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You might say it all started with Isaac, an extremely personable, pot-bellied pig… Karen Phillips, a doctor of veterinary medicine, rescued the tiny little piglet from almost certain death. After much love and rehabilitation, Isaac proved to be a wonderful, charming friend. “He would romp and jump like a puppy, seek me out for companionship and give me looks that were so expressive,” said Phillips, who said she was always able to read the little piglet’s thoughts.
The Master Gardeners of Allegheny County were recognized with two first place awards in the Search for Excellence Program, at the 2012 Pennsylvania Master Gardener Conference, held in State College, last month. Judged by coordinators from counties throughout the Commonwealth, these awards identify exceptional volunteer projects that make a significant contribution to the community.
Mr. Yuk is green, Mr. Yuk is mean….This spring, the Penn State Master Gardeners of Allegheny County, with the help of Mr. Yuk, taught an important lesson in Poison Prevention to 666 first graders at twelve different Pittsburgh city schools.
Master Gardeners have been presenting educational programs to the general public though the Backyard Gardening Lectures since 2003. These programs are offered at numerous sites throughout Allegheny County and address a variety of gardening topics from basic gardening skills to native plants to preserving the harvest.
Buy your garden seeds from Renee’s Garden Seeds and 25% of the order value will be donated to the Allegheny County Master Gardener organization. Here’s how it works: Simply go to www.reneesgarden.com and choose from the wide selection of seeds for heirloom and gourmet vegetables, cottage garden flowers and culinary herbs, special seed collections, and great kitchen garden cookbooks. At check out, just enter the code FR229A in the coupon code box on the checkout page - that’s it! Renee’s Garden will send a year- end check to Penn State Master Gardeners of Allegheny County for 25% of all orders who use this fundraising discount code. Code expires December 31 each year. This is a year-round, on-going fundraiser, so order regularly for spring, fall and holiday gifts. Spread the word to your friends and family and thank you for your support!
Many gardeners hesitate to put their work and money into spring flowering bulbs because they have had bad experiences with chipmunks and voles damaging the bulbs, or with rabbits and deer eating the plants once they grow in spring. When the vision of bountiful spring flowers imagined when placing the order and planting the bulbs does not materialize, it is hard to blame them. However, there are many lovely species of bulbs that resist animal damage without repellants, chicken wire cages or fencing. True, I’m not talking about tulips and most crocus varieties, but the array of other bulbs available that shine without much effort of your part will make you forget all about them.
A disease called oak wilt has been identified in my neighborhood. I have three red oak trees that make my backyard a shady haven and I would hate to lose them. How can I protect my trees?
A soil test offers a road map indicating what your soil needs to produce strong, healthy plants, trees, flowers, vegetables, and lawns. A water test checks the condition of your drinking water, irrigation water, pond water and other water sources.
