2014 Great Garden Contest Small Garden Winner: Edgewood Garden Created On A Shoestring

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Allegheny County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you think you need lots of time and money to have a great garden, think again.

Eric D’Ambrogi’s garden in Edgewood, which he entered “on a lark,” won first place in the small garden category of the Great Gardens Contest, early summer judging period.

The retired Deer Lakes school teacher has managed to construct a winning landscape on a shoestring using re-purposed building materials and plants that he’s found or received as gifts from other gardeners. The contest is co-sponsored and judged by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

“My garden has been a work in progress for the past 10 years,” he said in his entry essay. “When I bought my home, the backyard was a blank space with three very large pine trees, an overgrown holly tree and a falling apart carport.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/life/garden/2014/08/09/Edgewood-garden-created-on-a-shoestring/stories/201408090007#ixzz39uaET62I

York County Peaches Survive Winter

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting York County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Janet Grossman says here’s nothing like a fresh local peach.

The 46-year-old York Township resident bought a bushel Wednesday morning at Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market.

“I might make a pie, but really I’m happy just to have them as a snack,” Grossman said.

Brown’s, at 8892 Susquehanna Trail South in Loganville, has been selling some of its 25 varieties for more than a week.

Read more: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_26172231/york-county-peaches-survive-winter

Rep. Mark Painter: Farmers’ Market Vouchers Available For Seniors.

SANATOGA, PA –  State Rep. Mark Painter, D-Montgomery, reminds older residents about a program that provides low-income seniors with vouchers redeemable for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at local farmers’ markets.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides qualified seniors with four vouchers totaling $20 that they may exchange for Pennsylvania-grown produce. Recipients are given a list of participating farmers and farmers’ markets when they receive their checks.

“This program is immensely beneficial for senior citizens to enhance their daily diet with nutritious produce grown right here in Pennsylvania,” said Painter, a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

To qualify, recipients must be 60 or older by Dec. 31, with a total household income before taxes of less than $21,589 for a single person, $29,100 for a couple and $36,611 for a family of three, based on 2013 income.

The vouchers will be distributed at the Pottstown Cluster from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays and Fridays; and at the Pottstown Senior Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The vouchers, made available through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, are distributed on a first-come basis.

Painter said constituents with questions may contact his office at 610-326-9563.

Contact: Tom Andrews, 717-787-7895

Container Gardens Spring Up In Pottstown, Great Alternative For Beginners

POTTSTOWN — The sun is shining on some days and the rain is pouring on others, which makes it the season of gardening.

Although it’s the season to grow, gardening can seem intimidating for people who’ve never done it before.

Garden manager Laura Washington of the MOSAIC Pottstown Community Gardens said container gardening is a great option for beginners.

“It allows for gardeners to contain their garden in a small space,” she said.

Container gardening is also preferable for people with limitations such as arthritis in their knees, Washington said. People can place their carton on a stool or tabletop and work sitting down, she said.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/lifestyle/20140429/container-gardens-spring-up-in-pottstown-great-alternative-for-beginners

The Produce And Information Stand Will Open Again This Saturday At The Mosaic Community Garden

Thanks to our generous garden members and our generous garden plots, we have plenty tomatoes, green peppers, herbs and local fruit for sale!

Stop by and pick up the latest copy of Organic Gardening or other information on food justice and where to buy fresh, wholesome foods in our local area!  We have a list of local organizations and companies who offer nothing but the best.  Pick up a copy during your garden visit this Saturday!

The stand and information stand will be open for business on Saturday, October 5th at 9:30 AM sharp!

Be sure to get there early so you don’t miss out on some of the super-fresh items being offered Saturday!  This may be your last chance…

Summer Of 2013 Suits Crops Just Swell

Editor’s note:  A good reason to buy local and support local growers!

A hot and rainy July has left Berks County crops looking good and tasting great.

“They’ve been beautiful,” Carolyn Preston said Friday of the 25 varieties of peaches she grows at her South Heidelberg Township orchard.  “I’ve been selling out within hours.”

Peaches are picked and sold daily at Preston Orchards, 168 Preston Road, and are never put in cold storage so they don’t lose flavor, she said.

“We’ve been getting the best of both worlds,” she said of the heat and rain.  “The apples are looking good, too.”

Read more:  http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=496174

Wilkes-Barre Farmers Market Is Back, And With It Comes The Sights And Smells Of Summer

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Luzerne County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WILKES-BARRE — Three young men were walking around the Farmers’ Market on Thursday around noon and one of them said, “Wow, there sure are a lot of good smells here.”

An accurate assessment of the opening of the 40th Farmers’ Market on Public Square. But the smells weren’t the only things for the senses to enjoy — there were tastes, bargains, music, sunshine and fun.

“There’s lots of stuff here,” said Debbie Rutkoski of Larksville, who was on her lunch break from her job at Wilkes University.  “This is so good for the downtown.

I wish there were more events on Public Square.”

Larry Newman, executive director of the Diamond City Partnership, the key downtown management organization in the city, said there will be more events downtown.  He said the Farmers’ Market is the embodiment of a city’s downtown.

Read more:  http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/615828/W-Bs-roots-return-to-city

Buy Fresh Buy Local invites York County Residents To Discover Locally Grown Food And To Support Area Farmers

“Food. 1-buy it with thought, 2-cook it with care, 3-use less wheat and meat, 4-buy local foods, 5-serve just enough… – NARA – 512592 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Editor’s note:  We here at Roy’s Rants fully support any Buy Fresh Buy Local program!

York County Buy Fresh Buy Local invites you to learn more about the home grown goodness York County has to offer.

Miller Plant Farm will host the Tastes of York event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 15 with sample goods from local vendors and musical entertainment.

BFBL is about supporting local farmers and growers and helping consumers to un derstand the importance of buying locally grown foods and how to find those local growers.

“Nutrition is tied to freshness. Why buy some thing that is shipped when you can find fresh food grown right here in York County?,” Dave Miller said.

The proceeds from Tastes of York go to sup port Buy Fresh Buy Local and to help pay for the food guide for this year, he said.

Read more: http://www.inyork.com/community/ci_23384025/homegrown-goodness

Mosaic Community Gardens Work/Fun Day

Pottstown, PA— Have you ever wanted to have your own garden, but didn’t have enough room in your yard?  Would you like your children to learn how to grow their own fresh vegetables, but don’t know where to begin?  Would you like to meet a diverse group of individuals who love spending time outdoors?

The MOSAIC Community Land Trust Community Garden is waiting for YOU! Located at 423 Chestnut Street.

The community garden is now accepting applications for this year’s growing season!  On Saturday, April 13^th from 9-12 – the garden will host its first Work & Play day of the season.  There will be a brief information session to explain what community gardens are all about and to take applications for raised bed garden plots for the 2013 season.  There will be a wide range of free seeds and seedlings for garden plot owners to dig in and plant that day.

Garden plot owners pay a small annual fee to lease their plot and actively cultivate it throughout the entire growing season.  The MOSAIC encourages new and seasoned gardeners alike to be a part of this neighborly experience.  Individuals, families, community organizations, youth groups, and local restaurants are all welcome to apply for a plot.

Can’t make on the 13th?  The next Garden Work & Play Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 20^th from 9-12. Please make a note of it and plan to attend.

For more information, contact Laura Washington, Garden Manager, at 484-300-2410 or wash5000@msn.com.

Collegeville Farmers Market Gets A Jump On Second Season

COLLEGEVILLE, PA – Is one of your favorite days of the year the day the farmers’ markets open for the season?

Much-needed relief from a long, up-and-down winter will be sent on Saturday, with predicted temperatures in the 80s and, more importantly, the opening of the Collegeville Farmers’ Market.

Helping CFM launch its second season are returning vendors like the ever-popular gelato folks (Jenny & Frank’s) and first-of-the-season veggies – lettuce, swiss chard and the like – from Down Home Acres in Fleetwood.

Hand-crafted gifts, locally grown and produced artisan foods, activities for the entire family, and the music of Kendal Conrad round out the market’s 2012 debut.

Read more: http://business-news.thestreet.com/the-times-herald/story/collegeville-farmers-market-gets-jump-second-season/1

MOSAIC Community Land Trust, Pottstown – Registration April 28, May 5, May 12

Pottstown, PA, 4/23/2012 — Mosaic Community Land Trust is holding registration and orientation for new members of its community garden at 423 Chestnut Street on the following Saturdays: April 28, May 5, and May 12 from 9 AM to 12 PM at the garden.  On May 5th gardeners will be able to choose the plants they would like in their own plot, and the plants will be delivered to the garden on May 12, which will be a day for planting.

There are plots still available for this season.  Plot rates are $25 for households with incomes below $30,000; those with incomes above this level will pay $50.  Groups and organizations can plant a plot for a flat $100.00 season fee.  In addition to offering families a safe place to grow healthy, organic food, this fee includes the choice of plants, water on-site, the use of Mosaic tools, workshops, and advice from experienced gardeners.  Children are welcome and the garden is available for field trips for students.

To apply and register for your plot or to set up a field trip, please contact Sue Repko at 609-658-9043 or srepko@mosaiccommunitylandtrust.org or Mary-Beth Bacallao Lydon at flyeredup8831@gmail.com.

MOSAIC Community Land Trust was established in 2011 and is a registered 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit organization. MOSAIC Community Land Trust provides permanently affordable housing and healthy living choices to people of modest means, and through education and participation, creates a vital community with a focus on arts and culture to stabilize neighborhoods and improve the quality of life in Pottstown.

Allentown Wins National Award For Fighting Childhood Obesity

The future of the city’s fruit-and-vegetable green cart is no longer followed by a question mark.

Allentown took home a first-place national award — and a $120,000 grant — for the program, securing its immediate future fighting childhood obesity.

Six cities were honored nationally. Allentown was the only city in Pennsylvania to win recognition for the award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Beverage Association.

“More than 40 percent of our kids are either overweight or obese,” Mayor Ed Pawlowski said. “We are tackling that problem head-on.”

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-allentown-obesity-prevention-award-20120118,0,2108514.story

Upcoming Pottstown Events Sponsored By CPR

Image via Wikipedia

Sat. – May 21, 2011 – Garden Party at the Park – From 10am – 1pm
Help plant a garden in the park.  We will be putting a small vegetable garden beside the Police Sub Station building.  Plants, mulch and soil donated by Colonial Gardens, Phoenixville and the raised vegetable garden courtesy of Genesis Housing Corp.  We will also discuss the mural that is planned for the park.  Light refreshments will be served.

 

Sat. – June 4, 2011 (Rain Date – June 11) – Science in the Park – From 12pm – 3pm
Several local scientists will demonstrate interactive and fascinating science experiments geared to amaze elementary and middle school age children.  Event sponsored by Genesis Housing Corp. and Arkema Inc.  Food will be served to event participants.

 

Looking for Volunteers for both events:
Setup
Food Prep and Service (Light food Donations for Garden Party)
Clean-up
General Help

Please Respond if interested in helping.

Best Regards,
Anna Johnson

vivapottstown@hotmail.com