Welcome...
Growing off the beatin' path
APRIL MESSAGE
Dear Garden Friends,
It's a fresh season with new beginnings. A welcome hug from spring transports us back as we leave behind winter's cold shoulder. Warmer weather, sunshine, blooming flowers, and longer days exemplify April, along with renewal, optimism and the beauty of change. Let us be reminded of that while embracing nature's vibrant transformation. No April fool-in, we are finally here.
Before we know it, our May 9th Fundraiser Plant Sale will be here. It is once again scheduled for Mother's Day weekend at McCandless Crossing. For April's meeting, our program, "Exploring Native Orchids" will elaborate on PA native orchids. Then a Jesteadt's Greenhouse field trip on April 22nd can get those creative gardening juices flowing again with some plant shopping. This month will then end off with the "MystERIE by the Bay" Convention that a few of us will be attending. "Here's to longer days and shorter sleeves."
"Hoppy Easter & Spring,"
Julie, Your 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