Mark your calendars for Gardens in the Parks, a showcase of gardens and projects in two county parks by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Allegheny County.
The first event will be held on July 29 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the North Park Demonstration Gardens at the corner of Babcock Boulevard and Wildwood Road.
From 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Aug. 19, the newly envisioned gardens in South Park make their debut with master of ceremonies and Penn State Master Gardener Rania Harris. The gardens are adjacent to the South Park Theatre at the corner of Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive.
North Park hosts a satellite site for Penn State’s annual Flower Trials. Check out the newest plant offerings from growers and vote for your favorite annual. Visitors provide valuable feedback to Penn State and growers on plants that hold appeal for your own garden.
The plantings around the Veterans Memorial showcase perennials that attract pollinators and highlight the beauty and versatility of native plants. One section features plants that survive in seasonally damp soils, a common dilemma with our local clay soils. Behind the memorial are containers that appeal to the senses; children can touch, smell and see the myriad ways plants appeal to people.
Capping off the North Park Demonstration Gardens is a curved bed with a whimsical garden vignette of “pot people” constructed of terra cotta pots. A creative mix of annuals create the scene, with the pot people showing off the many amenities North Park provides.
Garden talks are scheduled every half hour at North Park on July 29. Here’s the schedule:
• 9:30 a.m. Safety Tips for Senior Gardeners
• 10:00 a.m. Tomato Sauce and Tea on the Back Porch
• 10:30 a.m. Mulch Madness
• 11:00 a.m. Secrets to Deer-Resistant Gardening
• 11:30 a.m. More than a Garnish for Iced Tea: The Mint Family
• 12:00 p.m. Operation Monarch
• 12:30 p.m. Buzz About Bees
The gardens at South Park are undergoing a transformation, and Master Gardener Martha Swiss will kick off the Aug. 19 Gardens in the Parks event with an overview of the plan for the garden. A “Moon Garden” will feature blue and white foliage and flowers that are delicate in the daytime and dazzling in the evening. More gardens will be designed and installed each year.
Presentations at South Park will be held at the theater’s outdoor Children’s Stage. Here’s the schedule:
• 10:00 a.m. Welcome to the New South Park Learning Garden
• 10:30 a.m. Mulch Madness
• 11:00 Native Bees
• 11:30 Straw Bale Gardening
• 12:00 p.m. Deer-Resistant Gardening
• 12:30 p.m. Growing Organic Fruits at Home
Both gardens will be staffed by Master Gardeners ready to share their knowledge and answer gardening questions. Organizations that educate and raise awareness on all aspects of outdoor living will be there, including local park rangers and regional environmental and horticulture groups.
Specialty groups with interests in mushrooms, rock gardens and birds will also share their knowledge. Note that groups and speakers will vary, so check out the links for further details. Children’s activities will be offered at both locations, so bring the entire family! For more information, go to extension.psu.edu.
Carol Papas is a Penn State Master Gardener. This volunteer program supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension and provides research-based information on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. Information: alleghenymg@psu.edu or 412-482-3476.
First Published: July 21, 2023, 9:30 a.m.
Updated: July 22, 2023, 1:53 a.m.
