MEMORIAL DAY AND RED POPPY DAY

 

Papaver rhoeas, known variously as the
Flanders poppy, corn poppy, red poppy and corn rose. 

Memorial Day, May 25, 2026 is a day to remember and honor those who died in active military service. Veteran's Day, observed on November 11th, honors those who have served in the past, present, and even pays tribute to those who will serve in the future. In the United States, the poppy is not traditionally worn on Veterans Day but on Memorial Day, to commemorate the lives of those who died fighting for their country.

May 22, 2026, is National Poppy Day.

The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. 

How did the Red Poppy become a symbol of remembrance?

The Remembrance Day symbolism of the poppy started with a poem written by a World War I brigade surgeon who was struck by the sight of the red flowers growing on a ravaged battlefield.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian who served as a brigade surgeon for an Allied artillery unit in World War I, tended to the wounded near the front of the fighting. Many were killed on both sides during a battle that featured the first use of chlorine gas by the Germans. McCrae lost a close friend in the fighting.

The intense red poppies growing in the broken ground of battle made a deep impression on him. This was the inspiration for his poem, “In Flanders Field,” in which he used the voices of the fallen soldiers buried under those hardy poppies.

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion. The American Legion Auxiliary  distributes poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower donate to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. 

“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

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Rosemary is the "herb of remembrance." Pin a sprig of fresh rosemary alongside your Red Poppy

Are you interested herbs? Check out the Herb Sampler on this Blog 

It has a list of the meanings of herbs and how to make nosegays or "tussie-mussies."

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is now available at Hip-Gypsy Emporium in Duffield or through Amazon.

Fresh Seasonings

Chives in bloom. Flowers are edible.
Leave a few for the pollinators.

Fresh Seasonings

The best seasonings are fresh herbs. Compare fresh parsley and parsley flakes in your cupboard.  Pesto needs the sweet basil and what is homemade salsa without the cilantro?

It is spring time and we often turn to lighter meals and fresh ingredient spring salads. What herbs go with lamb, or fish, or all those left over Easter eggs?

Don't GOOGLE!!! Grab your copy of the HERB SAMPLER. Available locally at Snavely's Garden Center, Chambersburg, or online at Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/Herb-Sampler-Second.../dp/1482067463

At least click on the link and check it out. An excellent hostess gift (pick up or order several) or for most any occasion (pick up or order several).

What about Cucumber Yogurt Soup or salad with Oregano and Parsley Dressing? A Green Goddess Dip, light green in color from the fresh parsley, chives, and maybe a touch of tarragon, can be set among the pastels of colored eggs celebrating spring.

When summer comes - check out Medieval Cuckoo Foote Ale for a fresh non-alcoholic drink, pesto pita chips, or gazpacho (soup).

There is also plenty of herb growing, using and storing information plus crafts for kids and lots of reference material.

Grow at Home

All that is needed for most herbs to thrive is lots of sun, good soil drainage and occasional harvesting. Most herbs will become straggly if they do not get enough sun. Here are a few tips we’ve learned over the years about some of the popular herbs.

If you are interested in supporting pollinators, plant enough herbs for your use and a few that can be left to flower. 

Plant extra dill and parsley for the colorful black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars to munch on.

Cilantro will bolt when the weather turns warm. For fresh cilantro throughout the season practice succession planting. Plant a new pot every three weeks and it will be ready when the prior one begins to flower. Leave the white flowers for the pollinators.

Plant mints in pots. Mints are notorious for spreading with underground roots. Once they spread, they are difficult to remove since a small piece of root left behind will grow into a plant.

Harvest throughout the growing season to encourage branching and new growth. Cut before it flowers on the plants you are using but let it flower on others for the pollinators.

Wishing for warmer weather and getting out to grill? Include perennials such as rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme to use for grilling. Use them to make a marinade for use in preparing your meat. Tie a bundle of herbs to a wooden utensil and use as a basting brush. Soak some stems in water and put them on the coals when ready to cook and close the lid. No lid? Just enjoy the aroma. The sense of smell contributes to how we taste and enjoy our food.

Our Greenhouse Team is growing sweet basil, chives, cilantro, dill, lemongrass, Greek oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme for our plant sale. Visit the herb table and meet the Herb Team. We plan to have some recipe handouts on hand to share.

The Master Garden Plant Sale on May 20, 2023,  starts at 9 AM at 145 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg. Free on-site parking. Vegetables, herbs, sun and shade plants, annual flowers, and more. Credit cards, checks or cash. Watch for updates with more tips and information.

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Interested in herbs? Looking for a gift?

Perfect for a hostess gift, or birthday or housewarming.

And there is a price reduction as we look forward to spring gardening.

 Check out the Herb Sampler on this Blog  

SPECIAL Price reduction on this 5  *  *  *  *  * book

Now available retail at Snavely's Garden Center in Chambersburg, PA

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.

Get Ready for Gardening Season

Row covers, arbors, bean/plant teepees, and more.

Get Ready for the Gardening Season

The planning is over and now is the time to head outdoors and prepare your garden for summer's beautiful blooms and tasty harvests. Here are a few things to put on your to-do list for the next week or so.

Do a final clean out of the gardens, removing the last of the fall leaves and any of the spring weeds like hairy bittercress, henbit, and purple deadnettle along with speedwell. Get the roots now and avoid herbicide use later. Look for weather or animal damage to your plants and gardens. Don’t forget to clear your paths. Now is also a good time to look for animal burrows or nests.

You still have time to replace, repair, or build wood structures in the landscape while the gardens are still dormant. If you build raised beds for next month’s transplants remember that 4 feet is a good measurement for a comfortable reach. Now is a good time to set up any row covers or plant supports you need. You should have a few dry days to touch-up any painted areas that need it.

Proper soil fertility is the foundation for plant health. Different types of plants have specific nutritional requirements. Soil pH and nutrient levels vary greatly from site to site, so guessing about nutritional needs often misses the mark. A Penn State soil test measures the levels of several essential plant nutrients and recommends proper amounts of lime and fertilizer. The test will measure soil pH, the levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium and will also make a nitrogen recommendation. Soil test kits with easy- to- follow instructions are available at your local Penn State Extension Office for $10. Franklin County will have them available at their May 20 Plant Sale. More information is available at https://extension.psu.edu/dont-guess-soil-test.

Take time to check your tools for repairs or replacements. Tighten loose nuts and screws, sand rough spots on wooden handles, clean, sharpen and oil, where needed. Don’t forget to sharpen lawnmower blades and check your wheelbarrow tires. Make sure you have a clean, dry space to store your tools.

Start now to loosen up your body for seasonal gardening. Everyone is different so be sure to check with your doctor even though stretching is a low impact exercise. As you putter around getting all these chores done, take time to stretch. You might do some shoulder shrugs, a few arm windmills, let your wrists go limp, rotate a little each way, and shake them out. When gardening, it is best not to bend over to plant or weed. To avoid lower back problems, get closer to the ground by getting on your knees or sitting. Other reminders –use sunscreen and pace yourself.

With all those chores checked off, take a break in the shade with a cool non- caffeinated drink. All that cleaned and prepared garden space just begs for great transplants.

The Master Gardener May 18, 2024, plant sale will have lots of vegetables, herbs, annual flowers and perennial plants and much, much more. Look for more information and activities on our Facebook page. Lines begin to form at 7:30 am for the 9 am start. Come early and get the best choices available. Oh, and bring a big box or wagon.

In 2024 we will have children's activities at the 4-H booth, Beekeepers and Audubon Society displays. We will have one or more drop in, free talks on gardening topics. The demonstration gardens will be open, as always (dawn to dusk) to visit.

CKagan, Master Gardener

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Interested in herbs? Looking for a gift?

Perfect for a hostess gift, or birthday or housewarming.

And there is a price reduction as we look forward to spring gardening.

 Check out the Herb Sampler on this Blog  

SPECIAL Price reduction on this 5  *  *  *  *  * book

Now available retail at Snavely's Garden Center in Chambersburg, PA

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.

HERB SAMPLER BOOK

 

Starting in May, 2025 the HERB SAMPLER Second Edition  (Autographed Copy) is available at the Hip-Gypsy Emporium, Duffield, , PA.

Herb Sampler Second Edition is still available on Amazon (no autograph)

In 2012, I finally self-published the first edition of the Herb Sampler. It sold well on Amazon but much better from my inventory to friends, neighbors, relatives and visitors to herb classes, fairs and festivals. It was small and published as a paperback. Barbara Petrucci, my friend and also an artist, provided art sketches for most of the book. 

The idea for the Herb Sampler began when customers at the Master Gardener plant sale herb table wanted to know what to do with the herbs they were buying. This book was written to provide a sampling of information about herbs and herbal uses. It encouraged readers to check the Webliography and Bibliography for other resources and books with additional information.

THE SECOND EDITION IS NOW DONE - April 2019

Since the 2012 publication of the Herb Sampler, and working with the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners in Franklin County, Pa., I have learned so much more about herbs, especially about their uses and care. Helping to oversee the demonstration herb garden has added practical experience that has improved the information included in the Herb Sampler Second Edition. Both books are excellent for beginners and the more experienced. 

As a Master Gardener representing Penn State I use research-based information to answer questions and present programs as well as working in the demonstration gardens. The information presented in the book has been researched.

In this Second Edition I have added more sections such as Selecting Herbs, Making Ingredients, Edible Flowers and more ways to Preserve Herbs.  I learned a new, convenient way to dry herbs and this method of refrigerator drying is described as well as the use of a dehydrator. Barbara has, once again, contributed many art sketches throughout the book. 

There is updated and additional information plus new recipes, many courtesy of our Herb Team and their creative use of herbs for refreshments at classes and events. 

What the book does not include is detailed information about individual herbs. Look for updated references for both print and on the internet as well as an Index.

The Second Edition Herb Sampler has grown from small paperback to a Trade Paperback with my photo of Sage and Rosemary.

 

GINGER Fragrant Zest

 

ZEST FROM THE GARDEN GINGER

GINGER (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is the 2023 Herb of the Year™ of the International Herb Association. This is the tropical plant whose rhizomes are found in the grocery store. It is known as true ginger and is one of the oldest known spices. It has a peppery and sweet taste with a spicy tang and the smell of lemony citrus.

The plant grows from a tuberous rhizome. It is native to humid, tropical forests in Southeast Asia and thrives in hardiness zones 9 to 12. The rhizomes are brown to golden colored with a corky outer skin. The inside is a pale yellow and has a spicy scent. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall on a straight stem and has a 2-to-3-foot spread. The alternating leaves along the stem are tapered in shape and 6 to 12 inches long. It can flower in the fall on 1-foot-tall stems with yellow and purple flowers and capsules hold small black seeds. The rhizomes grow underground horizontally sending up sprouts and making new rhizomes.

With planning and a little effort, successfully growing and enjoying fresh ginger from your garden is possible.  Although this is a tropical plant, it can be successfully grown in Pennsylvania if started indoors in March and transplanted after the last frost date outdoors.  

If you are inspired to grow ginger, grocery store ginger may be treated with an inhibitor to prevent sprouting. Nurseries, garden centers, or seed companies are better sources for your rhizomes.

Growing

Bill Gifford, Columbia County Master Gardener, has written guidelines for growing and harvesting ginger.

Select pieces that are firm, healthy, with no signs of damage, and have growth buds from which the green shoots grow. Cut the rhizomes into 3-inch pieces having at least three growth buds. Allow the cut to callus over for a week.

For planting, select a potting medium that is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Place the soil in a two-part container that allows watering from the bottom. A tray that is 11 x 21 x 4-inches provides room to propagate six pieces. Lay the ginger horizontally on top of 3 inches of moist medium and cover with an additional inch of moist potting mix. Since ginger prefers dryer soil when sprouting, you need only water from the bottom every five to seven days until sprouts appear. At that point, water sufficiently to keep the soil moist but not wet. A seeding heating pad and a grow light will provide the necessary warmth and 16 to 18 hours of light required for good results. Because ginger is very slow to sprout, your patience may be tested.

After the danger of frost has passed and the evening temperatures are above 40°F, it is time to harden off your plants for five days and prepare for planting outside. A sunny site with loose, loamy, well-drained soil and a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 provides ideal growth. Place the rhizomes in a three-inch shallow trench, 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart with the sprouts just visible above the soil.

Containers

Ginger may also be grown in a large container and brought inside in the fall.

The rhizomes may also be planted in containers; plant one rhizome in each 12-inch diameter or larger container. When you see new shoots forming or when the pink shoulders of ginger start to appear, hill your plants with an inch of soil and add a granular fertilizer. The plants will require deep watering two or three times a week.

Harvesting

In autumn, after a frost kills the leaves, your ginger is ready for harvest. Gently dig up the beautiful cream and pink-colored ginger. Save the small rhizomes for use in stir fry or salads. After putting ginger in a resealable plastic bag, press the air out and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to two months. Also, you may store whole or grated ginger in airtight containers in the freezer for up to six months.”

Uses/Storage

Young rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a  mild taste and are used in stir fry or salads. After putting ginger in a resealable plastic bag, press the air out and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to two months. Also, you may store whole or grated ginger in airtight containers in the freezer for up to six months.

Research has determined that ginger can help alleviate nausea. Ginger candy and ginger tea are good ways to get ginger in your system.

Make ice cubes with 3 Tbsps of grated ginger, 4 tsps lemon juice, 3 Tbsps each of honey and water. Whisk together and freeze. Makes 4. Add 1 to a cup of hot black tea (Oh, Earl Grey. Yes.), cover and steep for 10 minutes. Soothing for a sore throat with the added honey. Or just go for the classic Ginger Tea recipe,

CKagan, Master Gardener

* * * * *

Interested in herbs? Looking for a gift?

Perfect for a hostess gift, or birthday or housewarming.

And there is a price reduction as we look forward to spring gardening.

 Check out the Herb Sampler on this Blog  

SPECIAL Price reduction on this 5  *  *  *  *  * book

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.

Heirloom Vegetables

 Heirloom Plant Varieties Provide More Than a Good Harvest or Beautiful Blooms

Home Gardeners can select plants with better flavor and interesting history.

Heirloom tomatoes by Kim Schwind UCANR

Heirlooms provide a sense of history. The wardrobe from Great Aunt Rose’s attic, an antique hand-carved chair, and a rusty tool from a local auction carry a sense of history, of the people who used them. This holds true for heirloom plant varieties.

“Heirloom seeds are usually more than 50 years old and have been passed down from generation to generation,” said Kathy McFarland, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. “This means they come with fascinating stories and heritage from years past.”

Many gardeners are drawn to the stories behind the names. ‘Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter’ tomato came from radiator business owner, “Charlie,” who came up with a large, meaty and productive variety that he sold during the depression. He used the money from this side business to pay off his mortgage.

‘Aunt Lou’s Underground Railroad’ tomato has been traced back to Kentucky through Ripley, Ohio. The seeds were carried by an escaping slave as he traveled the Underground Railroad. The tomato is characteristic of those grown in that era.

While the stories don’t enhance flavor, shelf-life, color, or fragrance, they are a way to connect to our plant and flower heritage. “Heirloom seeds have often been handed down as family favorites,” said Chris Mayer, Director at Wilson College’s Fulton Center for Sustainable Living.

Home gardeners, unlike commercial growers, have the luxury to choose what they grow. Many choose these vegetables and flowers for taste, shape, hardiness and color not found in hybrid selections.

Originally from India, Bullnose Peppers (Capsicum annuum) have been in U.S. gardens since the mid-1870’s. These sweet peppers were grown by Thomas Jefferson and are still grown at Monticello. They ripen early, withstand bad weather and their thick skins make them ideal for pickling, stuffing and raw with dips. While 20 seed companies offered these over 25 years ago, today vendors are rare and seeds often “out of stock.”

Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated which means that, unlike hybrids, seeds you collect from one year will produce the same plants the next year. “Using heirlooms helps preserve the gene pool and assure that resilience from pests, diseases and climate are built into the system,” said Mayer.

Tomatoes are the one vegetable that has a wide range of shapes, colors, taste and growing habit. Cherry, slicer, beefsteak, or canning types are available as are pink, orange, white and ‘Green Zebra’ striped varieties.

“Most heirlooms taste better than the hybrid and genetically modified produce because these have been bred and selected for generations based on how they taste,” said McFarland.

Pennsylvania heirloom tomatoes include Brandywine, reported to be introduced in 1885 by Amish farmers in Chester County. Other Mennonite and Amish heirlooms include Hahnstown Yellow, Amish Oxheart and Eva's Amish Stripe.

Mid-March is the time for seed starting for transplants in mid-May. Gardeners seeking heirloom or unusual varieties probably won’t find them at the local garden centers or nurseries.

The annual Master Gardener plant sale on May 20, 2023, will have some of the heirloom varieties ready to plant.  Best results for planting transplants is after the last frost date and when the SOIL TEMPERATURE is ready. Check out the soil temperature information and note that in our area the best time to plant is mid-May.  

Also see Heirloom Vegetables: Good Taste and Interesting Tales 

U of California. The Real Dirt Blog. Heirloom Tomatoes

CKagan, Master Gardener

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Interested in herbs? 

Looking for a gift?

Perfect for a hostess gift, or birthday or housewarming.

And there is a price reduction as we look forward to spring gardening.

 Check out the Herb Sampler on this Blog  

SPECIAL Price reduction on this 5  *  *  *  *  * book

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.

 

New Year's Traditions

POMEGRANATE (Photo:Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons)

For many, the first meal of the new year is a very important one while for others there are a variety of traditions. They  generate wishes for the new year to bring hope, riches, and travel. Or they may be just a celebration of light at this seasonal time of year.

PORK & SAUERKRAUT

A Pennsylvania Dutch tradition is pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day to have good luck and growth in the new year. Pigs (pork) represent progress and forward movement as they root forward unlike other animals who scratch backward. Sauerkraut, made from round, green cabbage, may represent money while the long pieces of sauerkraut suggest a long life.

FIREWORKS & OLIEBOLLEN

In the Netherlands, like almost everywhere across the world, fireworks and explosions are a highlight. There is a traditional treat, oliebollen, that mimics the Faschnacts that show up on Shrove Tuesday in Pennsylvania. These are “oil cakes” or small bite-sized fried dough balls dipped in powdered sugar. 

BLACK-EYED PEAS & COLLARDS

A U.S. Southern tradition, eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year's Day, will bring good luck and prosperity.  The peas carry good luck  while the collards, being green, may bring money.  One tradition common in the United States is that each person at the meal should leave three peas on their plate to ensure that the New Year will be filled with luck, fortune and romance.

Hoppin' John is a recipe that features black-eyed peas, and is now a favorite staple of Southern food. If, after the New Year's Day meal, you have leftovers they are called Skippin' Jenny.

OPEN THE DOORS

In Ireland it is traditional to open the back door at midnight to let out the bad and open the front door to let in the good. (Thanks, Annika)

GRAPES

In Spain eating 12 grapes during the last minutes before the New Year begins brings good luck. Eat one on each of the chimes at midnight.

ONIONS, POMEGRANATES & CAKE

In Greece hanging an onion outside the door signals prosperity, good luck, abundance, and rebirth. On New Year’s Day, parents may wake children by tapping them on the head with the onion. Breaking a pomegranate also brings luck, the more scattered seeds, the more prosperity.

Another customary Greek tradition is consuming Vasilopita, or Saint Basil’s cake. This cake is baked with a silver or gold coin inside, and whoever finds the coin in their slice is considered especially lucky in the coming year.

SMUDGING

The word smudge comes from the Middle English word smogen -to smother with smoke. For thousands of years, recorded back to the days of the pharaohs in Egypt, smoke from burning materials has been used for a variety of spiritual, ceremonial, medicinal purposes, and cleansing. During the rise of the New Age culture during the 1970's and '80's, the Native American practice of smudging was appropriated for various uses and celebrations. Smudging a space, usually a home, on New Year’s Day is thought to cleanse the area of any bad spirits and negativity and prepare a place for the new year to start fresh. Most often white sage is used but other herbs can be added or used separately.

HOGMANAY & “FIRST- FOOTING”

In Scotland, New Year’s Eve is a big night celebrating the winter solstice as well as the beginning of the new year. There are the usual bonfires, torches, and fireworks.

There are Hogmanay is what we Scots call New Year's Eve - 31 December - the big night that marks the arrival of the new year. Its origins reach back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Vikings with wild parties in late December.

Many festivals and celebrations include torches and bonfires celebrating the return of seasonal light. At midnight it is traditional to sing “Auld Lang Syne”.  

One of the unique traditions is known as  “first-footing.” The first person to cross the threshold should bring a gift of luck. According to the custom, the first person who crosses the threshold of a person’s home should bring a gift of luck. Traditionally, this gift was a coal for the fire or This was traditionally a piece of coal to wish for warmth but has widened out to include the addition shortbread to wish for food, a silver coin for wealth, and a bit of whiskey for good cheer.  

MISTLETOE

In Ireland, it's customary for single gals to put mistletoe under their pillows on New Year’s Eve to dream of their future husbands. Many cultures have picked up the practice of hanging mistletoe encouraging love and kisses.  

SUITCASES, MONEY & LENTILS

In Columbia, the traditions stand for wishes – for fortune, prosperity, travel and, of course, luck. Partygoers may arrive with empty suitcases looking for the coming year to include travel while others carry money in their pockets to bring prosperity.

Maybe originating in Europe, carrying lentils in your pockets is supposed to symbolize a prosperous new year.

WHITE FLOWERS In Rio de Janeiro, New Year's Eve revellers wear white and throw white flowers into the sea as part of Festa de Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea.

NEW YEAR'S PLANT GIFT

No doubt started by the horticultural industry, giving a plant as a gift is for the New Year may be a living symbol of good tidings and fresh beginnings. It isn’t any one species of plant. The recipient would most likely appreciate something unusual. It should be something that stands apart from the ordinary.

WHAT PLANT WOULD YOU GIVE AS A NEW YEAR GIFT & WHY?

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Interested in herbs? Looking for a gift?

Perfect for a hostess gift, or birthday or housewarming.

And there is a price reduction as we look forward to spring gardening.

 Check out the Herb Sampler on this Blog  

SPECIAL Price reduction on this 5  *  *  *  *  * book

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.