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Growing off the beatin' path
AUGUST MESSAGE
Greetings Garden Friends,
The Dog Days of Summer have been here where the heat and humidity can be unbearable. But that has not stopped us. A heartfelt thank you goes to Jane Tate for hosting July's Picnic at her lovely home with beguiling colorful plantings. It was a good time with savory food and an auction that was Rockin'. Many of you attended a delightful field trip/ lunch in Beaver that began with a museum tour by our energetic District Director, Stacey Ivol. She quickly travelled from there to deliver welcome remarks at Mercer's Welcome Center's Gold Star Marker Ceremony that I had the honor to attend. In this moving memorial service, two Gold Star wives related stories of sacrifices made for our country. While the Blue Star honors living service members, the Gold Star honors the fallen heroes in U.S. Armed Forces. It was a reminder that freedom is not free.
In August, IGC Members will be gathering at St Thomas Anglican Church's Pavilion with 20 additional guests expected. Please make them feel welcome. After the business meeting, poetry will be read, followed by lunch, then the program, "Vertical Container Gardens," that our own member, Ashley Cifone will present. This year, the District IX Annual Meeting is being held close by at Wildwood Golf Club. So, please, let's get those reservations sent in by the August 15th deadline. Ingomar is well-known for great attendance. And, if you want to learn about flower farming, a Field Trip is planned on August 13th to Eleven Mile Farm.
Happy August, everyone
Julie, Your President
Article published in April 2025 Northern Connection Magazine
Take a Tour Through Veterans Memorial Gardens
By Paula Green
With the arrival of spring, it's the perfect time to start gardening and get your hands dirty. Locally, some beautiful gardens honor our military veterans.
In Allegheny County, North Park is a popular destination for activities such I as walking, biking, picnicking, and enjoying the great outdoors. You'll find a semi-circular stone monument and a historic cannon as you enter the park at the corner of Wildwood and Ingomar Roads. This peaceful area features the Veterans Memorial and the Penn State Demonstration Garden, which is surrounded by beautiful flower beds. The military garden was established in 1990, and each year, Penn State Master Gardeners work diligently to maintain this tribute to veterans.
Another garden that honors veterans is the David E. Councill Memorial Park. This park is situated at the intersection of W. Ingomar and Ingomar Heights Roads in McCandless Township and is maintained by the Ingomar Garden Club. David E. Councill was a local World War II veteran who served in the Army Air Corps. The garden club cares for this area from early spring, around April, through November.
Masonic Village at Sewickley features a Veterans' Garden to offer a space for reflection upon the sacrifices of those in our armed forces and their families. This is a fitting tribute since this retirement community is the home of many veterans. The garden was dedicated on October 7, 2017, and it includes a water fountain, pond, benches, and a life-sized bronze statue of George Washington in his military regalia.
There are several other veterans' gardens across the state. One notable garden is the Veterans Memorial Gold Star Healing & Peace Garden in York. This garden was dedicated on June 9, 2012, and is open to the public from dusk to dawn all year. It serves as a gathering place for those who want to commemorate and remember the fallen and celebrate the lives of those who volunteered to protect our country. The garden changes with each season and matures with every passing year.
In Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, a group of garden volunteers known as Heroic Gardens has found healing through horticulture. This mental health organization is dedicated specifically to veterans. They travel throughout the Philadelphia region, assisting veterans in creating both indoor and outdoor gardens. Heroic Gardens operates year-round, planting seeds and fostering friendships with veterans. Their motto is aptly, "Let freedom bloom."
Enjoy the beauty of these military gardens, honoring those who dedicated their lives to serving our country.
Sources: extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/Allegheny/demonstration-gardens/north-park-demonstration-garden, masonicviIlagesewickIey.org/forever-grateful-growing-a-veterans-garden/, Veterans-Memorial-Court, goIdstargarden.com