Sights and Sounds of Sussex flower show June 5

Gardeners By The Sea will present Sights and Sounds of Sussex, a Small Standard flower show from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, in the Memorial Hall of the Ocean View Presbyterian Church, 67 Central Ave. in Ocean View. The event is open to the public without charge and will include a plant sale.

Garden club plans tour of Seaford gardens June 8

The Spade and Trowel Garden Club plans a Beyond the Garden Gate tour of nine gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 8, in Seaford. The tour is, in part, a celebration of National Garden Week, June 2-8. Admission to all nine gardens is by donation of $10 before June 6 or $15 on the day of the tour at any of the homes. A brochure and guide, which will serve as both map and admission ticket, is available from Gallery 107 in downtown Seaford, from Curves at 22976 Sussex Highway in Seaford Village Shopping Center, through members of the garden club or by calling 302-629-8607 or emailing ptharris25@gmail.com. No pets will be allowed, and children 12 and under must be accompanied at all times by an adult.

Applications for specialty crop grants are due by June 10

State officials are accepting applications from agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies and educational institutions for projects promoting or enhancing the production of and access to Delaware specialty crops.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant program, funded through the federal Farm Bill, covers products including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. A review team will rank applications for a final decision. All applicants must reside in Delaware or have a business or educational affiliation here.

Applications are available at de.gov/scbg2013, or from marketing specialist JoAnn Walston at 302-698-4592 orjoann.walston@state.de.us. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 10.

Delaware launches Windows 8 app, Delaware Fresh

Windows 8 users can now take advantage of the popular Delaware Fresh farm-market location app from the Delaware Department of Agriculture. The app is now available for all Windows 8 devices, from mobile phones and tablets to Windows 8 desktops, joining existing iPhone and Android versions. The app was developed by Delaware Interactive as part of the Delaware eGovernment Initiative. This is the first Windows 8 application for the state of Delaware, continuing the eGovernment Initiative drive to bring state information and services to Delawareans. The app is free and available for download at apps.delaware.gov.

Milton Garden Club to sponsor 14th annual tour July 13

The Milton Garden Club will sponsor its 14th Annual Garden Tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 13.  This is a self-guided walking tour within the historical district of Milton.  The tour will feature 11 private gardens and three business gardens. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Antiques in Milton, Hillside Flowers, Peppers Greenhouses, Salon Milton, Milton Farmers Market and Lewes Printing. Tickets will be offered the day of the event at the Milton Historical Society’s Lydia B. Cannon Museum at 210 Union St. for $20. The event happens rain or shine. For more information, reservations, or questions, call Kathryn at 302-684-3804 or Janey at 302-703-2319 or check www.themiltongardenclub.org.

Drivers urged to look out for slow-moving farm vehicles

With planting season getting underway, Delaware agriculture officials are advising drivers to be on the lookout for slow-moving farm equipment along the state’s roads.

“Spring is a busy time for Delaware farmers, with planting progressing rapidly,” Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee said. “Our farmers are careful and cautious when they use the roads, knowing that their equipment is often oversized and can distract drivers. I urge motorists to be similarly careful and alert to avoid accidents.”

Farmers are encouraged to display a slow-moving vehicle emblem, and are required to turn off the road when it is safe when five or more vehicles are behind their equipment. They are also advised to use escort vehicles when using oversized equipment or when vision is blocked and turns are frequent. Most tractors travel at speeds under 25 mph.

Motorists can take safety steps that include paying attention to the road, passing with caution, allowing extra room when following slow-moving equipment, and being patient if a farmer can’t immediately pull over.