Cranberry municipal garden is an all-season oasis
As the last days of summer slip into the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season now is a wonderful time to visit the newly replanted Cranberry Township Municipal Center pollinator garden, which is maintained by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County.
This little gem of a garden is located at 2525 Rochester Road. It can be found tucked into the end of the newly renovated front courtyard of the community center. Swaying blooms surround the Rotary Pavilion behind Sample School and offer an escape from the busy moments of this time of year.
Since 2011, Master Gardeners have maintained this pollinator-friendly garden, but during recent renovations the garden had to be moved to accommodate the expansion of a parking lot.
After a Herculean effort, the plants were removed, stored, then re-planted in the new space this past spring. Care from volunteers across our community has ensured that these plants flourish in their new home. In this all-season garden, flowers act as focal points throughout much of the year.
In spring, the iris-lined path is in full bloom. Bees will be buzzing around the native baptisia (Baptisia australis), also known as false indigo, along with many other plants labeled with both common and scientific names. The lavender blue flowers of the catmint plant (Nepeta racemosa) will bloom in late spring acting as a popular hangout for many pollinators early and well into the warmer summer weather. Pick a leaf of the catmint and smell the minty freshness.
Summertime brings Helianthus (Helianthus annuus), also known as the common sunflower. Daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare) and Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia rotundifolia) also are blooming. They provide shaded viewing in the gazebo and are complemented by fragrant spider flowers (Cleome hassleriana), resplendent in pink and purple hues with height of nearly 5 feet.
As the days lengthen and the summer blooms fade, there is still more to experience. Fall is an excellent time to visit the garden.
The last of the summertime blooms are still beautiful. Quickly behind them are Sedum (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude,’ also known as Autumn Joy) that have just started to put on their show.
Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) provides all-season interest, growing on a trellis in the front of the garden, visible from the walking path and even to the passing cars when they are in full bloom.
Those sunflowers, now full of seeds, attract birds like the common American robin (Turdus migratorius) and the less common American goldfinch (Spinus tristis).
Shorter days during the late fall and winter in the garden are less vibrant, but just as important for the pollinators. You will see volunteers preparing for next year during the cooler weather, preparing the garden for some rest, and ensuring years of enjoyment for the community during every season.
Master Gardeners working in the garden are happy to answer questions about the plants, the garden design or any other gardening questions one may have.
As indicated by the sign, the garden has been certified as a pollinator garden through the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners. This means that there are an abundant number of native plants and shrubs in the designated garden space, and it is an outstanding location to find inspiration for plants that can thrive in our local area. These native plants provide food and shelter for many creatures, and a birdbath set within the foliage often provides a water source for insects and birds.
If you are interested in having your garden certified as a pollinator habitat, or you have questions about Cranberry’s municipal garden, call the Master Gardeners of Butler County Garden Hotline at 724-287 4761, ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Helen Erdner and Emily Haley are Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardners.
