tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90282231393423307642024-03-12T21:37:57.100-04:00Franklin County (PA) GardenersRay E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00175898252364106472noreply@blogger.comBlogger617125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-54666160550999109062015-02-10T11:03:00.001-05:002015-02-10T11:16:40.628-05:002015 Greenhouse Seeding Listby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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When planning your seed purchase or what you want to plant, look over the list below to see what we plan to offer this year at our Greenhouse Sales, May 9 and 16 from 9 am to 1 pm, near the barn across from the Extension Office, 181 Franklin Farm Road.<br />
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Note: Plant availability depends on seed germination. Some varieties may have limited supplies so plan to come early on May 9. <br />
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This year, as part of the Master Gardener Monarch and Milkweed project we plan to have milkweed plants available, again, dependent on germination. On February 2nd the Greenhouse Team spent two hours preparing milkweed seeds for planting by stratifying the seeds to be chilled before seeding.<br />
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Following suggestions from last year's customers, we will be offering a catalog with descriptions and information about these plants, available at cost, prior to the sales. Look for more information about where and when it may be available.<br />
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Click on the list photo for a full size display.<br />
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Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-31343440207282252042015-02-09T10:59:00.000-05:002015-02-09T10:59:09.951-05:00Preschoolers Get Early Start on Growing SeasonBy Carol Kagan<br />
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On Saturday, led by Master Gardener Rebecca Keller, twelve young gardeners gathered with their fathers, mothers or grandparents for a Family-Friendly workshop to make mini-greenhouses for milkweed and sunflower seeds to start growing outdoors now.<br />
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The youngsters first learned about how a seed becomes a plant and then nestled lima bean seeds among damp cotton balls in a zip lock bag to germinate at home. Roots and leaves should soon appear and give them a real-life view of what they saw on their handout.<br />
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Keller showed pictures of <a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/search?q=monarch" target="_blank">Monarch</a> butterflies and talked about how they need to have milkweed plants to lay their eggs. <br />
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She then guided them, and their grown-up assistants, in making two mini-greenhouses using recycled gallon plastic bottles. <br />
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During the process the children measured and marked the soil line on the bottle, </div>
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gleefully scooped the dampened soilless growing mix inside</div>
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and carefully added both milkweed and sunflower seeds.</div>
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Labels were added and the bottles were taped shut with duct tape, the most popular color among those offered was pink. <br />
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The little greenhouses will be put outside in a sunny spot and watered if there isn’t enough snow or rain.</div>
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Keller’s assistant, Master Gardener Cathy Campbell, told them the scientific name for the milkweed they planted - Asclepias tuberosa (Ass-KLEE-pee-us too-bur-O-suh) – and had them practice a few times in hopes they would still remember when they got home.<br />
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The workshop ended with grown-ups carrying out armfuls of the plastic bottles. Workshop evaluations completed by the parents indicated this was a successful workshop and there were requests for more tailored to this age group.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">More Family Friendly Workshops</span></strong></div>
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The next Family Friendly Workshop on the schedule is <a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/04/container-garden-workshop-saturday.html" target="_blank">Container Gardening</a> on May 2, just in time to come and plant a pot with beautiful flowers for Mother's Day. </div>
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Two more Family Friendly programs are </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Bug ID: What's Buggin' You? on June 13</span></strong> </div>
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and<strong><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/10/report-on-cornhusk-dolls-wreath-workshop.html" target="_blank"> Cornhusk Wreaths and Dolls</a> on October 17.</span></strong></div>
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For information about or registration for any of our classes or workshops, please call 717-263-9226. </div>
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Also, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-County-PA-Master-Gardeners/120626837989513" target="_blank">MG Facebook</a> page for a current listing of classes and workshops as well as upcoming events. Of special note are the annual plant sales in May.</div>
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Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-58282817173040572892015-02-06T20:17:00.001-05:002015-02-06T20:22:55.883-05:004-H Strawberry Plant SaleSupport Franklin County 4-H clubs in a very tasty way. Order these high quality plants at very reasonable prices. No strawberry bed? At $7 for 25 we bet you can have two nice STRAWBERRY POTS to greet visitors at a sunny spot or provide a few sweet bites after dinner.<br />
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4-H will be taking orders for high quality strawberry plants. Proceeds from the Strawberry Plant Sale will assist Franklin County 4-H youth through scholarships for district and state events. These plants come from v<span class="text_exposed_show">irus indexed, tissue cultured mother plants. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Plants come in bundles of 25; each bundle contains a single variety. The cost per bundle is $7.00. Orders and payment are due by Wednesday, March 18, 2015. See the strawberry order form below. You may contact Lori Clopper with any questions 717-263-9226 or <a href="mailto:lac19@psu.edu">lac19@psu.edu</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><strong><span style="color: #ffe599;">Did you know Franklin County 4-H has over 22 4-H clubs?</span></strong> Some clubs are for those as young as 5 years old. Check these sheets for more information. From sewing, gardening & crafting to horses, tractors and seeing-eye puppies, there's something for everyone.</span> </div>
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Visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-County-4-H/289490147890419" target="_blank">4-H Franklin County Facebook Page</a> to learn more about their programs.</div>
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</span><br />Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-52824108076935217822015-01-29T12:35:00.000-05:002015-01-29T12:37:12.487-05:00Get Ready for Spring Gardeningby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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The Master Garden March classes and workshop schedule has just been released. Call 717-263-9226 to register now. Classes are held at 181 Franklin Farm Road unless otherwise noted.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Hands-On Pruning Workshop: Sat., March 7, 9-11 am $10</span></strong><br />
This workshop is unique as Franklin County Master Gardener Elmer Greey presents this at his home in Shippensburg. He will discuss pruning techniques and considerations plus review equipment used for pruning. Participants will do hands-on pruning practice throughout his garden. This is also an opportunity to see some of his 700 different plants on his property. Bring bypass hand pruners, gloves and dress for the weather. Directions provided when registering. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Edible Landscape Classes ( $10 each )</span></strong><br />
The Edible Landscape classes are one of our most popular each year and fill quickly. Each one reviews site selection, plant and cultivar choices, planting techniques and maintenance. Soil tests available $9 cash or check<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWOMEL2bcxw/VMpsWufOmCI/AAAAAAAADbw/BPuIHdHou7g/s1600/Grapes_N_Nuts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWOMEL2bcxw/VMpsWufOmCI/AAAAAAAADbw/BPuIHdHou7g/s1600/Grapes_N_Nuts.png" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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Sat., Feb. 28, 9-11 am <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Grapes and Nuts</span></strong> $10</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMiTTmv3Zu4/VMpsW4ZBONI/AAAAAAAADbo/SXdMGsFR2rE/s1600/Apple%2Bpick%2B2..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMiTTmv3Zu4/VMpsW4ZBONI/AAAAAAAADbo/SXdMGsFR2rE/s1600/Apple%2Bpick%2B2..jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><br />
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Sat., Mar. 14, 9-11 am <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Tree Fruit</span></strong> $10<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv056Zo4Tx8/VMpsWp0MSOI/AAAAAAAADbs/SMXcq3FEu2I/s1600/blueb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv056Zo4Tx8/VMpsWp0MSOI/AAAAAAAADbs/SMXcq3FEu2I/s1600/blueb.png" height="124" width="200" /></a></div>
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Sat., Mar. 21, 9-11 am <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Small Fruits and Brambles</span></strong> (Blueberries, raspberries & more) $10<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIN4Txdcvv4/VMpsMhH9AYI/AAAAAAAADbU/VEJBBqjBSUw/s1600/starting%2Ba%2Bveg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIN4Txdcvv4/VMpsMhH9AYI/AAAAAAAADbU/VEJBBqjBSUw/s1600/starting%2Ba%2Bveg.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a><br />
<strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Starting a Vegetable Garden Class</span></strong>: Tues., March 17, 6:30-8:30 pm $10<br />
Learn about what to plant and where plus what varieties do best in our area. Soil tests available $9 cash or check<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtlpPZR2XNc/VMptBJiJgnI/AAAAAAAADcE/o55y621aQkY/s1600/bee%2Bwide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtlpPZR2XNc/VMptBJiJgnI/AAAAAAAADcE/o55y621aQkY/s1600/bee%2Bwide.jpg" height="139" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><strong>Pollinators: Secret Agents of Life Class</strong></span>: Sat., March 28, 9-noon $10<br />
Do you like foods such as chocolate, blueberries, apples, almonds?<br />
Without pollinators these and many other food sources would disappear; which would adversely impact life as we know it. Pollinators are in serious decline and need your help. Join us as Master Gardener Laurie Collins helps raise awareness by guiding you through identifying pollinators in our area, why they are in decline and what individuals can do to help. She will discuss easy basic design principles, plant selections and gardening practices for creating a successful pollinator garden.Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-69822011270418540272015-01-28T00:42:00.001-05:002015-01-28T10:16:17.114-05:00Different Use for Garden Plantsby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Chp9R-zZ4Eo/VMhuaFs8cfI/AAAAAAAADaE/Cr294d8vJMw/s1600/logo%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Chp9R-zZ4Eo/VMhuaFs8cfI/AAAAAAAADaE/Cr294d8vJMw/s1600/logo%2B1.png" height="141" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Master Gardeners recently toured
the local Roy-Pitz Brewing Company in Chambersburg, one of 108 craft breweries
in Pennsylvania where they explored a different use for plants. Barley, malt,
hops and other interesting ingredients –watermelon, pumpkin, blueberries- go
into making a variety of craft beers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EhA_RC64i4/VMhoOdLQL0I/AAAAAAAADYc/2H8KGpwDPvc/s1600/0127151908-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EhA_RC64i4/VMhoOdLQL0I/AAAAAAAADYc/2H8KGpwDPvc/s1600/0127151908-00.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Gardeners listen to Jessie Rotz talk about the brewing process.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jessie Rotz, co-founder and president,
led us through the building, built in the early 1900’s as a hosiery factory,
and down into the basement brewery. This is 6,000 sq. ft. of classic brick and
old pine timber which has been restored to its original look and texture.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nERTSsYC-EY/VMhoONbQKpI/AAAAAAAADYY/G60Jxt-50kI/s1600/0127151852-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nERTSsYC-EY/VMhoONbQKpI/AAAAAAAADYY/G60Jxt-50kI/s1600/0127151852-01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Gardeners examine and smell some of the barley</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jessie walked us through the brewing
process from barley selection to vats and on into bottling and marketing. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufXf3xbS65Y/VMhoOm_GcbI/AAAAAAAADYk/HLQSDQX86_Y/s1600/0127151913-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufXf3xbS65Y/VMhoOm_GcbI/AAAAAAAADYk/HLQSDQX86_Y/s1600/0127151913-02.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottler in the brewery</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: yellow;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">What did we learn?</span></strong> (Continuing
Education)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReAJs1e9W4w/VMhoQD97CLI/AAAAAAAADZA/kWK7j_dONQ4/s1600/liquid%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReAJs1e9W4w/VMhoQD97CLI/AAAAAAAADZA/kWK7j_dONQ4/s1600/liquid%2Bart.jpg" height="320" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Art Logo</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Chambersburg water supply is a perfect
blank canvas for the <strong>Liquid Art</strong> of the brew masters. The water is similar to
the water in Cologne, Germany, with a pH of 7. This is soft water which is used
untreated and unfiltered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Different hops- American, English or noble
German hops- create a different taste for their specialty brews. Some brews
combine as many as five different hops.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMNsIpeMqi0/VMhwHO7znkI/AAAAAAAADag/yMYkE0jvjeI/s1600/SEASONAL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMNsIpeMqi0/VMhwHO7znkI/AAAAAAAADag/yMYkE0jvjeI/s1600/SEASONAL.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Seasonal brews use different
ingredients such as pumpkin, blueberries and watermelon. Other flavorings are
added to add caramel, chocolate, citrus or other tastes. Occasionally batches of brews are concocted such as Chambersburg Peach Sour made with Chambersburg peaches pressed by <a href="http://www.hauserestate.com/" target="_blank">Hauser Estate Winery</a>. One of the newest batches has been made with chocolate from <a href="http://nathanmiller.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Nathan Miller Chocolate</a>, a Chambersburg business located in the brewery building.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBmNpRGAep8/VMhuaKJrBEI/AAAAAAAADaM/DytQ4Qmzr7s/s1600/Melon%2Bday%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbrewery%2B(Courtesy%2BR-P%2BWebsite).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBmNpRGAep8/VMhuaKJrBEI/AAAAAAAADaM/DytQ4Qmzr7s/s1600/Melon%2Bday%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbrewery%2B(Courtesy%2BR-P%2BWebsite).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melon day when brewing the Lovitz Watermelon Lager</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is a local business started by
local residents, Jessie Rotz and Ryan Richards, long time friends. They have
marketing education and actually studied the art of beer brewing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Many of the brew names refer to local
area places and personages. See info pulled from their <a href="http://www.roypitz.com/liquid-art/#liquid-art-sub" target="_blank">Website</a> .</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What is skunked beer? The off taste of
beer referred to a “skunked” comes from exposure to sunlight not lack of
refrigeration. Amber bottles are the best color to protect beer from light
while clear and green are not so good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0O-6TnMixxk/VMhy-G7GKmI/AAAAAAAADas/kiXAkwtLEsI/s1600/amber%2Bbottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0O-6TnMixxk/VMhy-G7GKmI/AAAAAAAADas/kiXAkwtLEsI/s1600/amber%2Bbottle.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There’s a lot of taste testing involved
as this brewing process is very different from the big beer companies and
batches are very individual. There was more taste testing early on before
Jessie and Ryan were married, less taste testing now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Different hops in diverse combinations,
many varieties of barley creating special blends, different malts from around
the world, yeast, great Chambersburg water, cold temps and hot water, steam and
special ingredients added in the conditioning vessel, green beer, wort,
carbonation -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this is artistic
chemistry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2IoUbjufCYE/VMhoOOyICnI/AAAAAAAADYU/gBMOrIVRRM8/s1600/0127151859-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2IoUbjufCYE/VMhoOOyICnI/AAAAAAAADYU/gBMOrIVRRM8/s1600/0127151859-01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the vats in the brewing process</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s just come back and do some taste
testing. A suggestion for a horticulture/garden theme book club was tossed out
for consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here’s some of the interesting local
themed beers with information from their Website.</span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong>LUDWIG’S REVENGE<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu4kkZO3TFw/VMhoPc8PmSI/AAAAAAAADYs/TRIMY7AUcqY/s1600/LudwigsRevenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu4kkZO3TFw/VMhoPc8PmSI/AAAAAAAADYs/TRIMY7AUcqY/s1600/LudwigsRevenge.png" height="320" width="235" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This dark brew was inspired by the
historical Civil War burning of our hometown of Chambersburg, PA in July 1864.
During the raid, Ludwig's Brewery, operated by George Ludwig, was burned to the
ground by Confederate soldiers under Gen. McCausland's orders. In remembrance
of this truly buzz-killing event, we created a German style Rauchbier, or dark
smoked lager. This beer uses all its ingredients from Bamberg, Germany, which
is where the style was born (coincidentally, the same area where Ludwig himself
was born and taught to brew).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong>OLD JAIL ALE</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxKMylbj1ok/VMhoPqY6IwI/AAAAAAAADY0/itEcDE3GA9o/s1600/OldJail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxKMylbj1ok/VMhoPqY6IwI/AAAAAAAADY0/itEcDE3GA9o/s1600/OldJail.png" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This beer was inspired by
Chambersburg's 1818 "Old Jail" that is one of the few structures to
have survived the burning of Chambersburg by Confederate Forces in 1864. The
jail also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. [Check out the monkey with the stein.]</span><br />
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Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-81184234470921157992015-01-22T11:02:00.004-05:002015-01-22T11:02:49.186-05:00Winter Care Tips for Indoors Plantsby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e04s84u6f0/VMEdcc9Yz-I/AAAAAAAADU8/ymT3VmFHoYk/s1600/rosemary%2Bbarb%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e04s84u6f0/VMEdcc9Yz-I/AAAAAAAADU8/ymT3VmFHoYk/s1600/rosemary%2Bbarb%2B1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary in window-Turn 1/4 every few days to keep growth even (B.Petrucci)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's January - midwinter here - and most plant puttering is done on and around those poor souls inside the house.<br />
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When my family, friends and neighbors ask me (the Master Gardener) about caring for their houseplants I try to answer without laughing.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wwZXtHyJgc/VMEdT4eFQjI/AAAAAAAADU0/7X8H0xYG1Sk/s1600/aloe%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wwZXtHyJgc/VMEdT4eFQjI/AAAAAAAADU0/7X8H0xYG1Sk/s1600/aloe%2Bcrop.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></div>
Outside my door, plants thrive; however, my house is just hospice care for houseplants. I am just about to lose an aloe plant that has lasted since 2009. I'm really, really sure it needs to be repotted.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhvAgFZ2Q4s/VMEdUMUBThI/AAAAAAAADU4/Yo2jVQRwhsw/s1600/aloe%2Broots%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhvAgFZ2Q4s/VMEdUMUBThI/AAAAAAAADU4/Yo2jVQRwhsw/s1600/aloe%2Broots%2Bcrop.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
For the tender perennials I bring inside in winter, my rosemary particularly, my goal is to keep it alive until I can put it back outside.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVDJjvQbPo8/VMEdPQyd9FI/AAAAAAAADUo/wnRnN_QeOzg/s1600/rosemary-in-pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVDJjvQbPo8/VMEdPQyd9FI/AAAAAAAADUo/wnRnN_QeOzg/s1600/rosemary-in-pot.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></div>
From Master Gardeners I have learned a few key things, so here is my quick tip list followed by a number of great resource sites. It is important to check the needs of each plant since they can vary greatly.<br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;">1.<strong> Be sure the plant is potted in the right size container (with a drainage hole) and right potting soil.</strong></span><br />
If you are digging it up and dragging it in from the outdoors then potting it up, don't use garden soil. It's too heavy.<br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;">2- <strong>Water only as needed when the soil is dry.</strong></span><br />
Water from the top until water comes out the drainage hole (You do have a drainage hole, right?) into the saucer. About two hours later, drain any excess water from the saucer. Don't allow the roots to stand in water. If you don't see drainage but have watered well, check for a clog in the hole and clear it. Inconsistent watering is one of the primary reasons for plant loss.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">3- Use room temperature water.</span></strong><br />
Leave tap water out overnight, uncapped or uncovered, to allow the chlorine and fluorine added to city water to dissipate. Although these probably don't harm plants, you want the water to be at room temperature anyway. Rainwater, snow melt and well water are ok. Don't use water run through water softeners.<br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;">4- <strong>Light should be appropriate for the plant.</strong></span><br />
Each plant is different - flowering plants need moderate light, some foliage plants do well in low-light areas but other need more. Rotate plants near windows to allow for even growth. Improper lighting is only secondary to poor watering practices for plant failure. See below about light level definitions.<br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;">5- <strong>Humidity indoors in the winter is low.</strong></span><br />
Use a water-tight tray with constantly moist sand or gravel in it under the plants. Do not put the pot IN the tray. Put the pot with saucer ON the tray. Misting leaves daily can help with low humidity but some plants such as orchids or gardenias need special care. Check sources for help on these.<br />
Be expecially mindful of tender perennials that you have brought in from outdoors to overwinter in areas where you may still be running dehumidifiers, such as basements or lighted storage areas.<br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;">6- <strong>Temperature needs of different plants vary.</strong></span><br />
Be careful putting plants near windows for the light. These areas might be cold spots or hot spots, especially if they are sited near radiator or heat sources. Although some indoor plants will tolerate cooler rooms, most like temperatures 65° – 75°F.<br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;">7- <strong>Fertilizer once a month with water-soluable complete fertilizers.</strong></span><br />
For most plants winter is not a growth period so fertilize lightly. For tender perennials brought indoors, do not prune as this may stimulate growth. Typically, plants in our area use winter (shorter days, longer nights) to go dormant so anticipate slower growth and let the plant rest up. If you have indoor flowering houseplants, check the needs for each individual type. Some may need a healthier dose of fertilizer.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Indoor Light Definitions</span></h4>
Here is a good list of indoor light definitions I found that coincide with information gleaned from different Extension sources. I have not reformatted the information provided by Will Creed (<a href="http://en.allexperts.com/q/House-Plants-721/Light-level-definitions.htm">http://en.allexperts.com/q/House-Plants-721/Light-level-definitions.htm</a>). <br />
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“The low/medium/high categories are somewhat vague and overlap considerably, so there is no rigid definition for them. Below is my [Will Creed] best effort to bring some clarity to these terms.<br />
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High light plants must have some direct sunlight for at least several hours per day and bright indirect light for the rest of the day. South and west facing windows are the best locations for these plants.<br />
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Medium light plants must have bright indirect light all day long and can often tolerate a couple of hours of direct sunlight. East and north facing windows are the favored locations for these plants.<br />
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Low light plants must be protected from direct sunlight at all times. They thrive in bright indirect light, but will often tolerate minimum light levels. These plants prefer locations close to a north window or away from an east, west, or south facing window where they are protected from the direct rays of the sun.”<br />
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Here's some <strong>links</strong> with more houseplant care tips:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fact-sheets/houseplants/caring-for-houseplants" href="http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fact-sheets/houseplants/caring-for-houseplants" target="_blank">Penn State Extension: Caring for Houseplants</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6510" href="http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6510" target="_blank">Missouri Extension: Caring for Houseplants</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/fypubs/WLG_167_Houseplants.pdf" href="http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/fypubs/WLG_167_Houseplants.pdf" target="_blank">West Virginia Extension: Caring for Houseplants</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://georgeweigel.net/georges-current-ramblings-and-readlings/houseplant-myths" href="http://georgeweigel.net/georges-current-ramblings-and-readlings/houseplant-myths" target="_blank">George Weigel: Houseplant Myths</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://horticulturalhelp.com/facts-misunderstandings-and-explanations-the-origins-of-bad-information/" href="http://horticulturalhelp.com/facts-misunderstandings-and-explanations-the-origins-of-bad-information/" target="_blank">Horticulture Help: Indoor Plants</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/yard-and-garden-take-care-indoor-plants-during-winter" href="http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/yard-and-garden-take-care-indoor-plants-during-winter" target="_blank">Iowa State Extension: Take Care of Indoor Plants during Winter</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://tompkins.cce.cornell.edu/gardening/houseplants" href="http://tompkins.cce.cornell.edu/gardening/houseplants" target="_blank">Cornell Extension: Houseplants</a>Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-27283391063924690342015-01-08T17:55:00.000-05:002015-01-08T17:55:47.108-05:00February Classes and Workshops- From Seeds to Gnomes to Nutsby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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One of our new workshops added this year invites the youngest participants to date. Preschoolers, ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old, have their own <strong><em>Winter Sowing Seeds for Preschoolers</em></strong> workshop.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yhu_E8Nbug/VK8BVs1mcTI/AAAAAAAADSc/LrjG6hxVCLY/s1600/W%2BSow%2BKids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yhu_E8Nbug/VK8BVs1mcTI/AAAAAAAADSc/LrjG6hxVCLY/s1600/W%2BSow%2BKids.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Master Gardener and mom of three, Rebecca Keller, will help parents and children make miniature greenhouses from recycled plastic jugs. While the January 17 Winter Sowing workshop is geared to grown-ups, Rebecca wants to gets the littler ones involved in gardening. This is a Family Friendly Workshop: $10/1 adult& 1 child, $15/ family. Very limited enrollment. Register NOW!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiO21QJtmsA/VK8BU9RNcAI/AAAAAAAADS0/yqqzGCkUIjQ/s1600/Feb%2B3_N_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiO21QJtmsA/VK8BU9RNcAI/AAAAAAAADS0/yqqzGCkUIjQ/s1600/Feb%2B3_N_7.jpg" height="108" width="320" /></a></div>
One of the other new offerings is <strong><em>Decoding Seed Catalogs</em></strong> meant to help new gardeners, or those who want to expand beyond flowers or vegetables, identify the best plants for our South Central PA location. As George Weigel says, you can't plant what you want where you want. Well, not if you want it to grow and thrive, that is. $10<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwjPJXuqxsY/VK8BUYGHwCI/AAAAAAAADTA/4XTxwT_aFi0/s1600/Decoding%2BSeed%2BCatalogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwjPJXuqxsY/VK8BUYGHwCI/AAAAAAAADTA/4XTxwT_aFi0/s1600/Decoding%2BSeed%2BCatalogs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selected Seed Catalogs Available at the Class</td></tr>
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Join Master Gardeners Carol Kagan, Bill Dorman, Denise Lucas, Nancy Miller and others who will walk you through which selections are right for our area. Bring your own catalogs or use ours.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BItptgnzZwE/VK8BUreuVBI/AAAAAAAADSU/tezcncTG5gQ/s1600/Feb%2B21_N_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BItptgnzZwE/VK8BUreuVBI/AAAAAAAADSU/tezcncTG5gQ/s1600/Feb%2B21_N_28.jpg" height="107" width="320" /></a></div>
Following up on the <strong><em>Miniature 'Fairy' Garden</em></strong> class, Master Gardener Juanita Kaufmann will help participants put together their own tiny worlds to take home. A set of quality supplies is included in the workshop price but the expertise is worth much more! $10/$40 supplies Limited enrollment for this very popular workshop.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feppsvlD8b0/VK8BVsZVFvI/AAAAAAAADSY/4K-tzWUt42A/s1600/M_Fairy%2BGarden%2BCLASS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feppsvlD8b0/VK8BVsZVFvI/AAAAAAAADSY/4K-tzWUt42A/s1600/M_Fairy%2BGarden%2BCLASS.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Edible Landscaping classes will start off with <em><strong>Grapes and Nuts</strong></em>. Master Gardeners Linda Secrist and Mike Kusko will discuss soil prep, plant selection and more to help set up a tasty backyard landscape. The class is $10. Soil test kits will be available at the class. $9/cash or check only. Look for <strong><em>Tree Fruit</em></strong> and <em><strong>Small Fruit & Brambles</strong></em> in our March classes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezRxF2lejao/VK8JmCmmLBI/AAAAAAAADTg/rtkDLwsNuMU/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezRxF2lejao/VK8JmCmmLBI/AAAAAAAADTg/rtkDLwsNuMU/s1600/Picture2.png" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaves shade the green grapes until they ripen (P. Veilleux, East Bay Wilds)</td></tr>
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To register, for more information or to be added to our mailing list, contact the office at 717-263-9226. All these classes and workshops will be held at the Ag Heritage Center, 185 Franklin Farm Rd. in Chambersburg. Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-52853411474072491872015-01-08T12:29:00.002-05:002016-01-25T16:06:27.070-05:00Thoughts and Meditations on Gardening - 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
by Carol Kagan, Master Gardener</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter walk in the wildlife garden (Trey Gelbach)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><em><strong>Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year. For gardening begins in January with the dream. ~Josephine Nuese</strong></em></span><br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;"><em>Dreaming</em></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It doesn't have to be a cozy chair across from the flickering fireplace. It can be</span><br />
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cross-legged on the bed with catalogs spread out.<br />
leaning into the keyboard to look at a photo on a Website.<br />
putting post-it notes on catalog pages riding in the car.<br />
dog-earing pages while sitting in the doctor's office.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01bifofLzzA/VK67dG2DkEI/AAAAAAAADRo/V8evRKT8bgY/s1600/GardenView_Winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01bifofLzzA/VK67dG2DkEI/AAAAAAAADRo/V8evRKT8bgY/s1600/GardenView_Winter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It doesn't have to be over a graph-paper layout of the yard and gardens. It can be<br />
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seeing a barren landscape with colors of the coming season.<br />
spotting a neighbor's plant and seeking a spot in your yard.<br />
imagining what will please your eye as you sit and relax.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter bench (Trey Gelbach)</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<em>Go. Dream.</em></h3>
<br />Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-67911680078661162302014-12-29T17:40:00.002-05:002014-12-29T17:40:47.445-05:00January Workshops are Popular - Register Now!by Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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This year as a Penn State Master Gardener I was on the Class and Workshop Committee. We have amazing programs lined up for 2015 almost all for just $10. To get on our e-mailing list send your address to franklinext@psu.edu. Please feel free to share with your FaceBook and IRL friends, too.<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture2.jpg" href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture2.jpg"><img alt="Picture2" class="alignleft wp-image-761 size-large" data-mce-src="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture2-1024x486.jpg" src="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture2-1024x486.jpg" height="303" width="640" /></a><br />
Registrations are coming in for the January workshops and classes. All are held at the Ag Heritage Center, 181 Franklin Farm Rd, Chambersburg. Register NOW and avoid the disappointment of a full class.<strong> Call 263-9226 to register.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
This year <a data-mce-href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2014/01/for-birds-workshop-brings-in-flock.html" href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2014/01/for-birds-workshop-brings-in-flock.html" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #000080;" style="color: navy;"><strong><em>"For the Birds"</em></strong></span></a> is adding an extra feature of a Make and Take bird feeder. This is a Family Friendly program and the cost if $10/1 adult & child or $15/family. Make sure to let them know when you register how many will attend so we have enough supplies.<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture1.png" href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture1.png"><img alt="Picture1" class="alignnone wp-image-721 size-full" data-mce-src="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture1.png" src="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture1.png" height="838" width="401" /></a><br />
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Next up is <em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #808000;" style="color: olive;">"Winter Sowing,"</span> </strong></em>another Make and Take workshop. Astound your neighbors and friends when you start seeds in mid-winter and have an early harvest of tomatoes. This method of winter sowing eliminates the need for elaborate indoor set-ups and work. For only $10 you can create a seed starter to take home and the knowledge to make 20 more! This is not only a fun project but a good strategy for home gardeners.<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture2.png" href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture2.png"><img alt="Picture2" class="alignnone wp-image-722 size-full" data-mce-src="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture2.png" src="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture2.png" height="830" width="404" /></a><br />
<br />
The <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;"><a data-mce-href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/fairy-garden-workshop-draws-big-crowd.html" href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/fairy-garden-workshop-draws-big-crowd.html" target="_blank"><em><span data-mce-style="color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;" style="color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>"Miniature 'Fairy' Gardens"</strong></span></em></a> </span>class will teach the basics about these indoor or outdoor landscapes. Last year's class had a number of children interested in these fun projects. These gardens can by any world you want - from fairy gardens to "gnome homes," to Hobbit landscapes. Come and learn the basics and get a head start on the February Make and Take Workshop. This is very popular so register now.<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture3.png" href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture3.png"><img alt="Picture3" class="alignleft wp-image-723 size-full" data-mce-src="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture3.png" src="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture3.png" height="903" width="391" /></a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture3.png" href="http://blogs.publicopiniononline.com/gardening/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/12/Picture3.png"><br /></a>Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-75266247861240158072014-12-29T15:13:00.001-05:002014-12-29T16:19:48.017-05:00Revisit Winter Blogs of Interestby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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Here are some links to past blogs that may be of interest, especially the one about de-icers. We are fast approaching a day when we will have to deal with ice - either at home or work.<br />
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Also be sure to check out our upcoming workshops and classes. January programs are taking registrations now. Call 263-9226. E-mail <a href="mailto:franklinext@psu.edu">franklinext@psu.edu</a> and be added to our monthly notification of upcoming programs and events.<br />
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Check out these previous BLOGS for interesting and useful information. Most have additional links with even more information.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LToOyztmJk4/UqD4DhTlXHI/AAAAAAAABZM/rENHYcEC5KI/s1600/deicing%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LToOyztmJk4/UqD4DhTlXHI/AAAAAAAABZM/rENHYcEC5KI/s200/deicing%5B1%5D.png" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/01/winter-weather-and-deicers.html" target="_blank">Winter Weather and Deicers</a><br />
<a href="http://extension.psu.edu/plants/master-gardener/counties/montgomery/the-learning-gardens/the-salt-tolerant-garden" target="_blank">Salt Tolerant Gardens</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2LoTusRqU4/VKG0YxZvUqI/AAAAAAAADQU/Nu3zqwnmd6U/s1600/rosemary%2Bbarb%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2LoTusRqU4/VKG0YxZvUqI/AAAAAAAADQU/Nu3zqwnmd6U/s1600/rosemary%2Bbarb%2B1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/12/overwintering-rosemary-rosmarinus.html" target="_blank">Overwintering Rosemary</a></div>
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<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2014/11/rosemary-spending-winter-inside.html" target="_blank">Rosemary-Spending the Winter Inside</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tlaTYRZmbY/UqD742jGFYI/AAAAAAAABZ4/oUxg8XxPbNU/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tlaTYRZmbY/UqD742jGFYI/AAAAAAAABZ4/oUxg8XxPbNU/s200/DSC_0248.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/12/poinsettia-season.html" target="_blank">Poinsettia Season</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/01/poor-poinsettias.html" target="_blank">Poor Poinsettias</a><br />
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<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/02/landscaping-for-four-seasons-of.html" target="_blank">Landscaping for Fours Seasons of Interest</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PwF_X8glGI/UqD4DBi6DAI/AAAAAAAABY8/CNOa08GTv-s/s1600/berries+icy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PwF_X8glGI/UqD4DBi6DAI/AAAAAAAABY8/CNOa08GTv-s/s320/berries+icy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/12/winter-interest.html" target="_blank">Plants for Winter Interest</a>- Many plants in Iris Masters' yard showoff in the winter landscape (Crape myrtle, magnolia, oregon grape, birch trees, nandina, cypress, Japanese Andromeda).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TMJjA5dJhz8/UqD7hH-fmEI/AAAAAAAABZw/wZbhQjrVdT0/s1600/pieris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TMJjA5dJhz8/UqD7hH-fmEI/AAAAAAAABZw/wZbhQjrVdT0/s320/pieris.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Andromeda</td></tr>
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The following blogs are part of a continuing series highlighting plants with winter interest. These are plants chosen by our Master Gardeners to provide color or interesting shapes during the winter season.<br />
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<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/01/plants-with-winter-interest-part-1.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 1- Partridge Berry</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/01/plants-with-winter-interest-part-2.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 2- Snowdrops</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/01/plants-with-winter-interest-part-3.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 3-Stinking Hellebore</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/01/plants-with-winter-interest-part-4.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 4-Rattlesnake Plant</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/01/plants-with-winter-interest-part-5.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 5-Lavender</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/12/plants-with-winter-interest-part-8.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 6-Witch Hazel</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/02/plants-with-winter-interest-part-7.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 7-Paperbark Maple</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/12/plants-with-winter-interest-part-8.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 8-Teaberry</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/01/winter-interest-part-8-harry-lauder.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 9-Harry Lauder Walking Stick</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/01/winter-interest-part-10-coral-embers.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 10-Coral Embers Willow<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__c7Zwfsgmw/UqD6DMJNfWI/AAAAAAAABZc/3ZNB0HtTazQ/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__c7Zwfsgmw/UqD6DMJNfWI/AAAAAAAABZc/3ZNB0HtTazQ/s1600/Picture1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coral Embers Willow in the Winter Landscape</td></tr>
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</a><a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/02/plants-with-winter-interest-part-11.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 11-Corkscrew Willow</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/02/plants-with-winter-interest-part-12.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest Pt. 12-River Birch</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/12/nandina-heavenly-or-sacred-bamboo.html" target="_blank">Nandina</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/01/ascot-rainbow-spurge-year-round-delight.html" target="_blank">Ascot Rainbow’ Spurge - A Year-round Delight</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2013/01/whimsical-winter-wonderland.html" target="_blank">Whimsical Winter Wonderland</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-x_muC0gPQ/UqD6wR0LLuI/AAAAAAAABZo/ywYSX0GvAMo/s1600/DSCN0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-x_muC0gPQ/UqD6wR0LLuI/AAAAAAAABZo/ywYSX0GvAMo/s320/DSCN0325.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-14795425020977605732014-12-29T15:01:00.002-05:002014-12-29T15:01:18.087-05:00Natural Materials Onaments Highlight Museum Holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
by Carol Kagan, Master Gardener</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzZBmTt1O7U/VKGr5wfrfVI/AAAAAAAADOw/1kz5vdfYDsk/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzZBmTt1O7U/VKGr5wfrfVI/AAAAAAAADOw/1kz5vdfYDsk/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out from the second floor landing to the Brandywine River.</td></tr>
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A side trip from our Longwood Gardens visit to the <a href="http://www.brandywine.org/" target="_blank">Brandywine River Museum of Art</a> in Chadds Ford, PA was a wonderful holiday destination.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Lo8wGHw30/VKGsYt9uiAI/AAAAAAAADPs/jigyaTIPlmE/s1600/Wreaath%2Bon%2Bboard%2B02%2BIMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Lo8wGHw30/VKGsYt9uiAI/AAAAAAAADPs/jigyaTIPlmE/s1600/Wreaath%2Bon%2Bboard%2B02%2BIMG_0724.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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The art galleries are a delight with N.C.Wyeth's <em>Old Kris </em>setting the stage for a holiday visit. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gxExVTqv7Q/VKGuj04hfpI/AAAAAAAADQE/HXjdvzFm8kU/s1600/old%2Bkris%2Bnc%2Bwyeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gxExVTqv7Q/VKGuj04hfpI/AAAAAAAADQE/HXjdvzFm8kU/s1600/old%2Bkris%2Bnc%2Bwyeth.jpg" height="200" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Kris by N.C. Wyeth (Courtesy: Brandywine Museum)</td></tr>
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My favorite part, however, were the <a href="http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/critters_home.htm" target="_blank">CRITTERS</a>, ornaments handmade from natural materials, their big fundraiser. Each year in March, the "glue-gun gang" of 120 volunteers begins crafting these delightful ornaments from natural materials. By the opening of <i>A Brandywine Christmas</i>, they will have made nearly 9,000 critters-both for display and for sale. <br />
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<br />I see a late autumn workshop in the making for Master Gardeners.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q28REOSrLk/VKGsNuSmhDI/AAAAAAAADPQ/dlXttUQqGGs/s1600/critters-promos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q28REOSrLk/VKGsNuSmhDI/AAAAAAAADPQ/dlXttUQqGGs/s1600/critters-promos.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
Most of the best ornaments were gone by our late December visit but I got a cute one. Also thinking a 4-H Garden Club craft project, too.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkZ0PJHcMVw/VKGsQOITQpI/AAAAAAAADPg/aG72crXgKkg/s1600/milkweed%2Bpod%2Band%2Bmouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkZ0PJHcMVw/VKGsQOITQpI/AAAAAAAADPg/aG72crXgKkg/s1600/milkweed%2Bpod%2Band%2Bmouse.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouse nestled in a milkweed pod</td></tr>
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Here are a few others that were on the trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kMeMPfy-5yI/VKGsOdlULOI/AAAAAAAADPY/_706oWMtFlQ/s1600/teasel%2Bbear%2Bwith%2Bbean%2Bfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kMeMPfy-5yI/VKGsOdlULOI/AAAAAAAADPY/_706oWMtFlQ/s1600/teasel%2Bbear%2Bwith%2Bbean%2Bfeet.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teasel Teddy with bean paws, seed eyes and strawflower, too.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f63UybTtci4/VKGsNNZpOYI/AAAAAAAADO4/VrIzpuLFiuY/s1600/Lunaria%2Bbleached%2Bstrawflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f63UybTtci4/VKGsNNZpOYI/AAAAAAAADO4/VrIzpuLFiuY/s1600/Lunaria%2Bbleached%2Bstrawflower.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bleached lunaria petals with a strawflower center.</td></tr>
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Another feature for the holidays was a train display, complete with a drive-in movie playing Despicable Me2 (movie screen was a computer tablet!).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02-PaBTSu8Y/VKGscVYzarI/AAAAAAAADP4/h7gr3K7dUHs/s1600/train02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02-PaBTSu8Y/VKGscVYzarI/AAAAAAAADP4/h7gr3K7dUHs/s1600/train02.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Definitely worth the visit and a good combo with a Longwood Gardens visit anytime of the year.Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-58088704361330309682014-12-29T14:29:00.000-05:002014-12-29T14:29:33.315-05:00Wings Holiday at Longwood Gardensby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txLcIfKjwow/VJ70OvyrDfI/AAAAAAAADM0/_xxJSaGaVZo/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txLcIfKjwow/VJ70OvyrDfI/AAAAAAAADM0/_xxJSaGaVZo/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was cold and dreary but not yet raining during
our recent visit to <a href="http://longwoodgardens.org/" target="_blank">Longwood Gardens</a>. They were dressed for the holidays and
celebrating in so many different ways – indoors, outdoors, up in the trees,
floating in the water, lighted fountains dancing to holiday tunes, local choral
group singing and trains zizzing around outdoor tracks.</span><br />
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The theme is wings. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are some inside highlights.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONZYRa7uUCs/VJ70FtARHtI/AAAAAAAADMw/PNcaENJTR08/s1600/Long3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONZYRa7uUCs/VJ70FtARHtI/AAAAAAAADMw/PNcaENJTR08/s1600/Long3.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red, pink and white poinsettias</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJK-ftjjXoQ/VJ70FuSn9NI/AAAAAAAADMs/hbV_HolKL1E/s1600/LOng1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJK-ftjjXoQ/VJ70FuSn9NI/AAAAAAAADMs/hbV_HolKL1E/s1600/LOng1.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roses and more</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhhyzVCGFtg/VJ70FgsOd_I/AAAAAAAADMo/jgaLAKx-r5M/s1600/Long2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhhyzVCGFtg/VJ70FgsOd_I/AAAAAAAADMo/jgaLAKx-r5M/s1600/Long2.jpg" height="280" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A succulent wreath and others inside a warm and humid room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W80LxkQu1io/VJ72av44TvI/AAAAAAAADNA/dYPWj2lpkSY/s1600/Long6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W80LxkQu1io/VJ72av44TvI/AAAAAAAADNA/dYPWj2lpkSY/s1600/Long6.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red wings and red and white flowers</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-it69YUux7xE/VJ72aqpeDLI/AAAAAAAADNM/IXRxt1_TGbM/s1600/long5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-it69YUux7xE/VJ72aqpeDLI/AAAAAAAADNM/IXRxt1_TGbM/s1600/long5.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anthurium, dusty miller and more</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1M5IPAGnRxQ/VJ8CGp8SKYI/AAAAAAAADN0/JCAXTbOR_Dk/s1600/Long8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1M5IPAGnRxQ/VJ8CGp8SKYI/AAAAAAAADN0/JCAXTbOR_Dk/s1600/Long8.jpg" height="141" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-cut paper feathers adorn the far viewed alcove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3-OU_A_nGs/VJ8CQU0qX6I/AAAAAAAADN8/NSo-KjOxmqY/s1600/long9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3-OU_A_nGs/VJ8CQU0qX6I/AAAAAAAADN8/NSo-KjOxmqY/s1600/long9.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of different wings</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyMlBdbPpws/VKGmRXx-kWI/AAAAAAAADOY/HC_oSM1wvcE/s1600/long11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyMlBdbPpws/VKGmRXx-kWI/AAAAAAAADOY/HC_oSM1wvcE/s1600/long11.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More flowers and decorations</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4jkIGc7QOs/VKGmRalSvGI/AAAAAAAADOU/_X5VVdsC8Co/s1600/long10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4jkIGc7QOs/VKGmRalSvGI/AAAAAAAADOU/_X5VVdsC8Co/s1600/long10.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of white</td></tr>
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Much more on display. Even on dreary days this is a good bet. Indoors is weather-neutral and outdoors is best enjoyed in the dark. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shxfmEm6_5g/VKGpvEGVdFI/AAAAAAAADOg/fjKLM4Fz6uA/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shxfmEm6_5g/VKGpvEGVdFI/AAAAAAAADOg/fjKLM4Fz6uA/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before you go, Longwood now uses timed admission tickets. These are required and a limited number of tickets are available for each time slot. Take care of this online and you'll whoosh through the entrance. Otherwise you'll be in a long line negotiating when you can actually get in.</div>
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Once you are in, you can leave and return if you remember to get your hand stamped upon exit.</div>
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We opted for 3 PM. We took in some of the outdoor displays such as the train and some of the outdoor trees. We had time for a light meal in the Terrace Café. (Be warned! We went on a Monday, the non-peak times. We were told it is crowded, crowded, crowded in the café and the 1906 restaurant may have seating but be prepared for this to be your big-ticket meal for the outing.)</div>
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Check out more about Longwood Garden and their Longwood Christmas displays and upcoming ones such as the <a href="http://longwoodgardens.org/events-and-performances/events/orchid-extravaganza" target="_blank">Orchid Extravaganza</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KA5dhdy6KmE/VKGqvAArYDI/AAAAAAAADOo/azV-EWK7-uk/s1600/orchid%2Bextravaganza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KA5dhdy6KmE/VKGqvAArYDI/AAAAAAAADOo/azV-EWK7-uk/s1600/orchid%2Bextravaganza.jpg" /></a></div>
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Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-28511784073174077102014-12-22T01:55:00.000-05:002014-12-22T01:55:36.904-05:00Winter Solstice- Out of the Darknessby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2w92OEB1WG0/VJe9MkTJwJI/AAAAAAAADIM/SntMb4GU6yw/s1600/camus%2Bwinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2w92OEB1WG0/VJe9MkTJwJI/AAAAAAAADIM/SntMb4GU6yw/s1600/camus%2Bwinter.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday
at 6:03 PM (EST) was the Winter Solstice. This is an astronomical event that
occurs because our world is tilted on its axis with respect to our orbit around
the sun, a fact that explains the seasons in our temperate zones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Late
dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night. The shortest day and the longest
night of the year. It marks a turn in the seasons as the length of the days get longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywRqH5afC4Y/VJe9nR6_LII/AAAAAAAADIs/884St2VkgD0/s1600/seasonalvariations-edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywRqH5afC4Y/VJe9nR6_LII/AAAAAAAADIs/884St2VkgD0/s1600/seasonalvariations-edited.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of NOAA</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If
the days begin to get longer, why do the coldest days of the winter season fall
after the Winter Solstice? According to the National Climatic Data Center the
coldest days fall between December 1 and March 31 with 83% of those from
December 20 to March 31.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9xfGkIVRLU/VJe9jyFFgEI/AAAAAAAADIk/qb7P4hu4rhk/s1600/8051109.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9xfGkIVRLU/VJe9jyFFgEI/AAAAAAAADIk/qb7P4hu4rhk/s1600/8051109.gif" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Washington Post’s <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/12/21/winter-begins-today-five-questions-and-answers-about-the-solstice/" target="_blank">Weather Gang</a> reports that “even though daylight slowly
increases after the solstice, many places don’t see their coldest days until
mid-January. This happens because the Northern Hemisphere continues to lose
more heat than it gains for several more weeks. The oceans – which take longer
than land to heat up and cool down – play a role in this seasonal temperature
lag. Only after the Northern Hemisphere starts to receive more solar energy
than it loses do average temperatures begin their upward ascent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Doug
Wenztel of the Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center says there’s a bright side
as well. This is an opportunity to go out and explore your local areas and see
a different landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GY4D0WSzTcM/VJe-28XoNeI/AAAAAAAADI4/9UoSPFU3l4M/s1600/wood%2Bpath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GY4D0WSzTcM/VJe-28XoNeI/AAAAAAAADI4/9UoSPFU3l4M/s1600/wood%2Bpath.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
walk along a favorite summertime wooded path reveals the shapes of trees and
their branching patterns. Sit still and quiet for 15 minutes and soon you will
see the birds that stay with us all winter. Discover mosses and evergreen
ground covers nestled against the rocks near the path or check the edges of a
pond for ice crystals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You
most likely will hear the rustle and rattle of dead leaves still clinging to
the branches of some trees. In an earlier Penn State post, “<a href="http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/forests/news/2012/winter-leaves-that-hang-on" target="_blank">Winter Leaves that Hang On</a>,” Jim Finley asks if you have ever wondered why some trees hold their
leaves into the winter months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOC7fc3Ve9o/VJe-3Vl411I/AAAAAAAADJA/3kTlkyLP-0s/s1600/Dead-leaves-on-a-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOC7fc3Ve9o/VJe-3Vl411I/AAAAAAAADJA/3kTlkyLP-0s/s1600/Dead-leaves-on-a-tree.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Marcescence,
the term used to describe leaf retention, is most common with many of the oak
species, American beech, witch hazel, hornbeam (musclewood), and hophornbeam
(ironwood). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Normally,
as deciduous trees (which include hardwoods and some conifers) prepare to shed
their leafy summer coats, cells at the interface between the twig and the end
of the leaf stem release enzymes and form an abscission layer that “unglues”
the leaf – separating it from the vascular bundles, allowing it to fall free. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All
trees shed leaves, even conifers; however, they generally retain their needles
for more than one year. Leaf drop benefits deciduous trees by reducing water
loss and allows them to develop leaves that efficiently use available sunlight
during warmer seasons.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Read
Finley’s full article for more information on why trees may retain their leave
through the winter months and he makes a good point when he says, “… think
about the bit of shelter they provide for wintering birds as they perch among
the rattling leaves, away from winter’s wind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
other information about the Winter Solstice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/forests/news/2012/winter-leaves-that-hang-on" target="_blank">Penn State Extension: Leaves That Hang On</a></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/winter-solstice-marks-beginning-of-stormy-season,1462173/" target="_blank">State College.com: Winter Solstice Marks Beginning of Stormy Season</a></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/12/21/winter-begins-today-five-questions-and-answers-about-the-solstice/" target="_blank">Washington Post Weather Gang: Winter Begins Today</a></span></div>
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<br />Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-87518764043371308182014-12-19T15:10:00.002-05:002014-12-20T11:50:10.613-05:00Water: Beyond the Garden - What's in Your Well Water?by Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ItkkwVf6xQ/VJTjD0xKmCI/AAAAAAAADH8/7zIctBjZksY/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ItkkwVf6xQ/VJTjD0xKmCI/AAAAAAAADH8/7zIctBjZksY/s1600/Picture1.png" height="140" width="640" /></a></div>
As gardeners we most often worry about water <span style="color: yellow;"><strong><em>QUANTITY</em></strong> </span>- how much or how little water our plants get. But for others in our community water <span style="color: yellow;"><em><strong>QUALITY</strong></em> </span>is of utmost importance.<br />
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George Hurd, Environmental/Resource Development Educator for Penn State Extension, Franklin County, provides information on well water and calls to our attention that in Pennsylvania those who own private wells are responsible for checking on their water quality.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaEnCsWMhN8/VJR226RZtgI/AAAAAAAADHE/lf1pRuXBf5k/s1600/Michael_Melgar_LiquidArt_resize_droplet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaEnCsWMhN8/VJR226RZtgI/AAAAAAAADHE/lf1pRuXBf5k/s1600/Michael_Melgar_LiquidArt_resize_droplet.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water may need to be tested on a regular basis (Photo: José Manuel Suarez)</span></td></tr>
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Do you rely on a private well for your drinking water? If so, when is the last time you had your water tested? Private water supplies in Pennsylvania are not monitored by any regulatory agency. </div>
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This article is a simple reminder that if you live in Pennsylvania and you rely on your own well for drinking water, it is your responsibility to ensure the quality of that water. In general, you should test your water annually for coliform bacteria and every three years for pH and total dissolved solids. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfWnGMsw1P8/VJR3BQfhXpI/AAAAAAAADHc/6NOZMRoRmuY/s1600/12.18.14%2Bwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfWnGMsw1P8/VJR3BQfhXpI/AAAAAAAADHc/6NOZMRoRmuY/s1600/12.18.14%2Bwater.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are concerned about potential pollutants or if you are experiencing aesthetic problems such as staining, taste, or odor, more extensive testing is warranted. It is important that all water tests be performed by a water testing laboratory certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A full list of certified water testing laboratories in Pennsylvania is available from DEP.<br />
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Penn State's Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for drinking water analysis. The goal of Penn State's Drinking Water program is to promote well water testing and to educate homeowners on its importance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BD9dc8Kv398/VJR223vDhVI/AAAAAAAADHU/dn0FhLmdgqg/s1600/Water%2Bdrop%2BJos%C3%A9%2BManuel%2BSu%C3%A1rez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BD9dc8Kv398/VJR223vDhVI/AAAAAAAADHU/dn0FhLmdgqg/s1600/Water%2Bdrop%2BJos%C3%A9%2BManuel%2BSu%C3%A1rez.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have water samples tested by Penn State (Photo: Michael Melgar)</span></td></tr>
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To submit a drinking water sample to Penn State’s laboratory, you must first obtain a Drinking Water Test Kit. Kits are available at many county extension offices or may be obtained directly from the laboratory. For more information, contact your county extension office or visit Penn State's Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory water testing webpage at: <a href="http://agsci.psu.edu/aasl/water-testing">http://agsci.psu.edu/aasl/water-testing</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYcXWdGxGEA/VJR9OXCQXoI/AAAAAAAADHs/q8sRRRQj-84/s1600/Cat_drinking_water_(ubt)_jpeg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYcXWdGxGEA/VJR9OXCQXoI/AAAAAAAADHs/q8sRRRQj-84/s1600/Cat_drinking_water_(ubt)_jpeg.jpeg" height="150" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not just people are affected by water quality</td></tr>
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Penn State Extension is one of the few unbiased, research-based resources to help meet the water needs of Pennsylvania's large, rural population. In 2015, Penn State Extension will offer “Home Water and Septic System” workshops around the state to educate homeowners about safe drinking water and the proper management of their on-lot sewage disposal systems.<br />
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To find out if there is a workshop scheduled for your area, go to: <a href="http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water">http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water</a> and click on “Courses and Workshops” or contact your county extension office. Also at this website are links to information on drinking water, water treatment, septic systems and water conservation. This includes fact sheets, webinars and other useful drinking water resources.<br />
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The Penn State Natural Resources Water Quality Team are extension educators located around the state and at the university who can be contacted by email or by phone to provide educational assistance with water quality issues. Their information is also available at this link.<br />
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So drink a toast to the New Year and make a resolution to check your water supply to keep a healthy resolution. <br />
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Other links on this topic:<br />
<a href="http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/Bureau_of_Safe_Drinking_Water/20891" target="_blank">PA Dept. of Environmental Protection- Bureau of Safe Drinking Water</a><br />
<a href="http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/private_water_wells" target="_blank">PA Dept. of Environmental Protection-Private Water Wells</a><br />
<a href="http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/drinking-water/water-testing" target="_blank">Penn State Extension: Water Testing</a><br />
<a href="http://water.epa.gov/drink/hotline/index.cfm" target="_blank">EPA: Safe Drinking Water Hotline</a><br />
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<br />Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-15581332637425328802014-12-02T16:51:00.000-05:002014-12-09T17:12:24.963-05:00January Workshops for Families and Early-Start Gardenersby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">What are the Master Gardeners up to during the cold winter?</span></h2>
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Workshops!!</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqcVT78zpmQ/VH4zGs2jzfI/AAAAAAAADGc/QgvrnZhZRP0/s1600/Jan%2Bworkshops.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqcVT78zpmQ/VH4zGs2jzfI/AAAAAAAADGc/QgvrnZhZRP0/s1600/Jan%2Bworkshops.png" height="317" width="400" /></a></div>
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Please note that workshops fill quickly. Call now to register. 717-263-9226</h3>
Sat., Jan. 10, 9-11 am: For the Birds (Family Friendly) - Make a birdfeeder and learn about attracting birds. $10 adult, $15 family<br />
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Sat., Jan 17, 9-11 am: Winter Sowing - One of our most popular workshops. Sign up early. Learn how to sow seeds outdoors in recyclable containers in winter and early spring. Make one to take home. $10<br />
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Sat., Jan. 31, 9-11 am: Fairy Gardens - Learn about scale, plants and maintenance in this informative program. $10<br />
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Tue., Feb. 3, 6:30-8:30 pm: Decoding Seed Catalogs - Learn how to read plant and seed listings to select the right plants for our area and your landscape. $10Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-63104742768127085772014-11-29T22:16:00.001-05:002014-11-30T00:13:22.199-05:00Rosemary- Spending the Winter Inside<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">by Master Gardener, Carol Kagan</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMJmN7xoink/VHooogQ18RI/AAAAAAAADE4/4QQB08VEjxw/s1600/rosemary%2Bbarb%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMJmN7xoink/VHooogQ18RI/AAAAAAAADE4/4QQB08VEjxw/s1600/rosemary%2Bbarb%2B1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Flowering Rosemary Indoors at Barb P's house</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Master Gardener Barb P. shared photos she took of the flowering rosemary plant in her sunroom. This reminds us about </span><a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/12/overwintering-rosemary-rosmarinus.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">overwintering rosemary</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> outdoors in our area, more information at a 2012 entry. But what about bringing it indoors?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMtD0xMbuJ0/VHoopHo3zoI/AAAAAAAADFA/fCBy0g_ldHc/s1600/rosemary%2Bbarb%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMtD0xMbuJ0/VHoopHo3zoI/AAAAAAAADFA/fCBy0g_ldHc/s1600/rosemary%2Bbarb%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another photo from Barb</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bringing rosemary (and other herbs and plants, typically tender perennials) indoors for the winter requires some different attention than when they were outdoors during the milder seasons.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cD7tVqppEw/VHorL2ruxGI/AAAAAAAADFY/StOPewPonDg/s1600/my%2Bcontainer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cD7tVqppEw/VHorL2ruxGI/AAAAAAAADFY/StOPewPonDg/s1600/my%2Bcontainer.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rosemary in a container outdoors in summer. (C. Kagan)</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
OUTDOORS TO INDOORS</h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because rosemary does not overwinter well in our area, it is advisable to treat it as a container plant which makes it infinitely easier to bring indoors. However, if you have rosemary planted out, you may pot it up using appropriate potting soil (not garden soil) and pot size with a drainage hole and tray. Follow recommendations about preparing your plants to bring them inside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">If possible, acclimate the plant to the indoors by bringing it inside a few weeks before the first expected frost date, October 15 here in S. Central PA. If you can open the windows and keep the indoor temperatures lows, it will make the transition easier than suddenly bringing it into a warm house.</span><br />
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<h3>
INDOORS</h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">All I want is for my rosemary to make it through the winter in living condition, so I can drag it back outside when the weather gets warm next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fertilizer and Pruning:</strong> I don't encourage my rosemary to grow during the winter so I don't fertilizer or prune, except for a snip here and there. Rosemary will go dormant during the winter.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoJoLLyFTfg/VHp5ca-abPI/AAAAAAAADFw/pQc8AXF7UNw/s1600/grow%2Blights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoJoLLyFTfg/VHp5ca-abPI/AAAAAAAADFw/pQc8AXF7UNw/s1600/grow%2Blights.jpg" height="193" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Light:</strong> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rosemary needs 6-8 hours of light as it did
outside. A good south facing window may well do but you may have to supplement
it with artificial light. A fluorescent light or grow light can help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rotate the plant every week or so to keep the
plant growing evenly on all sides.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Temperature:</strong> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As a native Mediterranean, mild-region plant,
rosemary will expect cool winters (not freezing) temperatures. An area that is
consistently 55 to 60°F is good.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oMlf_pyiT44/VHqCeElM1JI/AAAAAAAADGA/79SLCzR98TQ/s1600/mist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oMlf_pyiT44/VHqCeElM1JI/AAAAAAAADGA/79SLCzR98TQ/s1600/mist.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Watering: </strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As with most plants brought in to overwinter,
consistent watering is one of the important keys to keeping it alive. Water when
the surface is dry, usually once every 2 weeks until the soil is wet
and water comes through the drainage hole. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">After about an hour,
empty the water from the saucer so the roots are not sitting in water. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rosemary will benefit from misting. A tip for watering all indoor plants is to allow tap water to sit in an open container overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Air Circulation:</strong> Good air circulation can alleviate some problems with mildew and mold. If you have several plants overwintering indoors, make sure there is good spacing between them. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
ABOUT ROSEMARY</h3>
Rosemary is the herb of remembrance. Although today we typically think of it as remembering loved ones that have passed, the Greeks thought it increased memory. Greek scholars were said to wear wreaths of rosemary around their heads when taking exams to help them remember their lessons.<br />
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The name rosemary derives from the Latin for dew-"ros"- and sea -"marinus;" thus, dew of the sea. A legend says that the Virgin Mary spread her blue cloak over a white-blossomed rosemary bush when she was resting causing the flowers to turn blue. The shrub then became know as the "Rose of Mary."<br />
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Other Links of Interest:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><a href="http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fact-sheets/herbs/growing-herbs-indoors" target="_blank">Penn State Extension: Growing Herbs Indoors</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><a href="http://urbanext.illinois.edu/herbs/rosemary.cfm" target="_blank">University of Illinois Extension: Rosemary</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/12/overwintering-rosemary-rosmarinus.html" target="_blank">Overwintering Rosemary</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-89423774629794526822014-11-21T13:11:00.002-05:002014-11-21T13:11:50.274-05:00Pumpkins Turned Into Centerpiecesby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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The 4-H Garden Club, having put this year's vegetable garden to bed for the winter, have turned to some fall and holiday crafts using garden and natural materials. Earlier this November they used cornhusks from their popcorn plants to make cornhusk dolls and dream catchers.<br />
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This week we used small pumpkins, hollowed and cleaned, as vases for Thanksgiving centerpieces. <br />
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Let's start by looking at all the great creations and smiling faces.</div>
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Master Gardener Denise Lucas described the main parts of creating a floral arrangement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnlxcUcEdgw/VG61Rw7JBzI/AAAAAAAADAU/jPrActErqsA/s1600/denise3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnlxcUcEdgw/VG61Rw7JBzI/AAAAAAAADAU/jPrActErqsA/s1600/denise3.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise Lucas demonstrates the steps to making a floral arrangement.</td></tr>
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Master Gardeners and 4-H families contributed evergreen cuttings and dried materials such as milkweed pods, teasel, ornamental grasses and flowers as well as pine cones and dried berries.<br />
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Here's a few shots of the creative process.<br />
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Next meeting we will pop the popcorn we grew and enjoy snacks, including some popcorn, while we string popcorn and cranberries for holiday decorations.<br />
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Special thanks to the 4-H parents who always stay and help as well as Master Gardener Barb Petrucci our regular volunteer.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving from the 4-H Garden Club.<br />
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<br />Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-88889662067939642272014-11-10T19:50:00.001-05:002014-11-10T19:54:10.118-05:00Gass House Garden Celebrates Completion of Phase Iby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign Recounts Patrick Gass' Life</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long view of the garden area</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent">Today 39 people gathered for the formal opening of the Patrick Gass Garden. Borough Commissioners, Master Gardeners, local Historical Society members, and others heard a brief presentation about the concept and development of the Garden high<span class="text_exposed_show">lighted today by the recently installed sign. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kQGZANlwfs/VGFaXyvVJkI/AAAAAAAAC_8/ebyThl0IL_Y/s1600/Key%2Bcoordinators.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kQGZANlwfs/VGFaXyvVJkI/AAAAAAAAC_8/ebyThl0IL_Y/s1600/Key%2Bcoordinators.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Key coordinators of the Gass Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFZ5ZR2A1Uc/VGFaTiNi7iI/AAAAAAAAC_c/BB_he6IFriY/s1600/Arrowheads%2Band%2Bknife.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFZ5ZR2A1Uc/VGFaTiNi7iI/AAAAAAAAC_c/BB_he6IFriY/s1600/Arrowheads%2Band%2Bknife.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowheads, a small knife and a number of coins were found at the site.</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Bill Stead revealed to all, including Cindy Stead, archeological finds unearthed during work in the garden. Coins dating back to the 1600's plus arrowheads and a small knife. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUNx_o9lZHo/VGFaYYrU5QI/AAAAAAAADAA/cLrZXEE5U5Y/s1600/Sign%2Bside%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUNx_o9lZHo/VGFaYYrU5QI/AAAAAAAADAA/cLrZXEE5U5Y/s1600/Sign%2Bside%2B2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition on reverse of sign</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">After the presentation, attendees were treated to refreshments and had an opportunity to look at display materials about the Garden and the Lewis and Clark expedition. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTclUnah9Xw/VGFaUVeebCI/AAAAAAAAC_k/IJE7ec22f50/s1600/Historical%2BMarker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTclUnah9Xw/VGFaUVeebCI/AAAAAAAAC_k/IJE7ec22f50/s1600/Historical%2BMarker.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick Gass Historic Marker at the Site</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Photos by Master Gardener Trey Gelbach</span></span></div>
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More information on Gass Garden<br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/06/gass-garden-backgrounder.html" target="_blank">Gass Garden Background</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2011/08/gass-garden-timberrr.html" target="_blank">Gass Garden - Timberrr</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2011/09/gass-garden-sod-busting-and-soil-prep.html" target="_blank">Gass Garden-Sod Busting and Soil Prep</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2012/05/gass-garden-spring-2012-planting.html" target="_blank">Gass Garden Spring 2012 Planting</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2011/07/patrick-gass-garden.html" target="_blank">The Patrick Gass Garden</a><br />
<a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2014/05/gass-garden-spreads-its-wings.html" target="_blank">Gass Garden Spreads Its Wings</a>Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-54019396447119806732014-11-08T20:20:00.000-05:002014-11-08T20:20:01.999-05:00Decorating with Holiday Greens
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Shared by Carol Kagan, Penn State Master Gardener, Franklin County</div>
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Last year Master Gardener Annette Macoy posted this helpful article
about Decorating with Fresh Greens for the Holidays. It has lots of good
information.</div>
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One of our nicest winter holiday traditions is decorating with fresh
greenery. Evergreens such as cedar, ivy, pine and holly add a natural look and
fresh fragrance to our homes; for many, they represent life everlasting and the
coming renewal of spring. Your own landscape is a great place to look for
holiday greenery. You may have a variety of materials unavailable at a store,
and what you gather will be much fresher. Just remember that you are actually
pruning the plants as you gather greenery, so consider carefully which branches
you can trim to preserve the natural form of the tree or shrub. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emOfS3d2M6c/VF7AKdrSkNI/AAAAAAAAC90/ue-ANHKzwIQ/s1600/1753_Ilex-x-mary-nell-close-berry-clusters-klr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emOfS3d2M6c/VF7AKdrSkNI/AAAAAAAAC90/ue-ANHKzwIQ/s1600/1753_Ilex-x-mary-nell-close-berry-clusters-klr.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Proper Conditioning of Greenery</span></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Conditioned greens will last for quite a while in arrangements.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<li>
Immerse entire evergreen branch in warm water for 12 hours or overnight. This will prolong the life of the branch and also clean the foliage.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li>Remove all lower leaves to ensure that there is no soft material below the water level where it can rot and form bacteria. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li>Re-cut the stem ends at an angle to provide a large surface area for the maximum absorption of water.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li>Stand all branches in water in a cool, dark place until ready to use.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li>Change the water every 2-3 days. A few drops of bleach may be added to the water to prevent bacteria formation.<o:p></o:p></li>
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Check your decorations often, and replace any greenery that becomes
dry. Keep greenery away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight. <em><strong>Some
popular decorating materials have toxic berries or leaves, so keep holiday
decorations out of the reach of children and pets.<o:p></o:p></strong></em><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PqfMJ2o59U/VF7AKw8C3UI/AAAAAAAAC98/XltBRkVlomU/s1600/christmas-garland-berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PqfMJ2o59U/VF7AKw8C3UI/AAAAAAAAC98/XltBRkVlomU/s1600/christmas-garland-berries.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Suggested Varieties for Decorating</span></strong> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Needled and broadleaf evergreens include white pine, juniper, Douglas
fir, cedar, fir, spruce, ivy, holly, mountain laurel, boxwood, evergreen
magnolia, arborvitae, evergreen viburnum, Leyland cypress, nandina,
Cryptomeria, hemlock, and Chamaecyparis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other plant parts such as berries, dried flowers, cones, seed pods, and
twigs can add color and texture to holiday arrangements. Some possibilities
include: acorns, bittersweet, holly berries, hydrangea blossoms, magnolia pods,
nandina berries, pine cones, pyracantha berries, rose hips, sweet gum balls,
bayberry, redtwig dogwood, and fruits such as lemons, limes, crabapples, seckel
pears, kumquats, and pineapple.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Annette Macoy, Penn State Extension of Cumberland County<o:p></o:p></div>
Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-13491195926684763052014-11-05T13:11:00.002-05:002014-11-05T13:11:56.731-05:00Gathering and Storing Flower Seeds I'm so far behind this year...but I'm finally busy gathering in my seed for next year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marigolds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iC8bYv4m2Rg/VFoRDSQGo6I/AAAAAAAAAjA/UZ__yoB3Q1A/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iC8bYv4m2Rg/VFoRDSQGo6I/AAAAAAAAAjA/UZ__yoB3Q1A/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zinnias</td></tr>
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I grow marigolds and zinnia from seed every year; I use seed I collected from the year before. I'm on my 26th generation of seeds, I think. But I've been so busy this year, I haven't gotten any so far. Well, it's time to get busy and check this off the list. <br />
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If you have any marigolds and/or zinnias, they are some of the easiest seeds to save and start in the spring.<br />
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First to the zinnias: They look great, bright, and stand out in your garden. But as they grow older, the petals lose their color, and you're left with a brown mound.<br />
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Those are your seeds, and you don't want to get rid or the plants before you get to this part! The more dried-out they are, the better off you are. So here is a good picture to show you the stages you will see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJrJDss8bFg/VFoWnaP3_oI/AAAAAAAAAjY/GMZQ7Yaw4nU/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJrJDss8bFg/VFoWnaP3_oI/AAAAAAAAAjY/GMZQ7Yaw4nU/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zinnia: colorful, very dry, and drying</td></tr>
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The pink zinnia in back is still looking good; the one on the bottom is in the process of drying out; the center one is just about ready for you to pick.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYeczkb8BHw/VFoWqBzLYuI/AAAAAAAAAjk/2cARK8E14Hs/s1600/DSC_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYeczkb8BHw/VFoWqBzLYuI/AAAAAAAAAjk/2cARK8E14Hs/s1600/DSC_0075.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zinnia seed head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyZ9a6trGQk/VFoWqw5ixwI/AAAAAAAAAjs/3_EBSPtlvFU/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyZ9a6trGQk/VFoWqw5ixwI/AAAAAAAAAjs/3_EBSPtlvFU/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zinnia seed heads</td></tr>
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These last two pictures are what you want in a good zinnia seed head. It will snap off nicely for you. I lay it out on newspaper for a day or two to get the moisture out, then put them in paper bags and hang them in the garage.<br />
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In the spring, they will be nice and dry - you will be able to take that seed head and twist it, and all the seeds will detach. (But be careful: in the center of that pile of seeds is a very pointed and sharp receptacle that the seeds are attached to. Wear gloves.)<br />
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The marigolds are even simpler. They usually last longer into the fall, and the bright yellow and orange color is a favorite of mine. In this first picture, you see lots of yellow and orange petals, but to the right, you can see one dried brown seed head. As the flower fades, it wrinkles and browns, and it will actually do all the work for you. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukCYfxih4Nw/VFo75ZvZNoI/AAAAAAAAAj4/OnabZyYYhSM/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukCYfxih4Nw/VFo75ZvZNoI/AAAAAAAAAj4/OnabZyYYhSM/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marigolds in various stages</td></tr>
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This next picture shows you what you are looking for: good, dry seed heads. The one on the right is still yellow, and has a a lot of moisture in it. The one in the center is ready for you to pick.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-4zuYhkvf8/VFo77WzmcBI/AAAAAAAAAkA/wk36v8llhx4/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-4zuYhkvf8/VFo77WzmcBI/AAAAAAAAAkA/wk36v8llhx4/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost ready!</td></tr>
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The seed pods will snap off easily when they are dry. As they get dryer, some will shatter when you touch them, and the seeds will be propelled away (its own way of seeding itself). The seed pods in the center of this picture are very near that point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jxxApHLgw/VFo77np2nyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/o0HPppPPlAo/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jxxApHLgw/VFo77np2nyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/o0HPppPPlAo/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried and waiting for you</td></tr>
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Lastly, marigold seed heads will also help you out if you let them. When they have dried out and are ready to seed themselves, they will often bend over, so the seeds can just drop and be spread.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkXUCuf_Hvo/VFo79IoTBMI/AAAAAAAAAkU/s7hql1V2uA0/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkXUCuf_Hvo/VFo79IoTBMI/AAAAAAAAAkU/s7hql1V2uA0/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bent seed head trying to seed itself</td></tr>
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I collect the seed pods, lay them out on newspaper for a couple days, and then store in paper bags until spring, hung up in the garage. You can literally crumble a handful of these in your palm and then spread the seed in the spring.<br />
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So store a few for next spring and try it out. It doesn't take much time, or space, and you'll be happy when those little seeds start sprouting in the spring.<br />
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PS Wet seeds will mold and rot, so the dryer the better. You can actually take a fully-in-bloom zinnia or marigold and dry it well and get the seeds out, but letting them mature to the dry and brittle stage will help with germination.Jerry Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367939914720145233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-85574368897719440662014-11-04T10:27:00.000-05:002014-11-04T10:27:57.944-05:00Make Your Own Fresh Holiday Creations
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by Carol Kagan, Master Gardener</div>
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It is always disheartening to tell a caller that a workshop is full.
Don't be that caller!! Don’t let your friends miss out! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Register now for these popular Franklin County Master Gardener
workshops. Class size is limited so call Penn State Extension at 717-263-9226
now. Held at the Ag Heritage Building – 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And ask to be added to the e-mailing or mailing list to get
announcements of all our workshops and events for 2015.</div>
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You will learn <strong>HOW</strong> to make these holiday decorations and can create them year after year for yourself or as gifts.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dK4JIDhhAn0/VFjtz3Dd0aI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/maW3e_7DfyA/s1600/greens-fresh-McDonald-Garden-Center.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dK4JIDhhAn0/VFjtz3Dd0aI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/maW3e_7DfyA/s1600/greens-fresh-McDonald-Garden-Center.png" height="165" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh holiday greens make beautiful wreaths</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Fresh Holiday Wreath Workshop<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
Thursday, December 4, 2014 – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Learn how to make your own evergreen wreath, and take home your
finished product. Materials provided. Cost is $15 per wreath. Class size is limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gy4FEU6XLfs/VFjthJAJwqI/AAAAAAAAC9M/Q8jdsVsodwI/s1600/Contemporary_Single_Candle_Centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gy4FEU6XLfs/VFjthJAJwqI/AAAAAAAAC9M/Q8jdsVsodwI/s1600/Contemporary_Single_Candle_Centerpiece.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example- workshop centerpiece may vary</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Fresh Holiday Centerpiece Workshop<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
A second session has been added to this popular workshop. Call now.<o:p></o:p><br />
Saturday, December 6, 2014 – 9:00 – 11:00 AM <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>12:30-2:30 PM<o:p></o:p><br />
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Learn how to make a fresh centerpiece for your holiday table. Centerpiece materials provided. Bring small pruners,
scissors, gloves, any small items you want to include and a box to take your
creation home. Cost is $25. Class size is limited.<o:p></o:p></div>
Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-73778025028628001882014-10-30T20:23:00.000-04:002014-10-30T20:23:43.080-04:00The Penn State Master Gardeners, Franklin County Recognition Dinnerby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9P05nKmdQ-8/VFLDPkiujEI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/p4kk7gFHCzE/s1600/gourd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9P05nKmdQ-8/VFLDPkiujEI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/p4kk7gFHCzE/s1600/gourd.jpg" height="200" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mini-gourd with fresh flower arrangement</td></tr>
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Enjoying one of the last mild autumn evenings, Penn State Master Gardeners, Franklin County and guests gathered for their annual recognition dinner and program at Chestnut Landing, Menno Haven.<br />
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As usual the Special Events Committee provided beautiful centerpieces for the tables and each attendee was able to take home miniature flower arrangements presented in small hollowed gourds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EYhqqrARJ0/VFKwtuqdw0I/AAAAAAAAC20/AtFkYJ4YYV4/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EYhqqrARJ0/VFKwtuqdw0I/AAAAAAAAC20/AtFkYJ4YYV4/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George and Sue Weigel (L,Miller)</td></tr>
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The evening included a delicious dinner and a program by <a href="http://georgeweigel.net/" target="_blank">George Weigel</a>, Central PA Garden Writer, Horticulturist and (per his Website) Certified Gardening Nut. George brought copies of his new book, "Pennsylvania Getting Started Garden Guide," for sale and signing. And also a box full of hyacinth bean seed pods - some were taken to MG homes for next year and the remainder went home with Juanita Kauffman for the greenhouse and plant sale. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDuOOhAMkoA/VFKw5E5qL1I/AAAAAAAAC3c/YzaYqrbVK-k/s1600/IMG_8574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDuOOhAMkoA/VFKw5E5qL1I/AAAAAAAAC3c/YzaYqrbVK-k/s1600/IMG_8574.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John McGinley, MC (L.Miller)</td></tr>
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Photographer Larry Miller (Thanks, Larry) held back on the full photo shot of MC John McGinley who wore his signature khaki shorts at the request of the Committee but opted for white shirt and bow tie for a more formal look. After good-natured no-ante betting on if Bill Stead would come in shorts, Bill arrived with Cindy and was wearing long pants. <br />
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In introducing our speaker, John related the story of how he, then a features editor and colleague of George at the Patriot-News and a Certified Gardening Wacko himself, one day said to George, “You like to garden, right? How’d you like to write a weekly gardening column?”<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdvsdDSlwUo/VFLK57awDBI/AAAAAAAAC8w/w8e5qYcko5k/s1600/george%2Btalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdvsdDSlwUo/VFLK57awDBI/AAAAAAAAC8w/w8e5qYcko5k/s1600/george%2Btalk.jpg" height="115" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George talks about winter problems (L. Miller)</td></tr>
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For the evening talk George picked a timely theme about winter problems as we are coming into the first weekend of very cold and maybe frost/freeze in our area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ud2Ijj5VBPQ/VFLK5x5SE4I/AAAAAAAAC8k/DM87_BGrKWo/s1600/donna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ud2Ijj5VBPQ/VFLK5x5SE4I/AAAAAAAAC8k/DM87_BGrKWo/s1600/donna.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna Scherer (L.Miller)</td></tr>
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After the presentation, Donna Scherer, Master Gardener Coordinator for Franklin County, gave a brief recap of the year's highlights. Listed in the 2014 Annual Report for Franklin County it is noted that there were 97 active Master Gardeners who logged 1,078 continuing education hours and 9,630 volunteer hours. It is estimated that those volunteer hours have a time value of $211,282. A number of spouses were recognized for their volunteer time contributions as well.<br />
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Nina Redding, District Extension Director, made brief remarks on the accomplishments of the Master Gardener. Donna then handed out both recognition certificates and the coveted MG hour badges with volunteer hours listed (500, 1000, etc.).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The 2014 Master Gardener class was recognized.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYYhtdFTf9k/VFLK69a28-I/AAAAAAAAC88/4OQia-QHuJM/s1600/new%2Bclass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYYhtdFTf9k/VFLK69a28-I/AAAAAAAAC88/4OQia-QHuJM/s1600/new%2Bclass.jpg" height="171" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L-R) Verna Rife, Darlene Sord, Donna Scherer, Ruth Young, Cathy Campbell, <br />
Jessica Kauffman, Pat Glasgow, Ron Schlecht (L.Miller) Not present: Jane Birt, Krista Cowan, Trey Gelbach, Walter Wray</td></tr>
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Master Gardeners who achieved the 100 hour volunteer mark did not get MG hour badges but were recognized with certificates.<br />
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<em>Jane Birt - David Brashier - Cathy Campbell - Patricia Glasgow - Colleen Johnson - Jessica Kauffman - Paul Luka - John McGinley - Diane Morgan - Billy Morningstar - Tom Newcomer - Cindy Scanzello - Ronald Schlecht - Judith Scriptunas - Ruth Young</em></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Volunteers with 500 hours</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HzsFNyA4oU/VFLJsySOiCI/AAAAAAAAC7s/yS0Og5y9JT0/s1600/500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HzsFNyA4oU/VFLJsySOiCI/AAAAAAAAC7s/yS0Og5y9JT0/s1600/500.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L-R) Barbara Boyer, Penny Buckus, Jerry Lewis, Carol Kagan, Juanita Kauffman,<br />
Diane Keeney, Georgia Townsend (L. Miller) Not present: Cindy Fair</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Diane Fusting and Cindy Stead achieved the 1000 hour status.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQl2rpwfOhc/VFLK5-stj-I/AAAAAAAAC8o/jNq9CKyQvq8/s1600/diane%2Band%2Bcindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQl2rpwfOhc/VFLK5-stj-I/AAAAAAAAC8o/jNq9CKyQvq8/s1600/diane%2Band%2Bcindy.jpg" height="200" width="188" /></a></div>
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Both Linda Horst and Denise Lucas hit to 1500 hour mark.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSTUt7Y0uWE/VFLJwLM1y4I/AAAAAAAAC78/4Yvq3K4vLh8/s1600/denise%2Band%2Bdonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSTUt7Y0uWE/VFLJwLM1y4I/AAAAAAAAC78/4Yvq3K4vLh8/s1600/denise%2Band%2Bdonna.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise Lucas and Donna Scherer (L.Miller) Not present: Linda Horst</td></tr>
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Still just a bit behind in the race for top hours was Barb Petrucci, snapping at Nancy Miller's heels with 2000 hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AtFDmtStSqI/VFLJvLjvGOI/AAAAAAAAC70/kv7xkW5vPZA/s1600/barb%2Band%2Bdonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AtFDmtStSqI/VFLJvLjvGOI/AAAAAAAAC70/kv7xkW5vPZA/s1600/barb%2Band%2Bdonna.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb Petrucci and Donna Scherer (L. Miller)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And Nancy Miller with this year's top number of 2500 hours.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vN7LTFuna2I/VFLK68RcoiI/AAAAAAAAC80/E4lWAOVB--o/s1600/nancy%2Band%2Bdonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vN7LTFuna2I/VFLK68RcoiI/AAAAAAAAC80/E4lWAOVB--o/s1600/nancy%2Band%2Bdonna.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy Miller and Donna Scherer (L. Miller)</td></tr>
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The program ended 15 minutes early and everyone took the opportunity to catch up and socialize before slipping out into a much chillier evening than it was earlier.Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-22472201284115693302014-10-28T11:54:00.001-04:002014-10-28T11:55:55.339-04:00HERBS 103: Harvesting, Preserving & Overwintering Workshop Reportby Carol Kagan, Penn State Master Gardener, Franklin County<br />
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Although it was a crisp autumn start at this October 18 workshop, 17 attendees and 7 (yes, 7) Master Gardeners had a fun and informative (according to the evaluations) session.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXVCOPpQtSA/VEV_JKCk02I/AAAAAAAAC1E/WWFw4woT9J4/s1600/pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXVCOPpQtSA/VEV_JKCk02I/AAAAAAAAC1E/WWFw4woT9J4/s1600/pepper.jpg" /></a></div>
At their seats attendees found peppermint cuttings that Jerry Lewis brought in. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tObukUoNS18/VEV8-e2l1aI/AAAAAAAAC0g/OldSy6KMyxg/s1600/herb%2Bbags.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tObukUoNS18/VEV8-e2l1aI/AAAAAAAAC0g/OldSy6KMyxg/s1600/herb%2Bbags.png" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
Carol Kagan talked about air drying herbs and Trey Gelbach showed his dehydrator, putting in some herbs which he brought out near the end of the morning to demonstrate how quickly and thoroughly they dried. Barb Petrucci passed around samples of roses and other flowers she either air dried or dried with a desiccant. The difference in the colors and shapes were evident. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BArKwrnf3VY/VEV-dUJCXaI/AAAAAAAAC00/etFvd1qONhw/s1600/rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BArKwrnf3VY/VEV-dUJCXaI/AAAAAAAAC00/etFvd1qONhw/s1600/rose.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Barb, Jerry, Trey and Sue McMorris led the group over to the herb garden with baskets and shears where attendees were able to harvest a variety of herbs and flowers to take home. Popular take-aways were lavender and gomphrena.<br />
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Jean Schlecht and Maria Giles set out the refreshments and Maria put materials at each seat for a hands-on activity to prepare herbs to dry in the refrigerator. <br />
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When everyone returned from the gardens, refreshments were served and the hot mulled cider was popular. In addition there was cold cider, lemon-grass infused water, Apple Sage cake and Lavender Tea Biscuits (recipes below), as well as Trey's homemade dip of smoked jalapeno with homemade crostini and Sue's dill dip with chips.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZROrENh0sg/VEWA0YvbhrI/AAAAAAAAC1g/i1GbEqZcVro/s1600/images0DUGLFUG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZROrENh0sg/VEWA0YvbhrI/AAAAAAAAC1g/i1GbEqZcVro/s1600/images0DUGLFUG.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a></div>
Sue shared more methods of drying herbs including freezing and screen drying and reviewed the best way to preserve a variety of culinary herbs for later use. <br />
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Maria went over <a href="http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2014/07/snip-your-herbs-use-or-save-for-winter.html" target="_blank">preserving herbs by drying in the refrigerator</a> and had everyone folding up their thyme into neat little envelopes. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kT-qn31TRM4/VEV-rlYouSI/AAAAAAAAC08/tLLQnxkr7QE/s1600/drying%2Bfold%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kT-qn31TRM4/VEV-rlYouSI/AAAAAAAAC08/tLLQnxkr7QE/s1600/drying%2Bfold%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
Trey, self-proclaimed "chili-head," showed off a variety of home-grown peppers, some of which were air dried and some smoked, passing these around along with some of the chili powders he made from them. Here he pulled some of the herbs from the dehydrator to show how fast they dried.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcVJ6a0TDxo/VEV_0ltazOI/AAAAAAAAC1U/ZxDeKILXHAA/s1600/chilis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcVJ6a0TDxo/VEV_0ltazOI/AAAAAAAAC1U/ZxDeKILXHAA/s1600/chilis.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
Carol reviewed the three methods to overwinter herbs: Protect outdoor perennials, bring plants inside, and create an indoor garden from seed, plant division or rooting cuttings. She also demonstrated pruning a winter savory (or perhaps a thyme plant, as there was a bit of pleasant dissent among the Master Gardeners as to which it was) and tips for rooting.<br />
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Along the way our students asked many good questions and among the seven Master Gardeners answers were found and sometimes explanations and cautions mentioned. Some of the participants attended all three of this year's Herb Series and received "Herb Enthusiast" certificates.<br />
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The session ended as Jerry shared some of his tips, especially about seed saving, and Jean Schlecht distributed the parsley and honey-melon sage she brought to share.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4xywQlIO50/VEV_gxyEf2I/AAAAAAAAC1M/ABQZreR65UE/s1600/honey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4xywQlIO50/VEV_gxyEf2I/AAAAAAAAC1M/ABQZreR65UE/s1600/honey.png" height="160" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey melon sage (Salvia)</td></tr>
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As per request, here are the two recipes for refreshments served at the workshop.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CLIiyPa6FU/VEMeeSKcWtI/AAAAAAAAC0E/h-j35-IV7Rk/s1600/LAVENDAR%2Bcolor%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CLIiyPa6FU/VEMeeSKcWtI/AAAAAAAAC0E/h-j35-IV7Rk/s1600/LAVENDAR%2Bcolor%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Lavender Tea Biscuits</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> (Makes 6 doz. little 1” biscuits)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Ingredients</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">½ C. softened butter (1 stick)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span>½ C. sugar</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span>1 egg</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span>1 C. self-rising flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1 <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span>½</span></span></span> Tbsps. lavender buds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Preheat the oven to 350° F.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Cream the butter, sugar and egg. Add flour and lavender buds and mix well. Wrap and roll the mixture into 1" tubes (about 4 or 5 tubes) and refrigerate for 1 hour. *</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Spray a mini-muffin tin with non-stick spray. Spoon marble-size (small) pieces of dough into each cup. Gently press with a wooden pestle dipped into water or sugar or use the back of a small spoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Bake 10-12 minutes. Remove while warm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">* Alternately you can freeze the tubes of mixture to use later. Cut 1/4" or smaller slices from the tube and place on a parchment covered baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></u></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Apple Sage Cake</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> (9”x13” pan)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Ingredients</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBCpgXqQtgk/VEMhFQt9jsI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/ESCEz_lVK2w/s1600/apple%2Bsage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBCpgXqQtgk/VEMhFQt9jsI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/ESCEz_lVK2w/s1600/apple%2Bsage.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">3 large eggs, room temperature</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1 ½ C. sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">¾ C. vegetable oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1/ ½ C. all-purpose flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1 ½ tsp. baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1 tsp. salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">3 C. Granny Smith apples, peeled and shredded (about 3 apples)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">½ C. fresh sage leaves, minced fine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Preheat the oven to 375° F.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Butter a 9”x13” baking pan and line it with parchment paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar and oil. Add in flour, baking soda and salt. Mix until well combined. Stir in apples and sage and mix well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pour into baking pan, releasing the air bubbles. Bake approximately 30 minutes, until the cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Let cool and serve as a cake or cut into small bites.</span></div>
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Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-74611983015603315052014-10-28T00:23:00.002-04:002014-10-28T00:23:41.698-04:00Tomato Day Tasting ResultsJust so we'll know where to find this information in the future, here are the Tomato Day 2014 Taste Test Results.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-435o5vVToC4/VE8aDcMtq9I/AAAAAAAAC2M/KkiKATA4t4s/s1600/Photo%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-435o5vVToC4/VE8aDcMtq9I/AAAAAAAAC2M/KkiKATA4t4s/s1600/Photo%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for the taste test (Laurie Collins)</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Here are the results from today's Tomato Tasting event.<br /><br /> Best Overall<br /><br /> 1) Old Brooks 915<br /> 2) Chef's Choice 908 <br /> 3) Striped German 905<br /> 4) Pink Bumble Bee 883<br /> 5) Pink Boar 855<br /> 6) Blush 848<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><br /> Best Flavor<br /><br /> 1) Striped German 437 and Pink Bumble Bee 437 came in tie for first place<br /> 2) Old Brooks 429<br /> 3) Blush 419<br /> 4) Orange Russian 416<br /> 5) Chef's Choice 402<br /> 6) Pink Boar 394<br /><br /> Best Appearance<br /><br /> 1) Chef's Choice 506<br /> 2) Old Brooks 486<br /> 3) Striped German 468<br /> 4) Pink Boar 460<br /> 5) Better Boy 458<br /> 6) Striped Roma 452<br /><br /> A big thank you to all the master gardeners who helped to make this event possible and a big thank you to all of the folks who came out in the rain to do the judging. Hope to see you again next year!<br />
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</span></span>Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028223139342330764.post-21523821137710166102014-10-27T21:35:00.000-04:002014-10-27T21:35:08.956-04:00December Holiday Decor Workshops Will Fill Quicklyby Carol Kagan, Master Gardener<br />
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It is always disheartening to tell a caller that a workshop is full. Don't be that caller!!<br />
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Register now for these popular Franklin County Master Gardener workshops. Class size is limited so call now. And ask to be added to the e-mailing or mailing list to get announcements of all our workshops and events for 2015.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Fresh Holiday Wreath Workshop</span></h4>
Thursday, December 4, 2014 – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. <br />
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Learn how to make your own evergreen wreath, and take home your finished product. Cost is $15. To register, please call Penn State Extension Franklin County at 717-263-9226. Class size is limited. Ag Heritage Building – 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfR6m8L3lhI/VE7wmjZ9dTI/AAAAAAAAC1w/-RLGR90mNGY/s1600/Contemporary_Single_Candle_Centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfR6m8L3lhI/VE7wmjZ9dTI/AAAAAAAAC1w/-RLGR90mNGY/s1600/Contemporary_Single_Candle_Centerpiece.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example - does not represent centerpieces made in the workshop.</td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Fresh Holiday Centerpiece Workshop</span></h4>
Saturday, December 6, 2014 – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.<br />
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Make a fresh centerpiece for your holiday table. Cost is $25. To register, please call Penn State Extension Franklin County at 717-263-9226. Class size is limited. Ag Heritage Building – 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202. <br />
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Carol Kaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525519254584083389noreply@blogger.com0