It Must Be Spring: Diehl's Tents Are Up

The once barren section of the parking lot across from Adam's Ribs was buzzing with activity Sunday afternoon as a group of workers hoisted metal poles and hammered the signature red and white striped tents up in the air.

This annual tradition marks the beginning of spring for many patrons who look for the tents to appear this time of year.

Passersby in cars honked horns and waved, while some stopped to chat with Doug Diehl and Elliot Anderkin, the well-known partners who are celebrating their 40th year selling plants, produce and Christmas trees under the signature striped tents off of McKinsey Road.

Tables were hauled off of the Diehl's truck that will soon house fresh vegetables, fruit, jellies, watermelons, canteloupes and the beloved Silver Queen corn from the Eastern Shore in the summer.

Come fall, the mood changes with the colors of fall with mums, pumpkins, squash, fresh apple cider and over-sized cut sunflowers. Their season ends with Christmas trees up until Dec. 24 then off to a long winter's nap until spring. The duo, longtime friends, each head to Florida for a few weeks of rest, eating, sleeping and reading to gear back up for each new season.

"We always look forward to opening in the spring and look forward to seeing all of our customers again," Anderkin said.

On April 1 Diehl's tents will once again be filled with a variety of annual and perennial flowers and plants, along with hydroponic tomatoes from the Eastern Shore, said Anderkin. Following right behind will be the seasonal items such as asparagus then strawberries in May. 

Another sign of spring was occurring across the parking lot at ice shop where lines were forming throughout the day for the annual first day of spring free Italian ice giveaway.

*Editor's Note/disclosure: Elliot Anderkin is Leslie Hunt's brother-in-law. Because the opening of Diehl's Produce is always a hallmark of spring in Severna Park, Patch snapped photos of the annual rising of the tents.