by Tracey L. Carson, Delaware County Master Gardener
A new and exciting program has blown into Chester, and once again the Delaware County Master Gardeners are at the helm. As if the volunteer work that they already do at the Main Street School in the Chester-Upland School District, the Intergenerational Gardens at 6th and Morton Streets, and the Eastside Ministries at 9th and Porter Streets wasn’t enough, now this energetic group of volunteers has taken on a remarkably innovative project at the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. These efforts are being led by Master Gardeners Hope Jones-Gary and Barbara Wark. The Center is located on 15th Street, one block from Rte. 352, near Widener.
The Master Gardeners are working hand-in-hand with the Center’s Educational Director, Rod Powell. Since its implementation in October, the venture has been an overwhelming success. The clients are extremely enthusiastic and thrilled about the undertaking.
The activities take place twice a month. Stage one began with improving the soil in the planting beds, after they were immaculately weeded by Center patrons. Stage two followed with Hope Jones-Gary first explaining the process for planting spring bulbs, and then full participation in a hands-on-segment. The Master Gardeners have phased into a wide range of indoor gardener recreations for the winter, which include regular presentations and activities throughout the season.
Despite the fact that the Delaware County Master Gardener volunteer organization remains diligently in service at places such as the Broomall Presbyterian Nursing Home, Holcomb House in Aston, Melmark Home in Berwyn, Family Matters Day Care in Clifton Heights, Mischa House in Media, and Merry Place Playground and Garden in Havertown, Chester always remains at the forefront of their selfless endeavors. For more information about these programs, and others, contact Delaware County Master Gardener Coordinator Linda Barry at 610-690-2655, or visit their website.
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.
May 10, 2008
Invasive Plants
Learn to recognize and control plants that have been introduced to the USA and are now taking over our landscapes. We'll suggest alternative native plants to use in place of those aggressive invasives. Cost: $10
Registration required for all events except Arbor Day. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website
