Lower Macungie Garden Club Summer Garden Tours

Summer is very eventful at the Lower Macungie Garden Club. 

Instead of meeting at the Community Center, we go to some of our members' gardens. 

In June, we went to member Helen Kessler's garden. One word I can think of that sums up Helen is amazing. Her garden is a paradise of peony trees, hardy hibiscus, and many unusual perienials.  It's always a treat to see what's new.  Helen's garden isn't small by any standards. This garden encompasses the entire backyard and most of the front as well. The entire garden was dug and designed by Helen herself. Yes, Helen does everything herself!  One thing Helen knows, is her flowers.  She can take you on a tour and explain just about anything you want to know about each plant.  We are so proud of our Helen because she was included on the Allentown Garden Club's garden tour this year. 

This month, we went to my garden. My garden has been described by some members as an oasis, tranquil, and mystical. Over the past three years, I have been trying to make this garden my own and loved every minute of it. Last fall I added a large perennial bed, which by the way, Helen helped me dig. Actually she did most of it because my back wasn't cooperating at the time.  I've filled it with plants like pin cushion flower, bee balm, galardia, and even some herbs. There is still room for more and I am waiting for our next plant swap in October to see what other goodies I can grow.  

Because I have enjoyed growing and using herbs for some time, I thought it would be fun to have little stations to introduce some herbs to the club members.  There were home made Horehound cough drops to try along with sipping tomato juice from a Loveage stem that is hollow and can be used as a straw.  The leaves of this plant were served with cream cheese, as they taste like celery. Rosemary cookies were a hit and I demonstrated how to make your own healing solution for cuts and abrasions with comfrey. 

So far, the garden tours have been a great success.  In August, we will go members' Janet and Art Persing's home where we will see just how they use their water barrels to water their huge gardens.  In September, we will go to member Linda Mooney's home to see her garden. I'll let you know in my next blog what happens. 

Yes, summertime at the Lower Macungie Garden Club is just what the gardener ordered.