(File Photo of a Sunflower)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver County, PA) The Penn State Master Gardeners of Beaver County announced its second biannual Demonstration Garden Discovery Tour. It is themed “Gardening Since the Revolution,” and it will take place on Friday, July 17th and Saturday, July 18th. The activities start with a prequel event on Friday at Penn State Beaver at 5-8 p.m. and the self-driving, self-guided tour of five gardens will begin on Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Guests will explore five beautiful demonstration gardens in the county so they can discover how historic gardening practices can connect with modern, research-based techniques. You can register for this event by calling 877-345-0691 or by going to extension.psu.edu/demo-garden-discovery-tour by clicking here. This year’s tour is made possible in part through grant funding from America250PA – Beaver County. According to a report from the Beaver County Times, here is more information about the event:
Community booths and local vendors will greet visitors in the quad area outside the upper level of the Student Union Building. Visitors who wish to register for the tour may do so during the prequel event, but pre-registration is highly encouraged. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for youth age 10-18, and free for children under 10.
Registered participants will check in and receive a tote bag with a tour booklet and access bracelet. They will then enter the Student Union Building where they can enjoy light refreshments and a series of four brief, engaging presentations on related garden topics. These sessions will highlight several historical aspects of gardening, including heirloom seed saving, dyeing textiles with plants, home food preservation, and more, introducing themes that the gardens on the tour demonstrate. The gardens that will be toured are as follows:
Beaver Station Demonstration Garden in Beaver
Spring Street Demonstration Garden in Aliquippa
Old Economy Village in Ambridge
Vegetable, Fruit, and Herb Demonstration Garden in Brighton Township
Vicary Mansion in Freedom
Each location highlights both educational and historical themes, with supporting materials available on-site. Master Gardeners will be present at all locations on Saturday to offer guidance, answer questions, and share additional resources. Participants can take their time to explore the gardens and become inspired with ideas for their own gardens while learning how a variety of gardening practices are rooted in both tradition and science.