Master Gardeners visited Ohio gardens

VW independent/submitted information

Members of the Van Wert County Master Gardener volunteers took a trip to Columbus on May 25. Two stops were planned for the day.

The first stop was at Red Twig Farms outside New Albany for its “VIP Peony Experience”. Red Twig Farms is one of the larger peony growers in Ohio and produces peonies and other plants for the cut flower industry. Master Gardener volunteers learned about field production and harvesting techniques of peonies from owner Josh McCullough and were then allowed into the fields to select and harvest their own peonies to take home. This special event is only offered for one week each year.

Although the Master Gardener volunteers felt they knew quite a bit about peonies before this part of the trip it was agreed that visiting the farm was a very unique and educational experience for all.

The second stop was at Franklin Park Conservatory in downtown Columbus to see the new Children’s Garden. The garden, which opened to the public just a week prior to the volunteers’ visit, proved to be well worth the drive. The two-acre garden is packed full of features to help children learn about the natural environment. Although the garden is for children, it was most likely enjoyed more by the Master Gardener volunteers than any child who has had the privilege of visiting it. The volunteers enjoyed themselves, but, more importantly, gained a lot of information on how to improve Van Wert’s Smiley Park Children’s Garden.

Area residents interested in becoming an Ohio State University Van Wert County Master Gardener volunteer can call Rachel at the Extension Office at 419.238.1214. Those interested in helping to maintain the Smiley Park Children’s Garden can meet with Master Gardener volunteers at the garden at 9 a.m. Thursdays.