Penn State Extension Master Gardeners in Lancaster County are nurturing community gardens that bloom with a variety of plants and flowers while also producing fresh fruits and vegetables for local food pantries.
Through the “Adopt a Pantry” initiative, gardeners receive seeds, seedlings, and guidance to grow culturally relevant produce requested by pantry clients, such as pumpkins, squash, and peppers. These gardens not only provide nourishment but also showcase sustainable horticultural practices and native plants.
The gardens include demonstration areas like the Idea Gardens at the Penn State Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center, featuring around 250 labeled perennial plants that are meticulously maintained by volunteers.
Annual spring plant sales offer native, locally sourced plants and serve as educational events, complete with activities like gardening-themed games and tool sharpening.
Master Gardeners also engage the community through workshops, webinars, and bilingual radio segments, sharing expertise on topics ranging from herbs to pollinator-friendly plants.
Their dedication extends to managing invasive species and promoting environmentally sound gardening techniques.
Volunteers like Sue Hynicker, who helped launch the Adopt a Pantry program, emphasize the joy and legacy of planting seeds that grow into abundant gardens benefiting both people and pollinators.
With a goal to donate thousands of pounds of produce in 2025, these gardens symbolize a flourishing commitment to community well-being and environmental stewardship through the beauty and bounty of plants and flowers.
