As we enter the fall and holiday season, many of us begin to focus on family, friends, and entertainment! As a gardener, I love using the things I grow through the holidays, whether it’s for decorating or for eating.
Penn State Extension, through the Master Gardener program and the Food, Families and Communities program, have many offerings this fall. These programs incorporate the use of plants – from flowers to fruit, and nutrition to cooking, that will help you stay healthy, active and continue to increase your gardening knowledge.
Beginning in October, our Master Gardeners are offering a program on layering bulbs. This is the time of year that you can purchase bulbs for spring color at your local garden centers and box stores. In this class, you will learn about types of fall bulbs and how to layer them in a pot for spring flowers. This class will be held on Monday, October 21 at 6:30 PM. To register, go to https://extension.psu.edu/layered-bulb-planter
In November we offer two additional classes. November 7, at 1 PM is the Let’s Cook Charcuterie Boards class. Healthy, nutritious appetizers can become a difficult endeavor during the holiday season. Join this class and make a fun family meal or creative appetizer by learning the basic steps of creating an exciting board. To register, go to https://extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-charcuterie-boards
Our second class in November is on the 18th at 6:30 PM. This class our Master Gardeners will focus on using fruits and vegetables in a fall arrangement. It’s scheduled just in time for your Thanksgiving table! Registration for this class can be found here: https://extension.psu.edu/fruit-and-vegetable-arrangement We’ve got you covered for Thanksgiving! Great options for a beautiful appetizer board and a beautiful centerpiece!
December brings us even more opportunities for entertainment and decorating. Who doesn’t love a good meal with friends and family!
On December 4 at 11 AM our Extension Team will be teaching all about cooking – Mediterranean style! Try something a little different over the holidays and introduce your guests to Mediterranean cuisine. In this hands-on cooking class, Let's Cook Mediterranean, you'll create and enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal that's healthy and delicious.
Our instructors help you with hands-on recipe preparation, walking you through every step. You will be able to taste-test what you cook during the class. What are you waiting for? Register now! https://extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-mediterranean
And to wrap up the season’s preparation, on December 9 at 6:30 PM, join the Master Gardeners as we teach you about different types of evergreens you can find in your yard and a creative way to use those evergreen branches in your winter decorations.
Historically, kissing balls with evergreen branches were hung in doorways to bring good luck and blessings to those that passed beneath them. In the Victorian era, they were representative of love, affection, charity, and piety and were hung in the ballrooms and social spaces.
Kissing balls lost popularity in more modern times, until recently. These pretty evergreen spheres are gaining popularity again in winter decorating. The Master Gardeners will guide you as you create your own kissing ball. Decorate with something different, yet traditional, with an evergreen kissing ball! To register, go to https://extension.psu.edu/evergreen-kissing-ball
As you can see, we’ve got you covered! From food to decorating, there’s no excuse not to have a beautiful and healthy holiday season! We look forward to seeing you in November and December!
All classes take place at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Building, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg. Registrations are required in advance. Please visit the links for more information and to register. Space is limited and these classes fill up quickly!
Mary Ann Ryan is the Penn State Master Gardener Coordinator from Adams County. Penn State Cooperative Extension of Adams County is located at 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Suite 204, Gettysburg, 717-334-6271.
Master Gardener Hotline is open Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm. Please send an email (with pictures, if possible) to adamsmg@psu.edu with your gardening questions.
