Welcome...
Growing off the beatin' path
JULY MESSAGE
Greetings Garden Friends,
Summer is officially here with a chance to "Grow off the Beaten Path." We have been invited to tour peoples' gardens, or else enjoy our meeting/picnic at a member's home. What can be seen are plants never encountered before, unusual plant or color combinations, different kinds of garden designs, or whimsical creations from recycled materials? Sometimes a host can answer questions on their success with a certain plant, or what works in their marauding wildlife battle. Engaging field trips to get those creative juices flowing have been offered. What could be more rousing than a field trip to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens? A Jungle Safari flaunting wild topiary animals within lush greenery and carefully orchestrated blooms. Colorful butterflies that flit around, soaring and gliding between flowers. The nation of Panama, home to more species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects than the U.S. and Canada combined, being featured too. Then there's our July Field Trip to tour the grounds of the Beaver Train Station Garden maintained by Penn State Master Gardeners. As in all Demo Gardens, a variety of annual, perennial, and native plants performing well in the area with minimal maintenance is showcased. A bit of history will follow with a visit to the Beaver Museum, log cabin and doll house. As you can see there is a lot of inspiration to help veer you off a worn path. Our July Meeting/ picnic will be at the home of Jane Tate. Please bring garden related items to haggle over at our annual fundraiser auction.
"Stay Cool,"
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