This is lemon verbena jelly I made from my garden. While Aloysia triphylla is not reliably hardy here, I’ve had good luck with it over the last several mild-winter years. If I could only have one herb, this would be it. Heaven’s hedges are surely lemon verbena.     –Cathryn Freeburger, Prince Frederick What’s growing in your garden? Send a photo and description of your latest harvest to editor@bayweekly.com

When the watermen’s associations concurred with the legislation passed last May in House Bill 1372, they might not have realized the eventual financial impact it would have on their members. It has proven to be a $3 million whopper.     Under that bill, Department of Natural Resources’ costs for administration and enforcement would be paid for by the recreational and commercial fishing sectors, each covering its own area.

The moon waxes in the evening sky this week, with first-quarter occurring on the 22nd. That day has been dubbed International Observe the Moon Night. Astronomers, educators and sky enthusiasts from around the world have set the date to encourage people to appreciate our only natural satellite. For teachers, students or the curious, log onto www.observethemoonnight.org for events, activities and moon-related topics. Or simply take a moment to gaze at this wonder, and give a wink in honor of Neil Armstrong.

It’s that time of year. With autumn’s arrival this weekend, it’s also time to break out your lederhosen for the kick-off of Oktoberfest.     Established in Munich in 1810 as a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, Oktoberfest has evolved as a cultural phenomenon celebrating agriculture (specifically the hops crops) with a giant party that runs from the end of September thru the first Sunday in October. The festivities revolve around food, music and beer — lots of beer.