisi and Melissa Aloisi, 34 Gore Ave., $786,000.
Joseph F. Zgrodnik to John Stenglein, Brook Hollow Road, $7,000.
Joyce L. Williams and Theodore S. Williams to Jordan A. Williams and Brent T. Williams, 7 South St., $100.
Jordan A. Williams to Brent T. Williams, 7 South St., $142,050.
HAWLEY
Hawley Preserve LLC, to J. Bradford Parker, Hunt Road, $100,000.
HOLLAND
Leontino Piecuch, Leontino Peicuch, Rosetta Piecuch and Rosetta Peicuch to Rosetta Piecuch, 12 Forest Ct, $100.
HOLYOKE
Bernardo Ortiz Rodriguez and Nereida Alvarado Diaz to Zaida I. Sanabria Rodriguez, 18 Harrison Ave., $475,000.
DFE LLC, to Jennifer He, Easthampton Road, $450,000.
Donald W. Miner to Richard Persson, 34 Bassett Road, $378,500.
Hal W. Haberman, trustee, and Fayetta Haberman Revocable Indenture Of Trust Of, trustee of, to Julie James and Kathleen O’Connor, 37 Bemis Road, $391,823.
Katrina Turner to Ana Lua Fontes, 95 Wedgewood Terrace, $297,000.
Larry M. Field, Lawrence M. Field and Patricia A. Field to Timothy Hanlon, 42-44 Hitchcock St., $410,000.
Zaida I. Sanabria-Rodriguez and Zaida Sanabria to Luz Enid Cruz Melendez and Joel Gomez Cotto, 77 Locust St., $325,000.
LONGMEADOW
Andrew B. Perry, representative, Blair L. Perry, estate, and Honor Melanie Buell to Tiare Spector and Michael Spector, 330 Merriweather Drive, $728,500.
Erik L. Borreson and Cortney Borreson to John H. Fitzgerald, 105 Edgewood Ave., $450,000.
Jeffrey F. Podgurski, trustee, Melissa A. Shimukonas, trustee, st Podgurski Revocable Living Trust, trustee of, and Melissa A. Shimukunas, trustee, to Neil Cyr Devoe and Renee Robilliard, 651 Frank Smith Road, $700,000.
Jonathan Moseley and Laura Moseley to Brittney Scavotto and Nicholas Scavotto, 324 Farmington Road, $920,000.
Wesley A. Bryon and Diana P. Willis-Moriarty to Saurab Bither, 186 Viscount Road, $650,000.
LUDLOW
Ali Ozdemir to Dallas J. Webb and Kacie L. Webb, 140 Kirkland Ave., $456,000.
Andrew P. Anselmo and Lisa Anselmo to Katherine A. Shea, 517 Ideal Lane, Unit 702, $424,900.
Antonio A. Coelho, Ines Coelho, Adam B. Coelho and Andrew M. Coelho to Nicholas Lakata, 50-52 Booth St., $384,000.
Antonio Goncalves, estate, and Rosa D. Goncalves, representative, to Haskell Holdings LLC, 43 Motyka St., $650,000.
Carol A. Baldor, Carol A. Kelliher and Robert Baldor to Andrew W. Fraser and Rachel I. Fraser, 353 Fuller St., Unit 6, $348,000.
Hedwig M. Miller to Alpaslan Turan, 130 Arnold St., $400,000.
Hemlock Ridge LLC, to Robert Damian Modzelewski, 1252 East St., $355,000.
Hp Rum LLC, to Onstar Properties LLC, 139 Hubbard St., $985,000.
Kevin J. Martins and Corey D. O’Sullivan to Dusty Dog LLC, 16 Booth St., $250,000.
Nicholas Walter Orszulak-Chelo and Emmely R. Chelo to BP LLC, 130 Loopley St., $195,000.
Pauldin LLC, to Pierre Baiyee, Avelino Way Lot 1, $140,000.
Ronald R. Beaulieu Jr., Lori A. Morris and Eric T. Beaulieu to Daniel Ladue, 3 Letendre Ave., $330,500.
U S Bank Trust , trustee, and RCAF Acquisition Trust, trustee of, to Miguel Maria, 37 Franklin St., $185,000.
MONSON
Laurie Palatino to Christian Magill and Sylvia Rose Braster, 22 Country Club Drive, $300,000.
Marc L. Razza and Christine Mallon to Shannon Wesson and Daniel Wesson, 33 Nieske Road, $575,000.
NEW SALEM
Kathy F. Parker and Michael D. Parker to Samang Phal and Sara Phal, Wendell Road, $80,000.
NORTHAMPTON
Susan W. Hall, Rebekah T. Hall, Rebekah Blight and Martha L. Hall to William J. Milliken and Brenda Anne Hayes, 86 North Maple St., $439,000.
Donald G. Osley, Donald G. Osley, personal representative, Anne S. Cernak, estate, and Mollie B. Scortichini to Timothy Deluca and Reid Majka, 575 Bridge Road, $345,000. Myra J. Avedon to Sarah Conant, 110 Turkey Hill Road, $995,000.
Seneca Rasey to Michael Stephen Smith and Kathy Rose Smith, 35 New South St., $299,000. Richard Carnall and Pamela Carnall to Catherine West Lowry, 267 Locust St., $200,000.
Augustus H. Muller and Jessica E. Matthews to Andrea Semler Sauerteig Vinard and Andrea Vinard, 11 Verona St., $540,000.
David R. Potter and Cristiano A. Mazzei to Julian Marinus and Megan O’Shea, 17 Fairview Ave., $875,000.
John Pattnosh to Elizabeth Volkmann and Stephen Volkmann, 78 Forbes Ave., $652,000.
Bradley J. Levay III, trustee, and Levay Family Irrevocable Trust to Elizabeth L. Garrett and James A. Garrett, 15 Evergreen Road, $771,500.
Marcia A. Kennick, trustee, Christopher B. Milne, trustee, and Kenneth T. McKown Trust to Old South LLC, 61 Old South St., $433,000.
NORTHFIELD
Jo-Anne H. Sherburne and Phillips B. Sherburne to Mark Wightman. 20 Pine Road and Pine Road. $170,000.
Virginia R. Toole, “aka” Virginia Toole-Shaw, to Jacob I. Desgres and Camille L. Porter-Phillips, 230 Millers Falls Road, $375,000.
ORANGE
June R. Blasius and Jean M. Smith to Andrea C. Goodreau, 113 New Athol Road, Unit 35 Pioneer Place Condominium, $347,500.
Deeds
Virginia Realty Inc., to Cal-Mek Enterprises Inc., Dexter Street, $40,000.
Ricky J. Leblanc and Romeo J. Leblanc to Gay Lilja and Kevin Smith, 188 Drew Boulevard, $518,000.
Frances L. Taylor, trustee of the Lloyd A. Taylor Family Trust, to Meghan Taylor and Nicholas Taylor, 336 Tully Road, $259,000.
Shannon M. Audet and Robert F. Phinney to Shannon M. Audet, 545 S. Main St., $15,000.
JASONRHOMES LLC, to Marco Castillo and Jesus Lopez Davila, 30 Cottage St., $330,000.
Chris A. Rushford and Dawn Rushford to Naeshaun Springer, 37 & 39 West Myrtle St., $335,000.
William E. Kelley, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Rose M. Mumblow, to Michael R. Lehouillier, 63 Camp Road, $274,900.
PALMER
16 Second Street Realty Trust, trustee of,
David W. Kenniston, trustee, and Brian W. Longey, trustee, to New Method Real Estate LLC, 16 Second St., $600,000.
4030 Pine St LLC, to Robert Manelski and Ilona Manelski, 4013 Pine St., $450,000.
Andrea C. Emmershy and Andrea C. Dupont to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Methuselah Realty Trust, trustee of, 2014 High St., $28,000.
Benjamin Bubar to Joseph Kology, 136 Flynt St., $325,000.
Clayton J. Lizak, trustee, and John W. Lizak Revocable Indenture Of Trust Of, trustee of, to Usman Y. Sheikh, Lawrence Street, Lot 62, $157,500.
Elisabete M. Jusko to Joseph Eugene Conroy IV, and Sydney Patricia Richardson, 359 Springfield St., $595,000.
John T. Lefave and Linda A. Lefave to Brent Terrell and Ann Terrell, 41 Smith St., $635,000.
Megan Crafts and Matthew Crafts to Alex Lanier, Kaylee E. Lanier and Kaylee Lanier, 1086 South Main St., $310,000.
Naples Home Buyers Inc., to Orlando Santos Morales and Natasha M. Santos, Rondeau Road, $390,000.
ROWE
Richard Henry Truesdell II, to the Town of Rowe Conservation Commission, Tunnel Road, $305,000.
Bannish Land Preserves Inc., to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., Todd Mountain Road, $395,000.
SHELBURNE
Thomas S. Fantini to Preston Peardon and Donna Wang, 280 Colrain Shelburne Road, $350,000.
SHUTESBURY
Scott A. Gibson to Andrew Scott Berg and Cameron Mortimer-Berg, 305 W. Pelham Road, $400,000.
SOUTH HADLEY
Alfred A. Letourneau to Lynn R. Rivest and Alfred R. Letourneau, 88 Granby Road, $100.
South Hadley Town to IHI Wave LLC, 35 Carew St., $165,000.
Neil Thomas Heymanns and Christine Marie Heymanns to Michel Hopkins and Megan Soleimani, 30 Parkview Drive, $600,000.
Susan L. Perry and Judith C. Espinola to Evelyn L. Wright, 74 Woodbridge St., $657,000.
Joel L. Sullivan and Amy J. Sullivan to Cody Welch and Alexa Welch, 14 Susan Ave., $400,000.
SOUTHAMPTON
Erin Menard-Johnston and Erin N. Menard to Erica Menard-Johnston and Erica H. Johnston, 308 Fomer Road, $320,000.
Ryan Nulph to Cassandra Grady and Rolanda Rattelle, 30 Gunn Road, $400,000.
Daniel G. Fanion and Amelia Fanion to Taylor Larese and Elizabeth Larese, 115 Crooked Ledge Road, $200,000.
Donna M. Karczmarczyk to Donna M. Karczmarczyk, trustee, and DMS Revocable Trust, 10 Parc Place, $100.
SOUTHWICK
IHI Wave LLC, to Timothy A. Rucki, 368 Granville Road, $355,000.
Kathleen L. Keefe to Eduardo Arango and Lorena Arango, 7 Salem Road, $380,000.
William H. Strain to Gary L. Gossett and Debra K. Gossett, 18 Vining Hill Road, $300,000.
SPRINGFIELD
3 Chestnut LLC, to Chestnut Residences LLC, and Chestnut Residences At 122 LLC, 122 Chestnut St., $14,250,000.
AJ Capital Inc., to Breanna Spradley-James, 93 Cooper St., $375,000.
Alicia V. Salmon Plummer to Luis Espada-Sanchez, 24 Jasper St., $265,000.
Almonte Real Estate Inc., to Keichla Santiago, 153 Bristol St., $310,000.
Binh T. Nguyen and Jianrong Chen to 346 Britton Street LLC, 82 Malden St., $580,000.
Christpher J. Williams to Joenielle Rosado Claudio, 83 Ellsworth Ave., $300,000.
Cornflower Partners LLC, to Jake D. Roulston and Paige M. Roulston, 51 Cornflower St., $275,000.
David C. Coburn and Samantha R. Richards to Gianni JM Cofer-Smith, 285 Ellendale Circle, $385,000.
David J. Kozaczka, representative, and Thomas J. Kozaczka, estate, to Nicholas Zaccaro and Robert Marcotte, 45 Vail St., $150,000.
Deluca Development Corp., to Sharon Long Young, 24 Morrell St., $300,000.
Dnepro Properties LLC, and Dne Pro Properties LLC, to Narilys I. Rosario-Rodriguez and William Lopez, 15 Crestmont St., $295,000.
Donna L. Tetreault to Allison Riffenburg, 77 Fresno St., $332,500.
Dorene A. Archambault, representative, Robert James Parsons Jr., estate, Robert J. Parsons Jr., estate, and Robert Parsons Jr., estate, to Muhammad Shayan Farrukh, 48 Castlegate Drive, $209,000.
Elizabeth Ghedi-Ehrlich, representative, Diane E. Ghedi-Ehrlich, estate, and Jordan Payne to Darnel Alouidor, Trinity Terrace, $285,000.
Frank A. Demarinis to David Paul Barton, 699 Berkshire Ave., $20,000.
Hedge Hog Industries Corp., to North Adams Realty LLC, 824 Berkshire Ave., $800,000. Ismael Rivera to Green Piranhas LLC, and Halifax Capital LLC, 650 Union St., $200,000.
Jason M. Sisko to 10 Frederic Street LLC, 10 Frederic St., $267,000.
Jason T. Labeau to Gary R. Payton and Claudine Alabre, 28 Drumlin Road, $425,000.
Jenny Santana-Molin to Ana Elvia Llanos, 70 Norman St., $310,000.
Jonathan Faust to Prime State Realty LLC, 14 Greenleaf St., $215,000.
Kenneth B. Haney and Lauren A. Whitley Haney to Adina Edgett, 145 Chalmers St., $390,000.
Laura Marilia Bettencourt to Favian Luis Mercado and Jennifer Noemy Lopez-Coreas, 11 Carpenter Court, $275,000.
Leon Francis Hebert, estate, Leon F. Hebert, estate, and Leon F. Hebert (JR REP) to Gabriel Wigington, 309 Island Pond Rd, $370,000.
Lucy M. Levalle, trustee, and Levalle Family Trust, trustee of, to Alban Medina, 94-96 Melrose St., $365,000.
Manchester Enterprises LLC, to Earl Watson and Barbara Watson, 178 Penrose St., $266,500.
Genevieve Construction Development Group Inc., to Richard Noel De La Rosa Rojas, 4446 Edgewood St., $370,000.
Michael A. Lopez to Damian Dunkelly and Zoyie Plunkett-Dunkelly, 59 Daviston St., $275,000.
Michelle M. Grasso to Chan Dao and Lien Thi Cam Ngo, 23 Gilman St., $315,000.
Migdalia Figueroa Rosa to Jessica Lindsey, 130 Fieldston St., $290,000.
Mohammad Sadegh Raghfar to Pedro Fontanilles, Yaima Legra and Estrella Diaz Tellez, 19-21 Beechwood Ave., $549,000.
Norman J. Lachance, trustee, and 1584 Dwight Street Realty Trust, trustee of, to Mynor Lopez Mendez, 1584 Dwight St., $505,000.
P&R Investments LLC, to Junaid Khan and Sidrah Rehman, 89 Bristol St., $260,000. Pah Properties LLC, to Johnathan Cook and Samin Charepoo, 43-45 Leyfred Terrace, $550,000.
Pedro Martinez and Leonarda Mosquea to Jeffrey F. Avelino-Mejia and Julisa Vanessa Almanzar Reyes, 74-76 Mooreland St., $435,000.
Qiaofeng Wang and Yuquan Sun to Family & Developments LLC, 167 Chapin Terrace, $215,000.
Richard E. Friedman and Nancy J. Friedman to Rachel Wein, 129 Chalmers St., $402,000.
Robert Monegro to Jeffrey Michael Joseph, 164-166 Woodlawn St., $450,000.
Ronald J. McCain to Barose Projects LLC, 23 Schley St., $187,000.
S & M Holdings LLC, to Joshua Rios, 23 Eldert St., $295,000.
Sandro Frattura to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Azusa Realty Trust, trustee of, Parkerview St., Lot 146, $100.
Sandro Frattura to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Saklaa Realty Trust, trustee of, 309 Parkerview St., $142,000.
Springfield City to Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Inc., West Side Hancock St., $14,100.
105 Wilber Street Nominee Trust, trustee of, and Benjamin L. Zeller, trustee, to Drew Curto and Erica Pupek, 105 Wilber St., $313,000.
Thomas J. Crisinati Jr., representative, and Thomas J. Crisinati, estate, to Teressa Williams, 106 Merida St., $253,000.
Thomas R. Ohno to Angela Espeseth and John Hall Espeseth, 33 Druid Hill Road, $368,000.
WARE
Alex Lanier and Kaylee Lanier to Jonathan Adams, 414 Palmer Road, $205,000.
Mary C. Robidoux, Sheryl A. Adamczyk, Regina M. Sanderson, Kathleen E. Towlson and Michael F. Norton to Judith A. Norton, Mary C. Robidoux and Regina M. Sanderson, 109 South St., $100.
Ann F. Alexandrovich to John R. Alexandrovich, 6 Campbell Road, $100.
Scott M. Desjardins to Scott M. Desjardins and Denise Desjardins, 65 Dugan Road, $100.
Ann F. Alexandrovich and Julia Lubelczyk to John R. Alexandrovich, Osborne Road, $100.
Mary R. Dansereau, Mary R. Smith, Kevin Smith, Marilyn A. Dansereau, Mary R. Dansereau, power-of-attorney, Mary R. Smith, power-of-attorney and Maryilyn A. Dansereau to ARPC LLC, 55 ½ Eagle St., $55,321.
Lawrence E. Allard, Irene M. Allard and Lawrence E. Allard Jr., to Anthony P. Horton and Danielle L. Mercier, Old Gilbertville Road, $47,000.
Naples Home Buyers Inc., to Melissa Auvine, 22 Warebrook Village, $250,050.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Ann Marie Mascaro and Anne Marie Mascaro to Milad Ali Abdulghani, 32 Colony Road, Unit 1A, $153,500.
Diane Dubuque, representative, estate, and Joan Annette Lindblad, estate, to Ethan Sousa, 25 Piper Cross Road, $255,000.
Donald V. Bourcier and Anita M. Bourcier to Amir Mohamed Abdel Hamed Abou Aitah, 241 Belmont Ave., $444,750.
A soothing cup of herbal tea can begin in your garden
By Jessica Damiano Associated Press
DRINK A FRAGRANT CUP
of herbal tea, and the intoxicating scent of steeped herbs might calm your mind before you even take a sip. Even better is when they come from your own backyard herb garden.
Mine includes several ingredients for my daily cup, and they’re all easy to grow and prepare.
General tips for growing herbs
Most herbs require a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, but they benefit from a bit of afternoon shade in hot climates. They grow well in containers, raised beds and gardens in well-draining soil. Fertilizer isn’t usually necessary, but incorporating a generous helping of compost into the soil at planting time will help nourish herbs throughout the growing season.
To sow directly outdoors, space seeds as directed on the package label. If seeds are super tiny, such as those of mints, mix them with a bit of sand, then scatter them directly over the soil.
When they reach 2 inches tall, remove excess sprouts to achieve the recommended spacing between the remaining plants.
Check the “date to maturity” on the seed pack or plant tag. Seeds are best sown in spring, but purchased starter plants can be planted later as long as the expected harvest date falls within the remaining time frame before the first frost.
Keep the soil lightly moist until the plants become established, then water only when the soil dries out.
Dandelions
CONTINUES FROM PAGE F5
These 5 herbs are popular for tea
Here are some favorite herbs to get you started.
German chamomile: This annual plant’s miniature daisy-like flowers make a cheerful addition to the garden and brew into a lovely, delicate tea that pairs well with a bit of honey. Provide regular doses of a flower-boosting fertilizer, such as 5-10-5, according to package directions, beginning one month after planting.
Mints: There are many delicious choices. Favorites include peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, lime mint and apple mint. All perennial mints (hardy in zones 3-9) grow and spread with abandon, so it’s best to plant them in pots rather than directly into the garden (unless you are willing to allow them to take over an entire area).
Agastache foeniculum: Commonly called anise hyssop, this perennial is often used as an ornamental in flower beds in zones 3-8 or 9. The plant’s highly aromatic leaves make a tasty licorice-flavored tea. Although related to mint, it retains a mostly mounded form and does not spread as aggressively as its cousins. Note: For tea, be sure to plant the straight species (foeniculum); although other anise hyssops may be edible, their flavors vary.
Lemon balm: Another mint relative, this perennial is hardy in zones 4-8 and should also be contained to prevent aggressive spread. Its subtle lemon flavor is refreshing without being overpowering.
Lemon verbena: This perennial shrub, hardy in zones 8-11, grows best in partial shade and is a heavier feeder than many other herbs. Apply
off the ground.” And despite your best efforts to yank the plant out of the ground, it can regrow from even the smallest piece of its tap root. It can survive deep freezes, long droughts, and being trampled and plucked. There is perhaps no flower better at enduring harsh conditions.
Of course, not everyone sees the dandelion as a landscaping scourge. There are annual dandelion festivals in Vermont, Colorado and West Virginia, and gardening groups celebrate an unofficial
Freshly harvested spearmint leaves, dried chamomile flowers and a cup of herbal tea.
a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to boost its health and vigor. Hardy in zones 8-11, the plant’s leaves impart a stronger, more intense lemon flavor than lemon balm.
When to harvest herbs and how to steep them
Harvest herbs in the morning, just after the dew has dried, when their essential oils are most concentrated. In my zone 7 garden, that’s typically around 10 a.m. Rinse them well and pat dry.
To use right away, heat water to just below boiling, then pour 8 ounces into a cup with 2-3 tablespoons of chopped, fresh herbs. Cover the cup and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Strain, and add sweetener or combine with other herbs, as desired.
To dry herbs for future use, spread them on a screen or tie a bunch of stems together and hang the bouquet upside down. Place in a well-ventilated, dark, dry spot until they become crunchy.
Remove leaves or flowers from stems, then store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dark spot, like a kitchen cabinet, where they’ll retain their flavor and fragrance for about 2 years. Because the drying process concentrates their flavors, you’ll need fewer herbs and less brewing time to make your tea, so start with 1 teaspoon and 5 minutes of steeping, adjusting according to your preference.
National Dandelion Day on April 5. And there are plenty of people who find their cheery yellow flowers downright pretty, and the round seed head is often used as a decorative motif.
Many people are also moving away from using harsh herbicides, and the cultural definition of the “perfect lawn” is beginning to shift. The dandelion, Patterson says, is due for a reputation upgrade.
“When you understand how useful they really are, you gain this new level of appreciation for something a lot of people turn their nose up at,” says the herbalist. “I think it was Emerson who said, ‘What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.’”
Deeds
CONTINUES FROM PAGE F9
James Jaron, James E. Jaron and Sean M. Callahan to Birch Brick LLC, 235 Western Ave., Unit 2A4, $360,000.
John A. Crocker Family Trust, trustee of, and Kathleen Miller, trustee, to Michael James Kelly and Patrick Francis Kelly, 101 Sibley Ave., $329,000.
Naples Home Buyers Inc., to Tejada Properties LLC, Maple Terrace, $250,000.
Nicole A. Dube, representative, Caitlin C. Dube, representative, and Johanna M. Dube, estate, to Kathleen Sundgren and Roger Paul Sundgren, 71 Jennifer Drive, $575,000.
Pamela L. Ireland, trustee, and Colin M. Dinnie Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, to George Sayegh, 98 Clarence St., $360,000.
William C. O’Neill, Ellen A. O’Neill and William E. O’Neill to William C. O’Neill and Ellen A. O’Neill, 36 Oakland St., $100.
WESTFIELD
Deborah Miles. trustee and representative, Donna S. Pighetti, trustee and representative, Douglas R. Stutz, trustee and representative, Janet A. Stutz, estate, and Janet A. Stutz Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Sean P. Ritter and Iwona M. Ritter, 74 Woodcliff Drive, $282,000.
Frankie Cortes, Jacquelyn Cortes and Jacquelyn Serrano to Carla Therese Gillespie, 85 Granville Road, $480,000.
Georgina C. Reyes to Stephanie Ngoc Nguyen-Moon and Joshua Moon, 29 Llewellyn Drive, $450,000.
Greg J. Heath to Jonathan James Lepper and Kaleigh Jarvis Lepper, 289 Holyoke Road, $415,000.
Lal Darji, Ajay Mohora, Ajay Darji and Krishna Darji to Walter J. Tomala, 7 Washington St., $165,000.
Linda A. Groom, representative, Aprille A. Thomas, estate, and Aprille Ann Thomas, estate, to Jackson J. Lambert and Elise M. Urbanski, 25 Coolidge Ave., $400,000.
Peter G. Asselin and Patricia E. Asselin to Kenneth Silk, 65 Old Farm Road, $350,000.
Roseann Bonatakis to Charles Bonatakis, 7 Exchange St., $276,000.
Sean P. Ritter and Iwona M. Ritter to Jonathan Huntley and Miranda Huntley, 74 Woodcliff Drive, $545,000.
WESTHAMPTON
Elizabeth Jeffs Lombard and John Lombard to Hilltown Land Trust, Spruce Hill Road, $260,000.
WILBRAHAM
U S A Housing & Urban Development to Kelly C. Clarke, 11 Wellfleet Drive, $315,000.
Katherine A. Shea to Ryan P. Barnes and Sophia E. Barnes, 8 Bittersweet Lane, $685,000.
Lorraine M. Adamz to Sarah N. Wentworth and Matthew R. Sacco, 6 Brooklawn Road, $435,000.
Paul L. Tassinari and Erin J. B. Tassinari to Thomas J. Kennedy III, and Shelly L. Kennedy, 3 Red Gap Road, $895,000.
Ronald J. Duval to Robbin Vipond, 2205 Boston Road, Unit C-20, $345,000.
Thomas J. Medeiros and Samantha J. Medeiros to Horacio Castrejon and Claudia Susana Cianca Martinez, 1072 Stony Hill Road, $430,000.
(JESSICA DAMIANO VIA AP)
PUBLIC AUCTION
PUBLIC AUCTION
PUBLIC AUCTION
(BREAKINGOUTINACOLDSWEAT)
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Ifyouexperienceanyoneofthesesymptoms,don’tmake excusesforthem.MaketheCall.Don’tMissaBeat.
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