Adams County
Ag Explorer's Day Camp
Photo by Carolyn McGraw
The week-long Ag Explorer's Day Camp, open to youth ages 8 to 12, focuses on gardening, the environment, and agriculture. During the week, 36 campers participated in classes, hands-on activities, and field trips.
When parents were asked if their child talked about new things they learned, 12 of the 15 respondents listed information their child did not know before attending camp. Parents also stated that they have further engaged their child on these subjects with additional reading and discussion.
Comments included:
"[My child] checks her seeds several times a day to see how they are growing."
"He has talked about things using information I didn't even know. He was very excited to share what he learned."
"Hydroponics was so cool! She is excited to watch her plants grow."
"This is the best camp--great field trips/agenda, great student leaders, well organized. Thank you!"
Program founded in 1989
- 52 active Master Gardeners
- 8 Master Gardeners trained
- 3,430 volunteer hours
- 3,722 adult contacts
- 4,873 youth contacts
- 142 Garden Hotline contacts
- 25 educational outreach presentations
- 64 gardening articles published
- 300 pounds of produce donated
- 45 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 1 demonstration garden
- 11,500 square feet of demonstration gardens
Allegheny County
Seedlings
Photo by Lee Bognar
The Master Gardeners of Allegheny County provide interactive horticulture lessons to children during the school year and throughout the summer. Teams of Master Gardeners use songs, activities, experiments, and hands-on gardening to bring monarch butterflies, bulbs, soil, and seeds to life. Experiments are left in the classrooms for students to observe, record, and report back their findings. The children especially enjoy lessons that include a tasting.
The Master Gardeners are currently partnered with Wilkins Primary School, where approximately 125 students benefit from the gardening lessons. The school added a Growing Up Green garden and pollinator area to their grounds, which enables Master Gardeners to include outdoor activities with the students. This summer, classes raised, tagged, and released nine monarch butterflies as part of the Monarch Watch Program. The students will closely follow the Monarch Watch website to see how many of their tagged butterflies reach Mexico.
During the summer months, Master Gardeners work with youth from the Sarah Heinz House, where day camp students plant, harvest, and eat from the garden. Several times throughout the summer, the program welcomes the octogenarians from the senior program for some intergenerational experiences. It is a wonderful experience for all involved with this program!
Program founded in 1989
- 176 active Master Gardeners
- 32 Master Gardeners trained
- 14,439 volunteer hours
- 8,189 adult contacts
- 2,138 youth contacts
- 701 Garden Hotline contacts
- 30 educational outreach presentations
- 22 gardening articles published
- 260 pounds of produce donated
- 7 demonstration gardens
- 28,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Armstrong County
Master Gardener Plant Sale
Photo by Dianna Kerr
The Armstrong County Master Gardener Plant Sale draws close to 2,000 residents from many small communities across the county. Master Gardeners volunteer over 900 hours during a six-month period growing an assortment of plants for the sale. Master Gardeners use this opportunity to educate those attending, providing research-based information and cultural practices for growing a healthy, productive garden. Accurate gardening information is a valuable resource because Internet accessibility is limited across Armstrong County. The sale provides plants at reasonable prices to help reach special needs residents throughout our area.
- 28 active Master Gardeners
- 14 Master Gardeners trained
- 1,968 volunteer hours
- 2,302 adult contacts
- 126 youth contacts
- 89 Garden Hotline contacts
- 10 educational outreach presentations
- 2 demonstration gardens
- 3,921 square feet of demonstration gardens
Beaver County
Home and Garden Show
Photo by Linda Saus
Every March since 2005, Master Gardeners of Beaver County have engaged in their largest public outreach initiative at the Beaver County Times Home and Garden Show. Homeowners are often lined up three to six deep waiting with questions at the "Ask the Master Gardener" table. The number of contacts at this one-day event is typically 240.
In 2018, Master Gardener Frank Saus presented two clinics, on "Selecting Plants" and "Moles and Voles," with 40 and 65 participants, respectively. This outreach event provides excellent exposure for the Master Gardener program, and the consultations with local Master Gardeners are a wonderful resource for the residents of Beaver County.
Program founded in 1990
- 82 active Master Gardeners
- 4,410 volunteer hours
- 1,059 adult contacts
- 704 youth contacts
- 279 Garden Hotline contacts
- 32 educational outreach presentations
- 51 gardening articles published
- 30 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 8 demonstration gardens
- 6,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Berks County
Treatment Court Garden
Photo by Steve Reinbrecht
The Treatment Court Garden Project was conceived by two Berks County judges to provide an educational gardening experience for adult treatment court probationers who have come to the legal system as the result of alcohol or drug issues. The goal is to provide a social, sober setting where adjudicated individuals can learn life skills, develop new interests, and give back to their communities.
Master Gardeners used four raised beds within a larger community garden to demonstrate the growing and care of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Each session began with a short explanation of a gardening skill and probationers were encouraged to join in the discussion, and participate in the hands-on activities that followed.
While there was a reluctance to participate at early sessions, that quickly gave way to interest and then enthusiasm as probationers saw the results of their gardening efforts. In all, 35 different probationers participated in the program over 27 sessions, half of them attending four or more times.
Despite a record rainy season, the garden plots produced enough to allow participants to take produce home and sample new foods and recipes. Several attendees reported that they would endeavor to keep gardening after their time with this program was over.
Program founded in 1982
- 138 active Master Gardeners
- 14,950 volunteer hours
- 6,907 adult contacts
- 559 youth contacts
- 1,699 Garden Hotline contacts
- 34 educational outreach presentations
- 20 gardening articles published
- 1 demonstration garden
- 10,746 square feet of demonstration gardens
Blair County
Growing with Kids
Photo by Jim Dixon
Master Gardeners of Blair County are partnering with the Altoona Public Library and the Altoona Area School District to establish raised beds on the library grounds for youth programming. This program is a great example of collaboration: the library is the sponsor and will provide the space, the school district is bearing the cost of construction, and the Master Gardeners are contributing planning expertise and will oversee planting. Lessons will be created at two levels to address the learning needs of students in kindergarten through third grade and fourth grade through sixth grade. Classes will begin in the spring of 2019.
Program founded in 1983
- 14 active Master Gardeners
- 8 Master Gardeners trained
- 1,276 volunteer hours
- 875 adult contacts
- 879 youth contacts
- 140 Garden Hotline contacts
- 14 educational outreach presentations
- 3 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 500 square feet of demonstration gardens
Bradford/Sullivan Counties
Hands-on "Insect Anatomy" Fair Exhibit
Photo by Carolyn Weathers
The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Bradford and Sullivan Counties developed a hands-on exhibit for youth focusing on insect anatomy. The purpose of the activity was to provide children with a basic understanding of insect body parts and to encourage them to explore the amazing world of insects.
The exhibit included:
- A large poster highlighting the three primary components of the insect body: head, abdomen, and thorax
- Simple, three-piece puzzles cut into the insect body parts for very young children to assemble
- Microscopes for older children to examine preserved insects
- A take-home package containing a plastic magnifying glass and insect stickers
The exhibit was used at two events, the Future Farmers of America "From Our Farms to Your Farms" exhibition and the Endless Mountains Maple Festival. Across both events, 123 children and 119 parents/guardians participated in the exhibit. Both children and adults learned about insect anatomy, and older children gained experience using a microscope.
Program founded in 1989
- 15 active Master Gardeners
- 2 Master Gardeners trained
- 938 volunteer hours
- 603 adult contacts
- 991 youth contacts
- 34 Garden Hotline contacts
- 56 educational outreach presentations
- 2 demonstration gardens
- 5,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Bucks County
Spotted Lanternfly Outreach
Photo by Kathleen Connally
Spotted lanternfly is a severe threat to agriculture, including grapevines, stone fruits, lumber, and ornamentals. The threat includes spread of the insect and extends to tourism. The pest first appeared in Bucks County two years ago but became widespread in summer 2018. Since early detection is vital to effective control, Master Gardeners in Bucks County anticipated the need for education in addition to an increase in client inquiries.
Outreach:
- Master Gardener "point person" attended all trainings and provided resources to other Master Gardeners
- Expanded Garden Hotline staff from 6 to 14
- Expanded Garden Hotline hours from 15 to 30
- Established PDA Call Center in Bucks County office
- Responded to 347 inquiries
- Distributed over 3,000 fact sheets, 500 scrapers, and 500 kids' books/headbands at events, libraries, municipalities, nature centers, and State Representative's office
- Reached 1,000 residents via social media
- Reached 81 residents through public presentations; 100 percent gained knowledge/adopted new practices
- County fair reached 1,600 residents
Program founded in 1989
- 118 active Master Gardeners
- 24 Master Gardeners trained
- 9,072 volunteer hours
- 6,695 adult contacts
- 1,680 youth contacts
- 760 Garden Hotline contacts
- 56 educational outreach presentations
- 24 gardening articles published
- 9 demonstration gardens
- 1,778 square feet of demonstration gardens
Butler County
Jennings Gateway Native Garden Project
Photo by Thom Stewart
In 2015, the Master Gardeners of Butler County entered into a partnership with the Jennings Environmental Education Center and their friends group to develop the Jennings Gateway Native Gardens. These gardens were established to show how a variety of native plants can be used in an ornamental setting.
The gardens have expanded to include 10 unique areas ranging from prairie to wetland to shade. Plants are selected for each area and labeled for easy identification. Master Gardener volunteers are available several times each month during the growing season to answer questions about using natives in the home landscape as well as general gardening questions.
One of our primary goals in establishing this relationship with Jennings was to expand the educational outreach and visibility of the Master Gardener program into the northern part of Butler County. Though the project is young, its impact is apparent. For the past four years, about 100 native plants have been grown annually by the project co-chairs to distribute at a spring event sponsored by the center.
Program founded in 1991
- 77 active Master Gardeners
- 15 Master Gardeners trained
- 3,872 volunteer hours
- 1,714 adult contacts
- 673 youth contacts
- 261 Garden Hotline contacts
- 6 educational outreach presentations
- 25 gardening articles published
- 8 demonstration gardens
- 8,417 square feet of demonstration gardens
Cambria County
Order of the Court
Photo by Ali Single
The focus of the Order of the Court project is to improve the Cambria County Courthouse landscape in Ebensburg Borough and provide educational information for the community. With guidance from Master Gardeners, the labor for the project was provided by nonviolent offenders from the county prison work crew. This project provided a positive and meaningful work experience and taught members of the crew valuable life skills that can be used upon release. This project also demonstrates the value of using native species and pollinator plants in the home landscape. Plant labels identify each species and facilitate self-guided tours of the grounds. Community resources utilized for the project included Ebensburg Borough, Admiral Peary Vo-Tech School, and the county work crew coordinator.
Program founded in 1983
- 35 active Master Gardeners
- 8 Master Gardeners trained
- 3,288 volunteer hours
- 1,041 adult contacts
- 998 youth contacts
- 156 Garden Hotline contacts
- 40 educational outreach presentations
- 19 gardening articles published
- 19 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 1 demonstration garden
- 5,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Carbon County
Blue Mountain Health Fair
Photo by Mindy Graver
In April, Master Gardeners Roberta Lee Robbins and Joe Cotton performed a presentation on forests for over 250 children at the Blue Mountain Health Fair. This year's theme was fairy tales.
Dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, they spoke about the importance of forests as a natural resource for people and wildlife. This is an especially significant message in Carbon County, where much of the land is covered by forests.
Program founded in 1989
- 17 active Master Gardeners
- 1,578 volunteer hours
- 625 adult contacts
- 43 Garden Hotline contacts
- 10 educational outreach presentations
- 2 demonstration gardens
- 624 square feet of demonstration gardens
Centre County
The Home Grown Project
Photo by Gary Thornbloom
In May 2018, the Master Gardeners of Centre County distributed vegetable plants and seed packets to four local food banks as part of the Home Grown Project. Through this effort, approximately 140 food bank clients received over 1,100 vegetable plants and dozens of seed packets, empowering them to grow their own food. The May distribution was neither the beginning nor the end of this project. The Penn State Student Farm started over 650 plants in early spring for the distributions. Through this project, student interns gained insight into the concept of food insecurity and got hands-on experience in the greenhouse.
At each of the four food bank distributions, Master Gardeners answered questions, gave advice, and dispensed information so that those who took home plants and seeds had a better chance at gardening success. Master Gardeners talked about the importance of thinning, proper spacing, light requirements, and crop rotation.
In September 2018, a Master Gardener visited the food banks to talk with clients who participated in the program and food bank directors and staff. Even though this rainy summer did not provide optimal conditions for gardening, the project earned high praise and the staff is enthusiastic to see it continue. Collaboration between Master Gardeners, the Penn State Student Farm, and local food banks has led to both community outreach and education.
Program founded in 1992
- 97 active Master Gardeners
- 18 Master Gardeners trained
- 7,029 volunteer hours
- 7,327 adult contacts
- 1,369 youth contacts
- 321 Garden Hotline contacts
- 5 educational outreach presentations
- 2 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 4 demonstration gardens
- 154,534 square feet of demonstration gardens
Chester County
Valley Youth House
Photo by Meagan Hopkins-Doerr
Master Gardeners of Chester County helped install raised garden beds at the Valley Youth House for young men in West Chester. The young men are in foster care or the juvenile justice system and are responsible for all aspects of their lives, with support from staff members.
Master Gardeners taught several sessions on vegetable gardening at the Valley Youth House this summer so that the residents could successfully grow their own food. During our first meeting, one young man said that he was excited to learn how to grow vegetables because grocery shopping made him sad since he was not be able to afford produce. Another commented that he wanted to learn how to grow pretty flowers so his future home could have a nice yard. Master Gardeners helped the young men and staff build a shade garden and raised beds and install the selected plants. During our time together, the young men taught us about their friendly neighborhood woodchuck as they shared their dreams and challenges. In turn, the Master Gardeners taught the young men how to grow and harvest food during informal hands-on sessions. The gardens provided the young men with several meals, horticultural knowledge to grow food and save money, and the value of commitment. Most important, the project taught the students about kindness.
Program founded in 1988
- 73 active Master Gardeners
- 20 Master Gardeners trained
- 3,473 volunteer hours
- 4,080 adult contacts
- 872 youth contacts
- 688 Garden Hotline contacts
- 14 educational outreach presentations
- 200 pounds of produce donated
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 3,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Clinton County
Expanded Plant Sale
Photo by Debra Burrows
In response to requests, the Master Gardeners of Clinton County expanded their plant sale to include native trees and shrubs in addition to native perennials. As part of their outreach activities, the Master Gardeners emphasized the importance of natives to pollinators and identified some of them as host plants. They also included this information in newspaper releases and website articles, and answered many questions about growing and caring for the native plants they sold and about bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), a native groundcover that they offered for the first time. The Master Gardeners believe that the focus on native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers helps homeowners increase their knowledge and encourages them to incorporate natives into their landscapes. The inclusion of native trees and shrubs in the plant sale helped to increase the amount of revenue generated.
Program founded in 1991
- 12 active Master Gardeners
- 4 Master Gardeners trained
- 1,564 volunteer hours
- 1,669 adult contacts
- 217 youth contacts
- 71 Garden Hotline contacts
- 11 educational outreach presentations
- 48 gardening articles published
- 1 demonstration garden
- 1,200 square feet of demonstration gardens
Columbia County
"Ask a Master Gardener"
at the Bloomsburg Fair
Photo by Suann Leighow
This year the Master Gardener display at the Bloomsburg Fair featured the invasive spotted lanternfly, which has been found in adjacent counties south of Columbia County. Over 490 questions were answered about the impact and management of spotted lanternflies on our forests, orchards, gardens, and backyards. Informational handouts were provided. In addition, Master Gardeners promoted the upcoming Basic Training course, resulting in new trainees for the fall class.
Program founded in 1990
- 35 active Master Gardeners
- 4 Master Gardeners trained
- 3,002 volunteer hours
- 1,316 adult contacts
- 1,650 youth contacts
- 1,305 Garden Hotline contacts
- 28 educational outreach presentations
- 37 gardening articles published
- 50 pounds of produce donated
- 12 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 1 demonstration garden
- 128 square feet of demonstration gardens
Crawford County
Mr. McGregor's Children's Garden
at the Crawford County Fair
Photo by Linda Ruggiero
Worm composting, sensory plants, kitchen scrap seedlings, and digging for bugs were the focus of Mr. McGregor's Garden exhibit at the Crawford County Fair. Peter Rabbit invited the children into the garden to help him gather vegetables and identify them. Children received prizes for correctly identifying each vegetable. Free seeds were given as prizes for the children to take home and plant in their own gardens. As many as 150 children visited the vegetable garden each day, connecting with the outdoors and the fun of growing vegetables.
Program founded in 1991
- 46 active Master Gardeners
- 2,263 volunteer hours
- 2,047 adult contacts
- 1,287 youth contacts
- 63 Garden Hotline contacts
- 17 educational outreach presentations
- 39 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 1 demonstration garden
- 125 square feet of demonstration garden
Cumberland/Perry Counties
Youth Summer Garden Camp
Photo by Sandy Michaels
The 2018 program year marked the ninth season for the Youth Summer Garden Camp with 30 campers ages 7 to 12 attending five camp sessions over the summer from June through August. Campers tended individual garden plots of vegetables and flowers with expert guidance from Master Gardeners. Campers learned about seeds, soil, composting, plants, pollination, and the environment in structured sessions that included time for working in the garden, science activities, crafts, games, snacks, exploration, and journaling. The campers created their own grapevine wreath windchime for their garden plot and learned about the history of agriculture and gardening in the area through a special presentation by the Cumberland County Historical Society. They also tasted different types of honey, made their own beeswax candles and sun-print bookmarks, and learned about monarch butterflies. Fruit smoothies, salsa, and patriotic potato salad were prepared from the garden harvest. Campers recorded weather statistics, soil temperatures, and harvest data in their garden journals. Approximately 280 pounds of produce were harvested from the youth garden, with 110 pounds donated to Project SHARE.
Program founded in 1988 (Cumberland) and 2006 (Perry)
- 102 active Master Gardeners
- 8,049 volunteer hours
- 4,665 adult contacts
- 2,506 youth contacts
- 316 Garden Hotline contacts
- 54 educational outreach presentations
- 110 pounds of produce donated
- 7 demonstration gardens
- 18,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Dauphin County
Afterschool Garden Club
Steelton-Highspire Elementary School
Photo by Deb Schmittel
The Steelton-Highspire area is considered part of the Harrisburg "food desert," defined by USDA as an area where residents do not have easy access to fresh and affordable food. Master Gardeners and the 4-H program in Dauphin County partnered with Steelton-Highspire Elementary School to start an afterschool garden club, connecting students with agriculture, plants, and the foods they eat. The program is based on Meet the Plants, a 4-H project that teaches basic botany, how to care for plants, and propagation methods. After 10 years, the club continues to cultivate students' excitement and interest in agriculture, plants, and healthy foods. Ten to 20 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders meet each week after school to work in the raised bed gardens or on other projects. In the fall, they harvest crops such as popcorn, potatoes, pumpkins, watermelon, carrots, sunflowers, and tomatoes. Produce may be preserved, used for snacks, or entered in the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Club members are assigned various responsibilities. Older club members are encouraged to share their knowledge and skills with new participants. Many members return for all three years, and some continue their interest by later joining a high school science club.
Program founded in 1987
- 73 active Master Gardeners
- 10 Master Gardeners trained
- 3,209 volunteer hours
- 7,243 adult contacts
- 2,658 youth contacts
- 621 Garden Hotline contacts
- 40 educational outreach presentations
- 950 pounds of produce donated
- 4 demonstration gardens
- 3,465 square feet of demonstration gardens
Delaware County
Chester City Community Garden
in Partnership with Chester Eastside and St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
Photo by Sharon Pruitt
Master Gardeners start seeds for vegetables and annuals in February and March at the Taylor Arboretum Greenhouse. Seedlings are potted up into 4-inch pots and sold at plant pickups where community gardeners can buy plants, seeds, and soil for a small donation. The pickups take place in April and May in Chester.
Community gardeners rent raised bed plots for $10 a year. This year, Chester Eastside, a local food bank and education center, rented six beds and gardened with 40 youth from the summer camp and after-school program. Volunteers from the Presbyterian Church worked in the gardens with the youth. The garden currently contains 16 raised beds. More are slated for the 2019 gardening season.
This project begins in February and volunteers can continue to help community residents through October by assisting them with their gardens. Twenty Master Gardeners volunteer on this committee.
Program founded in 1991
- 116 active Master Gardeners
- 13,739 volunteer hours
- 5,246 adult contacts
- 1,074 youth contacts
- 302 Garden Hotline contacts
- 74 educational outreach presentations
- 15 gardening articles published
- 1,428 pounds of produce donated
- 8 demonstration gardens
- 1,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Elk County
Vermicomposting at Jeff Tech
Photo by Stephen Marconi
This was a year of training and development for the Master Gardeners in Elk County. A learning project was developed by helping a county resident prepare his first soil samples for his 8-acre property. Several volunteers participated to learn the soil testing process and the approach to public outreach.
Four Elk County trainees and the Master Gardener coordinator went to Jeff Tech in Reynoldsville to learn how they incorporate vermicomposting into their school garden project.
Volunteers partnered with a local elementary school to develop a school garden program. Plans are underway to build a garden to complement the school curriculum. Students will be involved in planning and design of the garden. Master Gardeners will teach students about proper planting techniques and the garden will be used for plant science and environmental conservation lessons.
The Ridgeway Borough has given the Master Gardeners in Elk County an opportunity to propose a plan to develop a teaching garden. A five-year plan was developed and approved by the Borough Council. This project will be planned and developed by the Master Gardeners. The garden will become a location to provide horticulture outreach to the public.
Program founded in 2017
- 7 active Master Gardeners
- 8 Master Gardeners trained
- 512 volunteer hours
- 53 adult contacts
- 8 gardening articles published
Erie County
Emmaus Grove: The Erie Urban Farm School
Photo by Ellen DiPlacido
Emmaus Grove: The Erie Urban Farm School is a partnership working to make a difference in the lives of the residents in Erie County. Master Gardeners educate and provide guidance as the issues arise in real time. As the crops grow, so do the residents. The harvest is donated to the Soup Kitchen, where it serves over 200 meals a day, and to the Food Pantry, where it will be distributed to over 600 families a week.
The growers at Emmaus utilize organic practices that they are learning, such as composting, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, in the 55 growing beds. On average, we have a group of ten volunteers who come regularly for the education. A group of refugees attending St. Benedict's Education Center volunteer one morning a week. This group of Erie's newest residents are learning about organic gardening as city dwellers and are growing some of their favorite native foods alongside many vegetables that are not familiar to them.
This interaction between the residents and Master Gardeners forms bonds with their new country's community, and growing the vegetables from their homeland helps them integrate easier into a strange land.
Program founded in 2004
- 95 active Master Gardeners
- 14 Master Gardeners trained
- 7,377 volunteer hours
- 1,996 adult contacts
- 1,854 youth contacts
- 264 Garden Hotline contacts
- 95 educational outreach presentations
- 2,400 pounds of produce donated
- 28 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 2 demonstration gardens
- 240 square feet of demonstration gardens
Fayette County
Master Gardeners Use Media to Stay Connected
Photo by Bert Sesler
The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Fayette County made a concerted effort to educate the public through many different media outlets in 2018. Social media marketing strategies provided a vast opportunity to attract and engage the public in important topics that the Master Gardeners focused on this year. Some topics included the spring gardening seminar, Fayette County Fair events, and many subjects of horticultural interest to our community. Plant diseases and insect questions top the list of engagement. Not only does the media team provide information from county events, they share information from "influencers", the experts who are knowledgeable on horticultural topics from industry and universities, especially Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.
Master Gardeners delivered education to radio audiences on two stations in the area. In 2018, around 60 radio spots were delivered to approximately 40,000 listeners throughout the gardening season. Topics included season-specific information such as planting garlic, how to prepare your garden beds in the spring, how to identify the spotted lanternfly, and pruning.
Lastly, the Master Gardener newsletter, The Latest Dirt, was delivered quarterly to around 300 residents in the Fayette County area. When surveyed, 78 percent of respondents reported that they had adopted a new horticulture or pest management practice as a result of attending a Master Gardener workshop, by reading our newsletter, or interacting with the county program via social media.
Program founded in 1991
- 41 active Master Gardeners
- 15 Master Gardeners trained
- 2,923 volunteer hours
- 2,170 adult contacts
- 1,651 youth contacts
- 213 Garden Hotline contacts
- 110 educational outreach presentations
- 29 gardening articles published
- 42 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 150 square feet of demonstration gardens
Franklin County
Pollinator Community Outreach
Photo by Carol Kagan
Master Gardeners of Franklin County use several methods to educate the community about the impact that each resident has on pollinator health. Programs are delivered to adult and youth throughout the year, covering plant selection, gardening practices, and raising butterflies. Master Gardeners grow plants in their greenhouse to sell and highlight in their pollinator-friendly demonstration gardens. "Monarch Mania" classes teach the public how to raise monarchs; they are popular with both school groups and adult service groups. Master Gardeners share frequent Facebook posts about rearing monarchs. Master Gardeners stay current with pollinator research by participating in learning opportunities offered through the Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State and attending pollinator presentations at monthly meetings. In the past reporting year 12 Master Gardeners raised 785 butterflies in their landscapes while mentoring community members who raised and released 57 butterflies. In addition, the pollinator outreach program attracted two new trainees to the Master Gardener program in Franklin County.
Program founded in 1993
- 69 active Master Gardeners
- 6 Master Gardeners trained
- 8,912 volunteer hours
- 1,450 adult contacts
- 757 youth contacts
- 411 Garden Hotline contacts
- 20 educational outreach presentations
- 32 gardening articles published
- 245 pounds of produce donated
- 8 demonstration gardens
- 66,153 square feet of demonstration gardens
Fulton County
Victory Garden Community Program
Photo by Morgan Kinghorn
Master Gardeners of Fulton County created a Victory Garden seven years ago as an innovative, ongoing community garden that educates Master Gardeners and the home-gardening public about science-based vegetable and small fruit gardening techniques. The Victory Garden offers a program twice a week from April to November. It provides a unique experience for class members to learn about and participate in the process of vegetable gardening, starting from soil preparation in spring to the final fall harvest and preparing the garden for winter. Participants also learn methods of preserving the harvest and enjoy culinary recipes. As the summer progresses, the group bonds and shares garden experiences. It has become a community garden where the love of vegetable gardening is nurtured. Partnerships include the McConnellsburg United Presbyterian Church, the McConnellsburg School District Agricultural Studies Program, and the neighboring Master Gardeners in Franklin County. The Victory Garden project has significant merit in demonstrating transferability to other rural Pennsylvania counties without large established Master Gardener programs and with limited resources. At the 2018 state conference, the project earned the first-place Search for Excellence Award for Community Service.
Program founded in 2009
- 17 active Master Gardeners
- 1,246 volunteer hours
- 830 adult contacts
- 136 youth contacts
- 411 Garden Hotline contacts
- 20 educational outreach presentations
- 10 gardening articles published
- 50 pounds of produce donated
- 3 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 4,100 square feet of demonstration gardens
Greene County
Tiny Tim
Photo by Cheryl Brendel
The Tiny Tim program gives children the opportunity to learn how the food they eat comes to their tables. The Master Gardeners work with three local Greene County libraries, targeting children ages three and older. Each spring, a Master Gardener starts tomato plants from seeds. The library staff either make newspaper pots or have paper handy for transporting the plants home with the children in attendance. We take various food items that children see in the grocery store (for example, a pizza box) and teach them that tomatoes are one of the ingredients in that food. Each child takes a pot or paper, puts some potting soil in it, and plants their seedling. We then explain how to plant the tomato in the garden or a container and how to take care of it. Over the last few years we have seen an increased interest in the Tiny Tim program. The project received a Search for Excellence award at the State Master Gardener Conference.
Program founded in 1991
- 16 active Master Gardeners
- 674 volunteer hours
- 198 adult contacts
- 489 youth contacts
- 29 Garden Hotline contacts
- 9 educational outreach presentations
- 8 gardening articles published
- 12 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 2 demonstration gardens
- 384 square feet of demonstration gardens
Huntingdon County
Butterfly Demonstration Garden
Photo by Deb Ridgeway
Master Gardener trainees in Huntingdon County developed a butterfly garden at The Natural Connection Wellness Center, part of the Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association. Utilizing principles of landscape design learned from the Master Gardener basic training course, trainees made plant lists and sketches of three different types of gardens that would fit the space and support pollinators. In developing their designs, trainees considered the site, color, texture, and a range of plants to support both larvae and adult butterflies and moths. The project included extensive research into plant types, sizes, and life cycles as well as identifying local and mailorder sourcing of the selected plants. Master Gardeners and trainees worked with with volunteers from Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association and the community to install the gardens. Master Gardeners added educational signage, and the group plans on using the site for pollinator education visits.
Program founded in 2014
- 5 active Master Gardeners
- 5 Master Gardeners trained
- 998 volunteer hours
- 476 youth contacts
- 38 Garden Hotline contacts
- 1 educational outreach presentation
- 4 demonstration gardens
- 978 square feet of demonstration gardens
Indiana County
The Indiana County Agricultural Fair
Photo by Dianna Kerr
Each year, Master Gardeners provide information on current gardening issues at the Indiana County Agricultural Fair. In preparation for this year's display on spotted lanternfly, the volunteers spent many hours creating papier-mâché replicas of the life stages of this invasive pest. Spotted lanternfly was selected as the theme for the display to raise community awareness and educate county residents on identification of the pest. Master Gardeners interacted and distributed literature to approximately 2,000 people. Children were attracted to the large, brightly colored bugs; Master Gardeners explained that although they are pretty, they are bad bugs. Nearly all of the attendees said they had not been aware of this invasive insect before the fair and were now aware of their responsibility to help prevent its spread. Our theme raised awareness on an important environmental issue that is affecting our state and will impact our communities in the future.
Program founded in 1991
- 39 active Master Gardeners
- 2,347 volunteer hours
- 3,894 adult contacts
- 435 youth contacts
- 95 Garden Hotline contacts
- 18 educational outreach presentations
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 2,486 square feet of demonstration gardens
Jefferson County
Outdoor Education Area
Photo by Cheryl Shenkle
Master Gardeners identified an area for a demonstration garden that will be used for future educational workshops and programming. Community members are involved in the development of the garden, donating materials, labor, and expertise. Summer educational events in the garden will be part of this year's class schedule. Master Gardeners will provide in-depth training on a variety of gardening topics. Future plans include a mural on the fence, a rain garden, and a handicapped-accessible raised bed.
Program founded in 2009
- 13 active Master Gardeners
- 3 Master Gardeners trained
- 774 volunteer hours
- 130 adult contacts
- 20 youth contacts
- 52 Garden Hotline contacts
- 6 educational outreach presentations
- 4 gardening articles published
- 5 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 1 demonstration garden
- 600 square feet of demonstration gardens
Juniata/Mifflin Counties
Hardy Succulent Workshop
Photo by Lori Mitzel
A passion for succulents led a Master Gardener to teach senior citizens about the joy of growing succulents in containers. This class gave an excellent overview on succulents. Topics included plant selection, cultural and maintenance requirements, and propagation methods. As a collaborative effort with the Area Agency on Aging, over 60 species of succulents were available for the participants, including some rare varieties. In addition, participants brought their own old shoe and created a one of a kind planter. This allowed the attendees to use their own creativity and provided a hands-on learning experience as well.
Program founded in 2004
- 15 active Master Gardeners
- 468 volunteer hours
- 310 adult contacts
- 400 youth contacts
- 18 Garden Hotline contacts
- 6 educational outreach presentations
- 1 demonstration garden
- 75 square feet of demonstration gardens
Lackawanna County
10 Months in a Day
Photo by Amanda E. Marchegiani
The Penn State Master Gardeners of Lackawanna County were asked by Leadership Lackawanna to help with restoring the pavilion at Nay Aug Park. Built in 1897, the pavilion, a focal point of the park, had deteriorated due to neglect. Leadership Lackawanna is a program of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce with a mission to develop the skills of its participants through a community service project.
The job of the Master Gardeners was to design and install the landscaping around the pavilion on a limited budget.
The project took 10 months from beginning to end with roof repairs, new electric and lighting, painting, concrete work, and landscaping. During that time, several fundraisers were held, donations were solicited, and volunteers were recruited. All the meetings and planning came down to one day--June 5.
Starting at 8:00 a.m., 1.5 tons of crushed stone, 6 cubic yards of topsoil, 16 cubic yards of mulch, 150 hostas, 180 ferns, 40 community volunteers, and nine master gardeners arrived to finish the last piece of the project--the landscaping. Master Gardeners worked side by side with volunteers, teaching them about soil condition, plant health, and placement, while fostering a sense of community pride through environmental stewardship.
Program founded in 1991
- 44 active Master Gardeners
- 1,401 volunteer hours
- 9,711 adult contacts
- 886 youth contacts
- 591 Garden Hotline contacts
- 22 educational outreach presentations
- 15 gardening articles published
- 2,000 pounds of produce donated
- 41 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 7 county certified pollinator gardens
Lancaster County
Gardening for Life
Photo by Lois Miklas
The Penn State Master Gardeners of Lancaster County bring nature and gardening to residents of Conestoga View Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. Conestoga View offers physical therapy services and long-term nursing care to the residents of Lancaster, including many low-income residents. Master Gardeners emphasize hands-on activities and awaking memories of what residents once enjoyed about their home gardens. All residents are welcome to be involved and a family member may join them during the sessions. Master Gardeners involve residents in creating outdoor handicappedaccessible raised bed gardens, which provide a respite for residents, staff, and families. Monthly workshop themes include herbs, indoor plants, good and bad bugs, tomato tasting, and working with fresh and dried materials from the garden. Master Gardeners also plan and accompany residents on an annual field trip to a garden or garden center. One resident expressed her appreciation for the program by saying, "It reminds me of our home on the farm. You talk about plants, birds, and vegetables. I miss my farm." The Conestoga View administration evidences their support for the program by providing staff and monetary support.
Program founded in 1988
- 95 active Master Gardeners
- 6,040 volunteer hours
- 3,852 adult contacts
- 3,051 youth contacts
- 397 Garden Hotline contacts
- 19 educational outreach presentations
- 6 gardening articles published
- 43 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 6 demonstration gardens
- 10,330 square feet of demonstration gardens
Lawrence County
Native Plant Garden
in McConnells Mill Park
Photo by Lauren Matteo
The Master Gardeners of Lawrence County maintain a native plant garden in McConnells Mill Park in New Castle. This is a beautiful park that was created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago. The scenic overlooks and waterfalls are popular natural attractions. The native plant garden that is located by the mill is weeded regularly and plants are replaced as needed. The plants are allowed to grow as they would in nature with very little intervention on our part. We have been rewarded with increased visits from bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. While Master Gardeners work hard on maintaining the garden, they are often approached by visitors with many questions; our involvement provides an opportunity to educate the public on native plants and pollinators.
Program founded in 1991
- 28 active Master Gardeners
- 1,431 volunteer hours
- 572 adult contacts
- 552 youth contacts
- 54 Garden Hotline contacts
- 10 educational outreach presentations
- 1 gardening article published
- 23 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 4 demonstration gardens
- 5,795 square feet of demonstration gardens
Lebanon County
Lebanon County Fair Exhibit
Photo by Nancy Knauss
Because ticks and mosquito-borne diseases are of great concern in central and southeastern Pennsylvania, the Master Gardeners of Lebanon County decided to use "Blood Suckers!" as the theme for an exhibit at the Lebanon County Fair. The Penn State Extension Pesticide Education Program provided educational materials that had been used earlier in the year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Emelie Swackhamer, who has been heavily involved with tracking and researching the invasion of spotted lanternfly in Pennsylvania, provided current information on this pest, as this Asian import is having an impact in the eastern part of Lebanon County. The temporary spotted lanternfly tattoo was a great hit with the younger set, and the roulette wheel of questions was both popular and educational. During their 40 hours at the Fair, Master Gardeners engaged 787 visitors.
Program founded in 1989
- 46 active Master Gardeners
- 3,681 volunteer hours
- 6,632 adult contacts
- 237 youth contacts
- 468 Garden Hotline contacts
- 24 educational outreach presentations
- 1 demonstration garden
- 6,967 square feet of demonstration gardens
Lehigh/Northampton Counties
Interfaith Community Gardens
Photo by Bob Yoder
Master Gardeners in Lehigh and Northampton Counties work in five community garden plots throughout the two-county area, teaching people from different faith communities how to grow food for those in need. Currently, there are over 120 volunteers from Jewish temples Beth El and KI, the Christian church "The Barn," and Muslim mosque "Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley" working together building community and growing vegetables. This year, they collectively grew 3,348 pounds of fresh produce for two Lehigh Conference of Church's social outreach ministries: DayBreak and the Soup Kitchen at 8th and Walnut Street. Many of these volunteers are new to gardening. The Master Gardeners are on hand to teach them how; they also organize a workshop early in the year that provides researched-based gardening information to the community volunteers.
Program founded in 1988
- 114 active Master Gardeners
- 23 Master Gardeners trained
- 7,729 volunteer hours
- 7,109 adult contacts
- 2,989 youth contacts
- 1.366 Garden Hotline contacts
- 100 educational outreach presentations
- 152 gardening articles published
- 3,348 pounds of produce donated
- 43 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 7 demonstration gardens
- 5,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Luzerne County
Nighttime Garden Workshop Series
Photo by Elizabeth Rosser
Every year, the Master Gardeners in Luzerne County host a Garden Workshop Series from April to October. Monthly workshops on a seasonal horticultural topic educate community members and provide continuing education for Master Gardener volunteers.
In previous years, the Garden Workshop Series has only been available to the public during the day. This year, Master Gardeners hosted an additional evening presentation. Topics included composting and growing giant pumpkins. The additional workshops attracted a diversity of participants and expanded the educational outreach of the Master Gardener program.
In August, the Master Gardeners in Luzerne County also hosted a spotted lanternfly informational session for the public. Mark Boudreau, an instructor from Penn State Brandywine, discussed the pest, its impacts, and control options for the 27 attendees.
Program founded in 1978
- 46 active Master Gardeners
- 1,604 volunteer hours
- 7,824 adult contacts
- 665 youth contacts
- 128 Garden Hotline contacts
- 7 educational outreach presentations
- 20 gardening articles published
- 1 demonstration garden
- 289 square feet of demonstration gardens
Lycoming County
Lycoming County Women's Pre-Release Gardening Program
Photo by Nancy Knauss
The Master Gardeners of Lycoming County are reaching an underserved population, The Women's Pre-Release Program. Once a week, from April through October, Master Gardeners hold a one- or two-hour mini-class and hands-on experience for eight to 12 women. The lessons and activities promote healthy eating through basic gardening skills and encourage gardening as a hobby. Instruction also includes information on how a gardener can contribute to improving the environment, and the value of gardening for stress reduction and psychological benefits. Residents who previously gardened appreciated the opportunity to grow edibles and flowers again. Most of the women who knew nothing about gardening enjoyed the whole experience--not knowing where those store veggies come from! They are proud of their gardens!
Program founded in 1999
- 48 active Master Gardeners
- 2,569 volunteer hours
- 633 adult contacts
- 493 youth contacts
- 65 Garden Hotline contacts
- 43 educational outreach presentations
- 7 gardening articles published
- 12 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 7 demonstration gardens
- 23,375 square feet of demonstration gardens
McKean County
Dare 2B Tick Aware
Photo by Richard Putnam
Because so many gardeners are contracting Lyme disease, the Master Gardeners of McKean County sponsored a Dare 2B Tick Aware presentation at the extension office in Smethport. This program was developed by the PA Lyme Resource Network to provide awareness education, support, and resources to navigate Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania is leading the nation in new Lyme disease cases. At the McKean County Fair, Master Gardeners handed out more than 400 brochures from the PA Lyme Prevention Program. The pamphlet explains how to protect yourself and your family, pets, and property from ticks. The public was interested in learning more about the topic and appreciated the information that was distributed.
Program founded in 1986
- 16 active Master Gardeners
- 44 volunteer hours
- 262 adult contacts
- 20 youth contacts
- 84 Garden Hotline contacts
- 11 educational outreach presentations
- 1 gardening article published
Mercer County
Come Grow with Us
Photo by Susan Lanigan
Come Grow with Us, the annual winter seminar presented by the Master Gardeners of Mercer County, attracted 64 attendees and included the educational presentations Mixed Borders, All Gardens Great and Small, Hydrangea Care, and Birds of Pennsylvania. Not only is this seminar educational, it is the Master Gardener program's biggest fundraiser.
The seminar has been a staple in the Mercer County area for many years with regular, repeat attendance from the community. A variety of speakers is provided each year to enhance the educational opportunities for the public. One of the most popular sessions continues to be on pruning, with enthusiastic, weather-hearty students braving the winter cold to learn the latest techniques.
Program founded in 1991
- 37 active Master Gardeners
- 4 Master Gardeners trained
- 1,277 volunteer hours
- 1,042 adult contacts
- 83 youth contacts
- 68 Garden Hotline contacts
- 15 educational outreach presentations
- 2 gardening articles published
- 6 demonstration gardens
- 2,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Monroe County
Winter Workshop Series
Photo by Nancy Knauss
Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Monroe County hold a winter workshop series to prepare the community for the gardening season. Gardeners are very receptive this time of year as they look forward to spring and the absence of snow. Pruning and lasagna gardening were two popular topics that were covered.
Master Gardener Leif Abbey detailed the three main reasons for pruning ornamental trees: safety, health, and aesthetics. He discussed correct and improper pruning techniques, and demonstrated a three-part cut to remove a large limb. The attendees learned helpful information about how to effectively prune their trees and woody ornamental shrubs.
Lasagna Gardening: Solutions for Tough Soil Situations, a workshop created by Master Gardener Nancy Daniels, has been presented to over 100 Monroe County residents during the 2017-2018 gardening year. Pocono gardeners' favorite tool is said to be a backhoe, given our predominantly rocky and clay soils. In the lasagna or no-till method, planting beds are made without removing grass from the site. The bed can be built at any time of year over rocky areas or even on top of existing gardens where weeds have taken over. Workshop participants eagerly planned to create or renovate garden beds without breaking their shovels.
Program founded in 1991
- 30 active Master Gardeners
- 8 Master Gardeners trained
- 2,196 volunteer hours
- 1,003 adult contacts
- 20 youth contacts
- 90 Garden Hotline contacts
- 19 educational outreach presentations
- 12 gardening articles published
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 2,600 square feet of demonstration gardens
Montgomery County
Learning and Demonstration Garden Revitalization
Photo by Erin Kinley
When the Master Gardeners of Montgomery County first installed their Learning and Demonstration Gardens in the early 2000s, they quickly became the highlight of the Penn State Extension office and even won several Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Suburban Greening Awards. Over a third of an acre in size, they were a hotspot of educational activity and a source of pride for the Master Gardeners. However, over the years, with staff and budget cuts and nearly 20 years of exposure to the elements, the gardens were outdated, overgrown, and vastly underused.
This year, the Master Gardeners decided to undertake a massive Learning Gardens Revitalization Project. During 2017-2018, they volunteered over 1,300 hours adding native pollinator plants and new vegetable demonstration raised beds. Invasive species such as barberry and butterfly bush were removed and certain garden areas received makeovers to feature native groundcovers and edible ornamental plants. This summer's pinnacle program in the garden was the Garden Explorer Youth Camp, planned and hosted with the 4-H program in Montgomery County. Future plans for the gardens include involving the Master Watershed Stewards to add rain barrels and other stormwater management best management practices, as well as, applying to become a certified pollinator-friendly garden.
Program founded in 1990
- 81 active Master Gardeners
- 18 Master Gardeners trained
- 6,803 volunteer hours
- 8,035 adult contacts
- 1,316 youth contacts
- 707 Garden Hotline contacts
- 121 educational outreach presentations
- 2 gardening articles published
- 1 demonstration garden
- 16,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Montour County
Ferry Street Growers Market
Photo by Erin Shaffer
The Ferry Street Growers Market is a popular Montour County venue for fresh produce from local farmers. The Master Gardeners of Montour County were available on first Saturdays from June through November to answer questions for market goers using researched-based information. Most Saturdays, Master Gardeners answered over 30 questions on a range of garden and landscape topics.
Because of the wet summer, Master Gardeners were called on to answer questions about flooded gardens, what is safe to eat and what is not, or why vegetables did not do well. Education about spotted lanternfly was needed in Montour County this season, as the infestation in neighboring southeastern counties presses closer to the area.
Program founded in 1988
- 8 active Master Gardeners
- 446 volunteer hours
- 381 adult contacts
- 162 youth contacts
- 190 Garden Hotline contacts
- 4 educational outreach presentations
- 1 gardening article published
- 1 demonstration garden
- 24 square feet of demonstration gardens
Northumberland County
Power of Produce (POP)
at the Mt. Carmel Farmers Market
Photo by Suann Leighhow
POP provides a fun opportunity for children to engage in the local food system through conversations with farmers, educational games, demonstrations, and exposure to new fruits and vegetables. The program found that 72 percent of POP participants had tried a new fruit or vegetable as a result of engaging in the program. In addition, children participated in educational activities, cooking demonstrations, and food sampling. These activities provided an educational way for children to engage in the local food system through direct contact with farmers, buying local, and understanding the importance of healthy food choices.
One of the topics the Master Gardeners talked about was "What part of the plant do we eat?" This presentation taught the children about roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. At this Master Gardener event, children participate in a game, sample food, or examine plant samples, proving that education can be fun for all.
Program founded in 1991
- 2 active Master Gardeners
- 128 volunteer hours
- 222 adult contacts
- 278 youth contacts
- 188 Garden Hotline contacts
- 3 educational outreach presentation
- 2 Poison Prevention Program presentations
Philadelphia County
Science in the Garden
Photo by Anna Herman
Penn State Extension Master Gardeners partnered with the Philadelphia Science Festival to offer several hundred Philadelphians an opportunity to dig into science with dynamic ecological explorations for all ages. Master Gardeners produced large infographic signage, dramatic displays, and multiple hands-on activities for youth and adults in the three demonstration gardens that are actively used as outdoor classrooms. Participants were invited to explore the magic of soil, the habits and habitats of pollinators, the secrets of seeds, and the power of plants. The displays included 3-foot-tall soil horizon models, examples of compost and vermicomposting in action, an interactive watershed model, "count the critters" in the soil with hand lenses--and touch them if you dare--and a live seed to seedling display of common garden plants grown in "root view" planters. Seeds of varying sizes and shapes were used in a "matching game" with their corresponding edible part; various bees and other common insects in small jars were on hand to view with hand lenses and a digital microscope. Dozens of youth screamed with glee as they held a worm (carefully) for the first time. Plenty of live insects and insect-loving Master Gardener guides were buzzing about to ID on the fly.
Program founded in 1989
- 114 active Master Gardeners
- 25 Master Gardeners trained
- 4,333 volunteer hours
- 2,091 adult contacts
- 2,274 youth contacts
- 126 Garden Hotline contacts
- 76 educational outreach presentations
- 56 gardening articles published
- 380 pounds of produce donated
- 3 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 4 demonstration gardens
- 43,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Pike County
Uncommon Native Plant Sale
Photo by Nancy Knauss
"I've wanted to add some more native plants to my garden, and these are new to me," commented a visitor to the plant sale hosted by the Master Gardeners of Pike County on June 21. Master Gardeners provided native plants for sale that county residents would not find in local nurseries or big-box stores. An illustrated information sheet on each plant described cultivation needs and pollinators that the plant supported. This is part of an ongoing effort to educate the public about pollinators and native plants. The plant sale took place at the Master Gardener demonstration pollinator garden, where visitors could view the garden and take information about pollinators and their relationship to native plants.
Program founded in 1989
- 11 active Master Gardeners
- 563 volunteer hours
- 471 adult contacts
- 25 Garden Hotline contacts
- 6 educational outreach presentations
- 2 demonstration gardens
- 1,600 square feet of demonstration gardens
Potter County
Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
Photo by Tom Murphy
During the Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop, participants gained valuable understanding of how to properly prune and train their fruit trees. The class was at full capacity with over 30 participants for the Saturday morning training. After morning refreshments, Master Gardeners in Potter County gave a presentation on when to prune, proper pruning techniques, and how and where to make the first cuts. The participants were able to get their hands and pruners on some branches to practice their newly developed skills. Workshop evaluations showed that the participants learned valuable information that they plan to use for future tree pruning in their home gardens.
Program founded in 2008
- 4 active Master Gardeners
- 425 volunteer hours
- 1,019 adult contacts
- 45 youth contacts
- 32 educational outreach presentations
Schuylkill County
Spring Gardening Series
Photo by Susan Hyland
Since 2007, Master Gardeners of Schuylkill County have offered a Spring Gardening Series consisting of six one-hour programs. The classes provide the local community with gardening information on new plants, pests, soil, lawns, flowers, vegetables, fertilizer usage, and proper use of pesticides in the home garden. The subjects for the classes are a direct result of the evaluation surveys provided to attendees. Current topics such as the spotted lanternfly are also featured. Attendance for the program averages 25 to 35 people.
The success of the program cannot be overstated. Several people have become Master Gardeners as a result of attending the Spring Gardening Series; there has been an upsurge of people wanting to grow their own food, with
a better understanding of how to do it successfully. The evaluations show an increase in knowledge and a desire to try new procedures to grow a healthier garden whether lawns, vegetables, flowers or mixed borders.
Program founded in 2001
- 50 active Master Gardeners
- 2,557 volunteer hours
- 3,378 adult contacts
- 1,076 youth contacts
- 200 Garden Hotline contacts
- 5 educational outreach presentations
- 22 gardening articles published
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 3,000 square feet of demonstration gardens
Snyder/Union Counties
Kids and Family Day
featuring spotted lanternfly headband distribution
Photo by Nancy Normann
The West End Fair, an annual event in Union County, hosts a Kids and Family Day with special activities for children. This year Master Gardeners distributed spotted lanternfly headbands for what we knew would be a large crowd. These eye-catching headbands will help alert county residents to the risks posed by these invasive insects, with images of instars and mature adult leafhoppers and accompanying text. As the West End Fair attracts green industry professionals and home gardeners, it is an important audience for Master Gardeners to inform about the threat of spotted lanternfly.
Program founded in 1989
- 7 active Master Gardeners
- 5 Master Gardeners trained
- 633 volunteer hours
- 381 adult contacts
- 202 youth contacts
- 29 Garden Hotline contacts
- 13 educational outreach presentations
- 10 pounds of produce donated
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 88 square feet of demonstration gardens
Somerset County
Gardening for Children
Photo by Georgia Sheftic
Penn State Master Gardeners of Somerset County teamed up with the Pittsburgh Food Bank in 2018 to build raised vegetable garden beds at a number of sites throughout the county. The food bank provided funding via grants written by the Helping Hands Food Bank and the Somerset County Library. From that grant, raised beds were built in six different area locations. Each bed was planted with vegetable seeds and plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, as well as a few companion flowers. The children who participated in the Summer Lunch Program were responsible for tending the gardens and picking the produce. Master Gardeners provided educational sessions that provided answers to the following questions: What are plants and how are they different from animals? What are the parts of a plant? What do plants need to grow? What is photosynthesis? In addition, Master Gardeners explained and demonstrated proper growing techniques such as staking tomatoes and thinning lettuce. The organizations involved in the 2018 program plan to continue and hopefully expand the number and size of the garden beds next summer.
Program founded in 2001
- 19 active Master Gardeners
- 780 volunteer hours
- 3,479 adult contacts
- 153 youth contacts
- 78 Garden Hotline contacts
- 10 educational outreach presentations
- 5 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 4 demonstration gardens
- 180 square feet of demonstration gardens
Susquehanna County
New Educational Garden Feeds the Community!
Photo by Kim Grace
The Penn State Master Gardeners in Susquehanna County completed their handicapped accessible educational garden this year and grew enough produce to donate to three area senior centers and supply a monthly low-income food pantry service! With 12.5% of the population in Pennsylvania at the poverty level, Master Gardeners thought this would be a great service to this demographic within our county. The 1,500 square foot living classroom features 11 types of gardens, 7 of which are various styles of raised beds. The garden's diversity allowed us to grow over 469 pounds of vegetables, fruits and herbs for the community in addition to hosting 26 educational programs on site! Upon partnering with the senior centers for food distribution, one center: Kime Apartments, used our expertise to erect six standing raised bed gardens at their location. Master Gardener guidance, the residents planted a variety of vegetables and subsequently shared the produce with residents in their complex! We are expecting to expand our outreach to additional senior centers next year.
Program founded in 1981
- 46 active Master Gardeners
- 6 Master Gardeners trained
- 3,633 volunteer hours
- 5,501 adult contacts
- 422 youth contacts
- 1,129 Garden Hotline contacts
- 86 educational outreach presentations
- 32 gardening articles published
- 469 pounds of produce donated
- 16 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 5 demonstration gardens
- 5,795 square feet of demonstration gardens
Tioga County
County Courthouse Garden
Photo by Beth Siglin
The Demonstration Gardens at the Tioga County Courthouse began in the aftermath of a construction project. The soil did not sustain plantings and a soil test showed very high pH attributed to concrete residue. Following soil removal and creation of a suitable bed, Master Gardeners began to implement the design of Master Gardener Kathy Odenweller. The community watched as a pleasing four-season bed to beautify the courthouse frontage took form. and use as a demonstration garden for design, planting, and maintenance education took form. During work sessions, people stop to ask questions about the gardens. The usual one, "What do you do to get '…….' to look so great? Mine just doesn't do so well." The educational conversation ensues.
Program founded in 1993
- 9 active Master Gardeners
- 230 volunteer hours
- 308 adult contacts
- 830 youth contacts
- 13 educational outreach presentations
- 50 gardening articles published
- 12 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 4 demonstration gardens
- 2,575 square feet of demonstration gardens
Venango County
May Market in Franklin
Photo by Mary Rose Ragon
Thousands of people attend May Market in Franklin to discover what is new in the gardening industry for the upcoming season. Vendors bring the latest gadgets and plants to inspire the community to try something new. The Master Gardeners of Venango County use this event to promote research-based gardening information and help solve gardening dilemmas for area residents. A demonstration was presented on straw bale gardening, and free seeds and extension publications were distributed. Many people look forward to this event that inspires and educates on everything gardening!
Program founded in 1991
- 10 active Master Gardeners
- 12 Master Gardeners trained
- 859 volunteer hours
- 1,740 adult contacts
- 699 youth contacts
- 63 educational outreach presentations
- 4 Poison Prevention Program presentations
Warren County
Cabin Fever Program
Photo by Ruth Valone
Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Warren County provided the Cabin Fever Program, a three-part series offered during the winter. The event was open to the public and held monthly at the Warren Public Library from February to April. The first program, titled Monet's Garden, focused on the French gardens created by painter Claude Monet and included a discussion on his innovative gardening practices and planting techniques. In March, the topic was children's gardening and included hands-on activities for youth such as seed starting, fun plant facts, and a scavenger hunt. Each child created their own fairy garden to help foster an appreciation for gardening and playing outdoors. At the final event, gardeners learned about the importance of journaling, perennials, and creating a pollinator garden.
Program founded in 1991
- 25 active Master Gardeners
- 6 Master Gardeners trained
- 1035 volunteer hours
- 346 adult contacts
- 172 youth contacts
- 12 educational outreach presentations
- 6 gardening articles published
- 1 demonstration garden
- 250 square feet of demonstration gardens
Washington County
Donora Community Garden
Photo by Hazel Murphy
Penn State Master Gardeners of Washington County worked with Donora Borough to create a community garden in the City of Donora. The Master Gardeners created fifteen, 8 foot by 4 foot raised beds, a composting area, and a strawberry patch. A shed was donated by the borough and a rain barrel was installed by Master Gardeners. Fourteen of the beds were used by community members and one raised bed was used by Master Gardeners as a pollinator demonstration garden. A total of 20 trees and shrubs were planted in the garden in memory of loved ones. Washington County Master Gardeners who live in the Mon Valley presented a series of workshops this year including: "Early Spring Gardening Prep," "What's That Insect in the Garden," "Summer Watering," "Hand Pollinating and Reviving Soil." An average of 10 to 12 people attended each workshop. The community garden and the workshop series provided community members the knowledge about gardening practices that they could use in their own gardens.
Program founded in 1991
- 48 active Master Gardeners
- 10 Master Gardeners trained
- 3,265 volunteer hours
- 3,333 adult contacts
- 1,015 youth contacts
- 106 Garden Hotline contacts
- 20 educational outreach presentations
- 6 gardening articles published
- 4 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 245 square feet of demonstration gardens
Wayne County
Keen Children's Garden
Photo by Diane Diffenderfer
From May to August, Wayne County Master Gardeners were on-site weekly at the Keen Children's Garden to help rejuvenate this garden, founded in 2014. Keen Lake rebuilt the raised beds and local businesses donated seedlings and seeds to the garden. Each week, families were welcomed into the garden by our Master Gardeners and a Keen Lake Campground counselor. Master Gardeners offered weekly gardening-related classes. By season's end, the garden was awash with herbs, kale, tomatoes, broccoli, beans, a giant pumpkin vine, and more. The children decorated stones and placed the brightly colored creations throughout the space. Folks staying at Keen Lake were invited to harvest herbs and vegetables from the garden. Wayne County Master Gardeners are looking forward to continuing our involvement in the garden next year!
Program founded in 1991
- 23 active Master Gardeners
- 9 Master Gardeners trained
- 1,127 volunteer hours
- 953 adult contacts
- 471 youth contacts
- 83 Garden Hotline contacts
- 23 educational outreach presentations
- 2 gardening articles published
Westmoreland County
Donohoe Gardens Open House
Photo by Linda Hyatt
Program founded in 1989
- 159 active Master Gardeners
- 20 Master Gardeners trained
- 7,610 volunteer hours
- 18,974 adult contacts
- 2,937 youth contacts
- 806 Garden Hotline contacts
- 72 educational outreach presentations
- 20 gardening articles published
- 442 pounds of produce donated
- 30 Poison Prevention Program presentations
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 41,891 square feet of demonstration gardens
Wyoming County
Educational Programming at Creekside Gardens
Photo by Mischelle Carpenter
Last year, the Master Gardeners of Wyoming County started a vegetable demonstration garden at Creekside Gardens in Tunkhannock with much success! This season, Master Gardeners held three educational workshops that were well received and brought community members out to learn something new about home gardening.
The first workshop, Growing Garlic, was held in the fall of 2017 and had nine attendees. In the spring, Master Gardeners partnered with Creekside to host a seed exchange and seed-starting workshop. This workshop was well attended, and Creekside Gardens donated profits from the event to the vegetable demonstration garden. The third workshop was an Earth Day educational event that included both presentations and demonstrations. A local Girl Scout troop was also invited and Master Gardeners helped them to complete one of their badges.
Program founded in 1991
- 17 active Master Gardeners
- 500 volunteer hours
- 816 adult contacts
- 155 youth contacts
- 21 Garden Hotline contacts
- 8 educational outreach presentations
- 1 demonstration garden
- 720 square feet of demonstration gardens
York County
Gardens at John Rudy County Park
Photo by Rich Silverman
Master Gardeners of York County utilize their demonstration gardens at John Rudy County Park to support the community in various ways. They have created 50 beds of various sizes, including annual and perennial flowers, native grasses, native wildflowers, native shrubs, vegetables, herbs, small fruit, and tree fruit. Through a partnership with Penn State Extension, York County Parks, and York County Juvenile Probation, Master Gardeners work twice a week with probation youth to grow and harvest produce that is donated to local food banks. In 2018, over 3,000 pounds were donated. Many of the probation youth are experiencing gardening for the first time and love tasting food directly from the plants. For many, this is also their first contact with volunteerism, and they don't hesitate to ask Master Gardeners why they work in the gardens without pay!
An open house was held at the Rudy Park gardens for the public on August 13. Over 300 people came to tour the gardens, visit the soil and plant clinic, attend talks, visit exhibits, and attend a tomato tasting.
Through a survey, 78 percent of the open house participants named a garden practice that they will use in their own gardens. Concepts learned ranged from how to compost to how to grow better tomatoes.
Program founded in 1986
- 128 active Master Gardeners
- 10,012 volunteer hours
- 24,252 adult contacts
- 429 youth contacts
- 533 Garden Hotline contacts
- 55 educational outreach presentations
- 51 gardening articles published
- 3,233 pounds of produce donated
- 3 demonstration gardens
- 20,414 square feet of demonstration gardens
