Posted: January 28, 2023
The Garden Sense Symposium returned to Clinton County on January 28th. The popular annual event had been canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID 19 pandemic but resumed in 2023 with an enthusiastic audience of gardeners and property owners eager to learn.
Photo credit: Debra Burrows
The program included a 9:00 am presentation by Horticulture Educator Tom Butzler focusing on understanding the spongy (formerly gypsy) moth. Several areas of Clinton and surrounding counties had experienced infestations of spongy moth last year and property owners were eager to learn more about dealing with them in the coming year.
At 10:00 am Dr. Sanford Smith talked about the history of Penn's Woods and shared historical photos of iron-making and lumbering activities in central Pennsylvania.
At 11:00 am Master Gardener Ginny Counsil offered tips and information on growing African violets. She demonstrated propagating, potting, and plant grooming techniques. Following the presentation participants had an opportunity to purchase African violet plants and to groom and transplant them with guidance from Master Gardeners.
Master Gardeners were also on hand to answer questions and provide research-based horticultural information on a variety of topics including pollinators, beekeeping, and the spotted lanternfly.
Symposium evaluations are being carefully reviewed and used to plan future Garden Sense symposiums and other educational activities.
