by Nancy Simons, Delaware County Master Gardener
In the tradition of community advisorship, Penn State Master Gardeners have taken on another project in Media.
Misa House is a residential facility for emotionally challenged women in transition. Residents learn independent functioning skills such as personal hygiene, shopping, and housekeeping. In 2004, the Master Gardeners were approached by Holcomb Behavioral Systems administrators of the facility, to help set up gardens and landscaping as part of a therapeutic as well as a learning process for them.
The men’s facility, Holcomb House in Aston, was the forerunner of the program. Since then, the male residents have tended their crops and reaped the rewards of their efforts. A year later, Misa House, the sister-house in the program joined in the development of its own gardens.
Residential Coordinator Fred Davis is proud of the successful programs residents of both houses have established. “They take pride in what they grow as they see the process developing,” he said. “From the planting, the growing, the tending, to the table – they are involved in every aspect of the gardening process.”
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
April 12, 2008
Peonies
Explore gardening with peonies. Join Eleanor Tickner, owner of A Peony Garden for a discussion about the unabashed "Queens of the Garden." Cost: $10
April 26, 2008
Arbor Day Celebration
Join us at Smedley Park for an afternoon of educational activities for children that are designed to stimulate interest in trees and the environment. We'll provide hands-on experience in planting trees. Contact Elsie Mueller at 610-626-7210 or email for more information.
Registration required for all events except Arbor Day. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website
