Welcome...
Growing off the beatin' path
MAY MESSAGE
Dear Garden Friends,
A recent shopping spree to Jesteadt's was again enticing to members. Previous to this, I had already visited Jesteadt's twice for spring plant sale shopping. In late March, life was starting to return. An additional visit within 2 weeks bared the incredible sight of stronger well nurtured plants. In comparison, IGC will experience a renewal as we transition into fresh leadership. Renewed guidance combined with cultivated support from members is needed to thrive as IGC has for 80 years.
Looking forward to May, our meeting at Northmont will begin with the installation of 2026-28 officers. Penn State Master Gardener, Silloo Kapadia will present the program "What's wrong with My Plant" providing appropriate plant choices, growth conditions, together with, plant trouble identification and management. Also, fast approaching is our annual fundraiser plant and bake sale on Mother's Day weekend. Please make sure that plants are labeled and bake sale items are wrapped properly with correct pricing before bringing them on the big day. I also need member's assistance at Schnur's the day before (Friday, May 8th ) to pick out hanging baskets and annuals.
Now, as I bid you a final farewell as President, I thank you for allowing me to be the Face of Ingomar for four years. I was proud to prevail over IGC's many accomplishments and to share them with District IX as well as, GCFP Colleagues. It's now time for IGC's New President, Eileen Miller, to experience this enormous pride as well.
All the Best,
Julie, Your Outgoing "Growing Off the Beatin' Path" IGC President
Shop at our new location for great gifts for Mother's Day!
Saturday, May 9, 2026
9 AM to 2 PM
McCandless Crossing, Pgh 15237
Hanging Baskets
Annuals
Perennials
Vegetables and Herbs
Garden Gloves
Bake Sale
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