Winter Sowing Workshop, Grove Family Library
Thursday December 2nd, 2021 * 2:00 PM
Get a jump on the spring garden by growing your own seedlings in DIY mini greenhouses.
Join Master Gardeners for this hands-on workshop.
Learn how to make a greenhouse from a milk jug.
Plant flower seeds for pollinators.
Put your greenhouse outside all winter.
Watch the seedlings grow in the spring.
Flowers will attract pollinators to your garden, butterflies, bee, moths and other insects.
Space is limited to 15 participants. Please pre-register at the library or visit their Facebook Page

Garden Talks at The Institute at Renfrew
The Institute at Renfrew announces a new series of small-group garden talks. Conducted by three of the Institute’s gardening experts, the talks will take place in the four-square garden at Renfrew Park.
The talks will cover a wide range of topics, including gardening basics and tips, plant families, tomatoes, herbs, soil, water and fertilizing, insects, cool weather planting, companion planting, garden crop rotation, planting and harvesting schedules and more,” said Pam Hind Rowland, the Institute’s director of historical studies and an accomplished gardener.
The other presenters are Melissa Irwin, the Institute’s garden director, and Doris Goldman, former garden director. Goldman was instrumental in planning and creating the four-square garden, which is based on historic Pennsylvania German gardens.
“Although we will be talking within our four-square garden, the topics covered will apply to anyone’s home garden,” Irwin said.
In compliance with Franklin County’s Green Phase, safety measures are in place for the talks. They are outdoors only; no indoor activities. All participants should bring a mask. Mask use is optional during appropriate (6 foot) distancing, and required when appropriate distancing isn’t possible. There is no seating available in the garden.
Pre-registration is required. The fee for each program is $5. To register, email the Institute at info@instituteatrenfrew.org or call 717-762-0373.
For more information, Click here.

Institute at Renfrew Garden Talks
The Institute at Renfrew announces a new series of small-group garden talks. Conducted by three of the Institute’s gardening experts, the talks will take place in the four-square garden at Renfrew Park.
The series begins on August 4, and will run on six Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 8.
The talks will cover a wide range of topics from gardening basics and tips to plant families, companion planting, garden crop rotation and more,” said Pam Hind Rowland, the Institute’s director of historical studies and an accomplished gardener.
The other presenters are Melissa Irwin, the Institute’s garden director, and Doris Goldman, former garden director. Goldman was instrumental in planning and creating the four-square garden, which is based on historic Pennsylvania German gardens.
“Although we will be talking within our four-square garden, the topics covered will apply to anyone’s home garden,” Irwin said. “We’ll move about the four-square garden to illustrate some of the topics discussed.”
The scheduled topics are as follows:
Aug. 4: Plant Families: An Overview
Aug. 11: Gardening Basics and Tips
Aug. 18: Herbs
Aug. 25: Using the Principles of Nature for Success in the Garden: Soil, Water, and Fertilizer
Sept. 1: Beneficial Insects, Pests, and Plant Diseases
Sept. 8: Using Plants as Natural Dyes
In compliance with Franklin County’s Green Phase, safety measures are in place for the talks. They are outdoors only; no indoor activities. All participants should bring a mask. Mask use is optional during appropriate (6 foot) distancing, and required when appropriate distancing isn’t possible. There is no seating available in the garden.
Pre-registration is required. The cost is $5. To register, email the Institute at info@instituteatrenfrew.org or call 717-762-0373. Payment must be received before reservation can be confirmed, and PayPal is available on the Institute website: www.instituteatrenfrew.org. Participation is limited to 15 people per session.
This program is underwritten in part by Marge Kiersz, Lucinda D. Potter, CPA, and SEK CPAs and Advisors, with additional support from The Institute at Renfrew’s Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; The John R. Hershey Jr. and Anna L. Hershey Family Foundation; APX Enclosures, Inc.; and the Carolyn Terry Eddy Family: Carolyn, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin. Facility support is provided courtesy of Renfrew Museum and Park.
Parking is in Renfrew Park’s lower lot. If unable to walk to the four-square garden, arrangements may be made to park behind the Fahnestock barn, adjacent to the garden. (Please contact the Institute office.)

Franklin Fresh Food & Dining Guide
The Franklin County Visitor’s Bureau is reaching out to visitors and residents to dine and explore fresh food and fun in Franklin County with the annual “Franklin Fresh Food & Dining Guide.” The publication is distributed to over 10,000 visitors and residents annually.
The new edition includes features on Franklin County agriculture history, Master Gardeners, harvest festivals, the importance of pollinators, gardening tips, and a tasty tour of Franklin County foodie stops. It offers a complete listing of farm stores, creameries, orchards, cheese makers, farmers’ markets, and produce stands throughout the county. Finally, it spotlights the local flavor of Franklin County in its many neighborhood and county dining spots along with an extensive list of local restaurants.
Agriculture is a consistent part of Franklin County’s economy and pairs well with tourism because visitors are attracted to freshly grown food, festivals, and the open space beauty of farmland. Beginning the last weekend of September, Franklin County has fall harvest festivals, corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin picking through the first weekend in November. Visit the Fall Fun listings for a selection of apple festivals, beer fests, and pumpkin festivals.
“It’s a great time to explore. The foliage is amazing, and families enjoy corn mazes and hayrides. Franklin County is a favorite spot for a fall hike, a drive, or a bike ride. Our trails are amazing when the trees are gold, crimson, and copper,” said Janet Pollard executive director of the Franklin County Visitor’s Bureau.
Download a copy of the 2017-2018 annual “Franklin Fresh Food & Dining Guide” here.