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Growing off the beatin' path
OCTOBER MESSAGE
Autumn Greetings Garden Friends,
The colors of this season will now soften the blow of letting go. Farewell to an eventful September. Assorted tomato varieties rounded up by Linda Womsley tantalized taste buds in a judicious sampling program. A good showing of 14 members joined in on the 25 year District IX meeting celebration. Peer nominated Laurel and Daffodil Awards acknowledged numerous IGC members for their outstanding accomplishments. Steve Roth, Master Beekeeper of a backyard 30 hive apiary provided ample buzz about bees while actually showing a carefully constructed hive that resides in his home kitchen too. Finally, corn stalks, pumpkins, mums, wine tasting and a great Steeping Leaf lunch wowed members who traversed to Bedner's Farm.
Looking forward to October, the meeting at Northmont must begin promptly. Co-chairs, Barb Oswald and Chris Hawthorne will be presenting Laurel and Daffodil Awards. Guests from our fellow garden clubs will also be joining us for snacks, an enchanting Beatrix Potter Program then lunch. Let's show them some good old IGC hospitality; According to Beatrix, "With opportunity the world is very interesting." Coming up also is a Kaufman Tavern Lunch followed by the chance to make a flower arrangement. Due to conflicts, the usual October Board Meeting had to be moved to November. It is also time for a nominating committee to be assembled to choose a new slate of 2026-27 club officers.
"October is the most boo-tiful time of the year."
Happy Halloween,
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