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Growing off the beatin' path
DECEMBER MESSAGE
Season's Greetings Garden Friends,
The year's most festive month is upon us. Oh what fun it will be to deck ourselves for Wildwood Golf Club's Christmas Party. Let's celebrate the warmth of the holiday season, embracing the close friendships formed along the way. As we observe and reflect upon another fruitful year, please know how much your labors were appreciated by me as your IGC President and the community we serve. Winter is almost here. "December is the time for remembering the past and reaching toward the future." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) Although some may find this season bleak, it's really a time to slow down and to make preparations for next year. That way we can truly appreciate spring when it comes around again.
Lunch outings are planned to liven up the winter. Don't succumb to cabin fever. Join garden friends in kicking off the New Year at Wexford Public Restaurant in January and Monte Cello's Restaurant in February. In February, maybe think of sharing info about plants that performed the best or least in your garden, as wildlife continues to expand their palette. 2026 is going to be a big year as 250 years of our nation's birth is celebrated. What an exciting time to be alive.
"All is calm. All is bright; wishing you every Christmas delight."
Happy New Year,
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