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Planted in freedom...
Joyfully blooming for 80 years!
JULY MESSAGE
From the President:
Dear Gardening Friends,
Welcome to July—a month of sunshine, blooming gardens, and treasured traditions. As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th Anniversary of the United States, we are reminded of the enduring values of freedom, community, and gratitude. May this special month inspire us to celebrate both our nation's rich heritage and the beauty that surrounds us.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at our Annual Picnic on July 1st at Bonnie Miller's beautiful home. Thank you, Bonnie, for opening your home to us. Our always-entertaining members' auction, led by the wonderful Julie, promises to be another highlight of the afternoon. Thank you to everyone who donates items to make this fun tradition such a success.
July also brings exciting opportunities to learn and serve. Our field trip to the Sahli Nature Park Monarch Butterfly Reserve will inspire us with the beauty of nature and these remarkable pollinators. Then, on July 22nd, we'll share our love of gardening through our Horti-Therapy program at Perry Health and Rehab, making fresh flower arrangements with and for the residents.
Wishing you a joyful July filled with blooming gardens, lasting friendships, and happy memories. As you enjoy the days of summer, don't forget to stop and smell the roses... then pull a few weeds while you're there! Happy Gardening!
Your President, Eileen Miller
Ingomar Garden Club is a member of the National Garden Clubs Inc. - Central
Atlantic Region, of NGC Inc., and the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania
EXCITEMENT AT DC PARK
IGC, represented by Tim Miller and Eileen Miller, hosted Girl Scout troop 20534 on Wednesday the 13th of May at David Council Park. 8 scouts attended with 6 moms. We presented a brief history of DCP and IGC along with a short explanation of a few of the projects IGC conducts. We conducted a tour of the park pointing out the different plants, flowers and trees, especially the native plants. Both the mom's and girls asked many questions, and we did our best to answer. Time was also taken to discuss and point out harmful invasives, including pointing out the Stilt Grass and Garlic Mustard in the park. We also talked about beneficial invasives such as honeybees. The girls planted a new section of the pollinator garden with Shasta Daisies. They were given seeds and seed cups to plant and take home. Overall, it was a great evening full of singing, running, and laughter (just like a DCP workday). The program was great fun, and the girls were enthusiastic and inquisitive. We ended the meeting with a wish circle, fun. We have received very positive feedback and the girls earned their gardening badge!
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