Timely advice that will help your kids achieve their academic goals.
Escape to Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands Your new favorite getaway location is just a couple hours away.
Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree Tips for choosing your holiday centerpiece and where you can cut your own.
Comforting Color A new take on traditional design.
Would you like to see your family featured on our Spring/Summer 2023 Cover? Send a high-resolution spring or summer photo to Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. Attn: Wendy Royal P.O. Box 500, Mount Joy, PA 17552 or email wroyal@engleonline.com. 6 12 28 26 36 20 32 In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future. -Alex Haley
Game Plan for a Winning Tailgate Party at Home Tips and recipes for your next get-together.
To Prune or Not to Prune Prepping your plants for winter weather.
10 Can’t-Miss Events There’s always something going on in Lancaster County. We’re sharing some of our favorites!
Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.
Jocelyn Engle, Publisher
Editorial Wendy Royal, Editor
Contributing
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Jocelyn Engle
Advertising
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Wendy Royal
and distribution of Lancaster Family
Teachers’ Advice
For A Successful School Year
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
As a new school year gets underway, it’s a perfect opportunity for parents to refocus on the best ways to support their child. Educators agree that parents make up an important part of the school support triangle – parents, teachers and students working together to ensure classroom success. To set yourself up for a great school year, consider following this advice from three Penn Manor School District teachers.
Elementary-school students
In elementary school, children need a significant amount of parent support to succeed, said Wendy Terry, a fi rst-grade teacher who has been teaching for 17 years. “Elementary students are learning every day how to become citizens of their school, community and of the world,” she said. “Send children to school fed, dressed for the weather and prepared for the
day.” She also said you can’t underestimate the importance of communication when it comes to a child’s success in school. “Your child’s teacher will be making connections with your chi ld every day, and they will enjoy getting to know you, too,” she explained. “Communicate openly with your child’s teacher.”
Here are her top tips for parents of elementary-school students:
• Make strong family connections. “Prepare and eat dinner together, play outside, go on a nature walk, write a letter, play a game, laugh and have fun with one another,” Terry stated. “Show your child how much you love them.”
• Read together every day. “Read for pleasure,” she recommended. “Read to your child, read with your child, read next to your child.”
• Stay up to date on classroom and school activities. “Check the school or classroom blog frequently,” she said. “Go through your child’s backpack together so your child is able to go to school organized and prepared.”
• Try to make homework fun when you can. “If homework is frustrating, talk to your child’s teacher about a way that it can be modified,” Terry suggested. “We want you to enjoy the precious time you have together in the evening.”
• Respect the importance of doing nothing. “Kids work hard at school,” Terry noted. “They are tired when they come home. Give them some down time if you are able to before asking them to complete their homework.”
Middle school students
Navigating their changing role in a child’s life can be difficult for some parents of middle-school students, said Maricia Kligge, who teaches 7th and 8th grades. “It is a balanci ng act for parents with children in middle school,” she explained. “Middle school-age children need to learn how to be a self-advocate, learn their own learning/ studying style, versus how parents study, and learn to be self-motivated.” Communication is important as a student adjusts and moves through middle school, she said, and it plays an important role in helping parents guide their child through the oftentumultuous middle school years. “Often middle school parents tend to be completely hands-off or go to the other extreme, ‘h elicopter’ parent,” stated Kligge, who has been teaching for 25 years. “Know your child and focus on their needs, not your own. Parenting is tough, especially working to just provide basic needs, but there n eeds to be time to really talk or listen to your child’s concerns and successes. Then, based upon that conversation, become more involved or less.”
Other tips from Kligge for parents of middle-school students include the following:
• Focus on communication. “Parents need to communicate not only with teachers, but also with their own chi ld,” she said. “Parents need to discuss their expectations with their child about academics, social and emotional n eeds and involvement for the school year. Then allow their child to meet those expectations and realize that they may make mistakes.”
• Ch eck on your child’s success. This could be through direct discussions with the child, checking grades through the school’s grading program or looking through - together with the child - their school binder, notebook or folders. “Then communicate with th e teacher if there are areas of concerns and/or praises,” Kligge advised. “Before emailing or calling the school, please talk to your child first. Parents know their child best, so why not talk to your child first? Be willing to work as a team with the teacher to create success for the child.”
• Remind your child that setbacks are temporary. “Every day is a new day, so everyone can be successful,” Kligge noted.
• Thi nk about the whole child. “Social/emotional needs are just as important as academics,” she said. “Don’t forget that your child needs you at every level of education. It just looks different every year.”
High-school students
When it comes to high-school students, parental involvement plays a large part in school success, much like it does at other levels of education, said Maureen Klingaman, a high-school teacher, and it’s important that parents understand what level of i nvolvement their child needs. “High-school kids need some degree of independence and responsibility in their education,” she noted. “But if they feel that no one cares about it, they tend to care less themselves.” Unlike elementary school, where p arents may have opportunities to stop in the classroom or visit the school, parents of high-school students may find themselves feeling distanced from their child’s academic life. It’s important to take advantage of any communication the school or teacher does provide, said Klingaman, who has been teaching for 27 years. “It seems that many families cannot be bothered, or for other reasons do not keep up, and have little or no clue about their kids’ school lives,” she stated. “Know what classes your child has, and keep up with what they are doing,” she advised. “Since paper progress reports and report cards are a thing of the past, fewer families seem to be aware of kids’ progress. Theoretically, it should be easier now to keep track with emailed school updates about many events, policies, etc. as well as access to online gradebooks.”
• Cut down on electronics. “My No. 1 dream suggestion would be for parents to somehow limit kids’ screen time,” Klingaman remarked. “It has taken over their lives in countless ways, and it makes our job so much harder.”
• Ensure your student gets plenty of rest. “Try to help your children get to bed earlier,” she advised, noting that this issue often goes hand-in-hand with too much screen time. “It is not uncommon to hear students say that they were online until the wee hours of th e morning. Then they are exhausted the next day.”
• Make sure your child comes prepared. “Make sure students charge their school laptops and have the device and the charger with them,” she said.
• Focus on family time outside of school. “The classic ‘eat meals together’ advice still holds true,” Klingaman stated. “I am shocked by how few families do this. Preparing healthy food together would be great, too.”
By Jocelyn Engle
If you’re looking for a fall or winter escape, I’ve got just the place for you. Recently, I visited the Laurel Highlands region in western PA. Located just a few hours from Lancaster County, the Laurel Highlands is made up of Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset counties and is about 30 minutes east of Pittsburgh. Having spent a couple of days exploring some of the best that the region has to offer, I can assure you that I will be back. Need a girlfriends’ weekend away for shopping, hiking, and wine tasting? You'll find it. Craving the rush of the rapids and mountains to climb? You'll find them. Time to get the kids off their devices and into nature? You'll find it. And for couples looking for scenic drives, spa days, and smalltown charm, you'll find those here, too. Although the area has more to do than I can even begin to list, I wanted to recap just a few "must see and do's." For more information and to create a full itinerary, visit www.golaurelhighlands.com . Inspirational views, exceptional hospitality, and an adventurer's mecca all await. Start planning your fall hit list now.
My Top 10
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HISTORIC SITES – Known as the first area to hold English courts in western PA during the Revolutionary War, Hanna's Town was a temporary stop for travelers and merchants. In 1782, Hanna's Town was destroyed by a Seneca raiding party and their British allies, and it never recovered from this devastation. Heroes from this attack emerge as we hear of a brave 13-year-old girl, Peggy Shaw, who sacrificed her life to save a toddler who had wandered outside the fort.
Guided tours of the reconstructed replica of Historic Hanna’s Town include the jail, tavern, fort and Dyer's Garden, the source for color dyes the settlers used on their fabrics. Tours are available from May to October, in addition to special events held throughout the season. www.westmorelandhistory .org/hannas-town
Housing one of the original Conestoga wagons and an 1830s-style stagecoach, The Compass Inn Museum, located just off Route 30, the main street pathway for travelers passing through in the 1800s, showcases the lives of innkeepers Robert & Rachel Armor. Today, tours are conducted by guides in period clothing and demonstrate life in the cookhouse, blacksmith shop, and inn. Tours are available from May to October. Living History Weekends are held the third weekend in July and August. www.compassinn.org
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FOODIE FINDS – Gobs: Similar to what Lancaster Countians call a whoopie pie (chocolate cake with a delicious creamy center), gobs can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. The treat is said to have originated in Johnstown in 1927 and quickly became the preferred treat of coal miners in Cambria and Somerset counties.
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ARCHITECTURAL
MASTERPIECES – Fallingwater & Kentuck Knob: Discover Frank Lloyd Wright's love for design with these two beautiful houses. Fallingwater boasts iconic photographic angles and modern organic design, both i nside and out. Wright's designs are integrated within nature, not against it. Edgar and Liliane Kaufmann, the owners of Kaufmann's Department Store in Pittsburgh, hired Wright in 1936 to create an innovative space to be used as a vacation home. Features include frameless open windows, preventing interference of your view outside; a swimming pool; and the use of just two signature colors throughout – light ochre (concrete) and Cherokee red (steel). Today, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy manages and preserves Fallingwater. www.fallingwater.org
Just a short dri ve from Fallingwater lies Kentuck Knob, a private residence open to the public. Wright was hired by I.N. and Bernardine Hagan to design this hexagonal home along the mountainside in 1953. The residence is known as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s last designs. Guided tours include a tour of the house and grounds. It's recommended that you book well in advance for both houses to ensure a reservation. www.kentuckknob.com
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ART & HISTORY – Explore hundreds of years of creative history displayed at the Westmoreland Museum of Am erican Art. Current exhibitions include “ Together: Encounters in American Realism” and “Knowing and Naming: Abstraction Beyond Reality,” both running through September 25, 2022. Admission to the museum is free and is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. www.thewestmoreland.org
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE – Ohiopyle State Park is located on the southern end of the Laurel Highlands and provides an extensive list of outdoor activities for people of all levels and interests. Th e Youghiogheny River runs throughout the park and is the source of thrilling whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Other recreational activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Pack a picnic and enjoy your view at the Tharp Knob Vista Overlook. www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/ FindAPark/OhiopyleStatePark
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GIRLS’ DAY OUT – Spend an afternoon in downtown Ligonier, a picturesque town with all the charm of Stars Hollow as seen in “Gilmore Girls.” Pop into local boutiques for unique gifts, and grab lunch, a glass of wine, and homemade ice cream before relaxing on benches located in the town's diamond.
REST YOUR HEAD – When it's time to recharge, take advantage of the endless choices of lodging. From quaint cabins and campgrounds to resorts and hotels, there's som ething to match everyone's dream experience. On my visit, I stayed at Oak Lodge, a bed and breakfast in Stahlstown. Rather than staying in the ma in lodge, my accommodations were in one of the comfortable and well-appointed cabins. Breakfasts created by the chef at Oak Lodge are something special. www.oaklodgepa.com
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FAMILY FUN – For summertime travelers, take a walk on the wet and wild side with Idlewild & SoakZone, a fun-filled theme and water park that the kids (and adults) will love. A huge dose of nostalgia awaits adults as they stroll through Story Book Forest and visit their favorite nursery rhyme characters. www.idlewild.com
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EXPLORE NATURE'S FINEST – The Laurel Highlands embraces nature's beauty at every turn, inviting a time for exploration, deep breaths, and picnic lunches. It's a short drive to any of the eight state p arks, extending from Latrobe to Ohiopyle. www.golaurelhighlands.com/outdoors/parks/state
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0 HONORING THOSE WE LOST – Built to commemorate and honor th e heroes who lost their lives in the hijacking and crash of United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2 001, the Flight 93 National Memorial stands as a symbol of courage and unity. www.nps.gov/flni
Photo by C. Claypoole, NPS
• Many types of tree-ripened fruit in season (strawberries, cherries, peaches, apples & more)
• Delicious & health y seasonal vegetables availabl e
• Fr esh-bake d donuts, fresh-presse d apple cider, pies, dumplings and lots more!
400 00 L Lane,LancasteratMarticvilleRd.
the la rgest pick-your-own fruit farm and farmer’s mark et in Lancas te r. Pick your own fruit (a
your own baske t, or
• A Bountiful Garden Center bursting with co l orful flowers (with mums, pumpkins & more in Fall)!
• Shelves filled with mouth-watering jarred goods, salsas, jams & jellies, butters, preserves and honey
• Baked good treats include scrumptious cookies, whoopie pies, fruit pies & more!
Cherr y Springs State Park
Pine Creek Rail Trail
Covered Wagon Tours
Perfect Fresh C tmas Tr A Guide to Picking the
During the holiday season, perhaps no tradition evokes warm and fuzzy feelings more than a family outing to pick a Christmas tree. Whether it’s a trek to a live Christmas tree farm or a short drive to the nearest pre-cut tree lot, the process of selecting a tree that will serve as the centerpiece of the seasonal decorations is a great way to make lasting memories.
Selecting a tree is a yearly ritual and each person has his or her set of criteria for what makes the ideal Christmas tree. These tips can help families find the right tree.
Choose your species.
Do some homework on the type of tree you want prior to buying the tree. Balsam fir and Fraser fir are popular Christmas tree varieties, but there are many others, such as noble fir and Norway spruce. Balsams are known for having the most fragrant smell, but Frasers tend to keep their needles the longest. For those who prefer a Douglas fir, keep in mind that they sometimes drop their needles prematurely due to foliar diseases like needle-cast fungus.
Leave space for ornaments.
In addition to aroma and needle longevity, look for trees that have a desirable shape and allow for adequate space between branches, advises the home and garden resource The Spruce. Trees groomed to be lush and full will look beautiful unadorned, but once ornaments are added, full branches may cause those ornaments to hang low or even fall off. Trees with sparse branches allow for ornaments to hang straight.
Measure your space.
Trees in the field or in a lot may look much smaller than they do when brought into the living room. Don’t make the mistake of selecting a tree that is too large for your home. The agricultural company Ragan & Massey says to measure the room from floor to ceiling and subtract the height of the tree stand and tree topper. It’s equally important to measure the width of the area where the tree will stand and allow for ample space for foot traffic around the tree.
Perform a needle check.
Every tree will drop some needles, and most evergreens hold their foliage. Modest needle loss is not an indicator of a poor tree. However, Decker’s Nursery in Greenlawn, N.Y., says if 50% of the needles are lost when you swipe your hand down three to five different branches around the tree, the tree likely is not a good choice. In addition, avoid a tree that has glaring defects in the trunk as they can impede water flow through the tree.
Remember that heavier is better.
If a pre-cut tree is heavy, it is full of water and has been cut more recently. A healthy, fresh tree is going to require an effort to lift. Older, dried-out trees will not be heavy. Upon arriving home, make a fresh cut off the tree trunk and get it in water as soon as possible, even if that’s a bucket until the tree stand can be set up.
By following these tips, people may be able to purchase a healthy tree that will continue looking beautiful throughout the holiday season.
465 Stehman Church Rd., Millersville, PA 17551 717-330-8102 www.huntschristmastrees.com
Miller’s Christmas Tree Farm 470 Trail Rd. N Elizabethtown Phone: 717-367-8564
www.millerschristmastreefarm.com
Martin Manor Farm
440 Stehman Church Road, Millersville 717-842-0509
www.martinmanorfarm.com
Metzler Tree Farm 49 Drytown Rd., Holtwood 717-284-2448
www.facebook.com/Metzler-Farms -992919927420533/
Home by Sherwin-Williams senior color designer. “Our 2023 Color Collection of the Year revives elements from the past that are perfectly paired with vintage, comfortable and classic colors.”
Blending Past and Present
Striking a balance between old and new can take many forms, as these styles show:
In the world of design, what’s old inevitably becomes new again, and a similar pattern is inspiring today’s on-trend color palettes for home decor. The latest styles reflect reviving and comforting colors influenced by heritage and romance, lending to a look that is familiar in an individualistic way.
Whether living through the romance of rural lifestyles, the comfort of home, or the nostalgia from far-off times, some of today’s most beloved design aesthetics celebrate the past, present, and future while bringing balance, hope, and comfort for you and your family to embrace.
Timeless Color
Using color to evoke feelings and emotions is hardly new but combining a carefully curated color palette with other design elements can allow you to create a look that pays homage to the past while breathing new life into your living space.
Reimagining classic, familiar tones, allows you to achieve a design motif that is equal parts reminiscent and refreshing.
“The Vintage Homestead Color Collection offers an effortless look that reveals the importance of being hopeful to find stability and balance,” said Ashley Banbury, HGTV
• Heritage Revival: An interest in reviving the past is evident in design trends like a remerging appreciation of antiques and vintage elements, such as oversized furniture and traditional shapes. To capture this style, focus your design on contrasting old and new for a mix-and-match look. A cohesive color scheme can allow the various elements to stand on their own while working in harmony for an intentional design. For example, the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2023 Color Collection of the Year includes a combination of familiar tones that have been thoughtfully curated by design experts who borrow color and design concepts from the past for a hopeful future and a sense of belonging. Hues like Poetry Plum and Hot Cocoa evoke warmth and depth,
while moderate shades like Restrained Gold and Glamour offer fresh ways to incorporate mid-range neutrals. Meanwhile, soft tones like Natural Linen and Cool Beige offer subtle color for lighter, brighter spaces.
• Mixing and Matching of Eras: A new take on retro design is emerging in which eras are blended and new and old furnishing work side by side. To get this look, you’ll craft a space that marries historical and contemporary design, celebrating both old and new. To design for longevity, incorporate pieces that are ambiguous in era and stand the test of time.
• Vintage Homestead: Reviving design elements from the past with mixed patterns, classic shapes, and vintage decor adds up to a comfortable and comforting design. With this trend, prints and patterns encompass a range of styles, reinforcing how interiors connect to fashion. Mixing classic elegance with sleek vintage shapes is refining the concept of polished comfort. To achieve the look, curate pieces in heritage shapes and patterns, along with retro accents. Be sure to incorporate vintage lighting and glass, as well.
A versatile color choice like Darkroom, the 2023 Color of the Year from HGTV Home by SherwinWilliams, is an alluring shade that is classic enough for heritage interiors but also modernly retro for a throwback-inspired aesthetic. It’s a neutral, perfect for creating an eclectic yet modern look inside and out.
Visit hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com for inspiration to combine the past with the present for a design that’s all your own.
CRAFTING A CONSERVATORY
Today’s homeowners are also increasingly interested in biophilic design and bringing the outdoors in, which prompts a conservatory aesthetic in home design. To achieve the look, design your space to make maximum use of natural light in creative ways. Incorporate large potted trees and statement plants that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.
Tailgating is a time-honored and beloved tradition among football fans. The festive atmosphere outside the stadium before kickoff draws mi llions of people to see their favorite team in person each football season.
The smell of barbecue and the thrill of pickup games in the parking lot is integral to fans' game day experiences. Though nothing can replace the atmosphere of a stadium parking lot tailgate, fans can do their best to recreate the experience at home this season. "Homegates" can help fill the void for tailgaters who can't make it to the game. Start the festivities early with backyard
GAME PLAN FOR A WINNING TAILGATE PARTY AT HOME
games like cornhole, ladder golf, or a game of pickup football.
Food is a big part of tailgating, so any successful homegate should feature lots of food. Don't be shy about encouraging your guests to bring their favorite tailgate dish to the gathering. The host should provide the protein and drinks while the guests supply side dishes, dips, and desserts.
Here are a couple recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
Chicken Wings with Bacon Barbecue Sauce
Makes 12 wings and plenty of leftover sauce
1 cup roughly chopped applewood-smoked bacon
12 large chicken wings
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1⁄4 cup diced yellow onion
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup New Albanian Bob’s Old 15-B Porter, or similar robust porter
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cups veal or beef broth
1⁄2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon puréed chipotle in adobo
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Put the bacon in a heavy skillet and cook it in the oven until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the fat in the skillet. Reduce the oven temperate to 350 F and move the skillet to the stovetop.
2. Toss the chicken wings in the olive oil, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until crisp and cooked through.
3. Add the onion to the bacon fat in the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Be careful handling the skillet; it will still be hot from the oven.
4. Add the brown sugar to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it dissolves. Add the beer, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spatula to loosen any brown bits. Stir in the butter and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
5. After the beer has reduced, add the broth to the skillet and reduce until the jam is thick, stirring occasionally and being careful not to burn it, 10 to 20 minutes.
6. Add the Worcestershire, chipotle, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder to the skillet and stir to fully incorporate.
7. Transfer the sauce and bacon to a blender, let cool for 8 to 10 minutes, and then purée until smooth. Remove the chicken wings from the oven, place them in a large bowl, and pour in enough sauce to liberally coat the chicken. Serve immediately.
Note: This recipe yields a bit of extra sauce. Leftover sauce is great on burgers, with other grilled meats, or as a dip for bread. Or simply make a double batch of wings!
Ultimate Steak & Mushroom Sandwiches
1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 pounds rib-eye steak
1 cup Balsamic Herb Dressinade(see below)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 pint cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)
1⁄2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 1⁄2 cups grated provolone cheese
4 6-inch hoagie bungs, split Mayonnaise
Balsamic Herb Dressinade
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1⁄2 teaspoon dried
3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup grapeseed or olive oil
1. In a 1-pint glass jar, combine all the ingredients. Secure the lid and shake until combined. Let stand for 30 minutes before using. Refrigerate any unused dressing.
2. Place the steak on a small, rimmed baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes so it’s firm and partially frozen. Holding a sharp knife on a slight angle, going against the grain of the meat, slice into very thin strips.
3. In a large resealable bag or a medium bowl, marinate the steak in the dressinade for 30 minutes.
4. On a griddle or in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, toss, and spread out in an even layer. Once the onion starts to soften, add the mushrooms. Cook until soft and slightly caramelized.
5. Using tongs, remove the steak from the marinade (allow excess to drip back into the bag or bowl) and place on the griddle, toss with the onions and mushrooms, then spread in an even layer. Allow the steak to sear, forming a crust, for 4 to 6 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 to 6 minutes more.
6. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired, and sprinkle with the blue cheese and provolone.
7. Turn off the heat on the griddle or remove the skillet from the heat and cover with a domed lid or tented foil to allow the cheese to melt quickly.
8. Toss one last time so the cheese is mixed throughout. Divide the steak mixture among the crusty hoagie buns. Serve immediately.
B OOTS, DRESS SHOES, SNEAKERS & ICE SKATES FOR THE WHOLE FAMIL Y
TO PRUNE OR Not TO PRUNE
Foliage and football might be two things people instantly associate with fall, but there’s more to this season than brightly colored leaves and action on the gridiron.
Gardeners know that spring is an ideal time to plan and plant their favorite flowers and most flavorful fruits and vegetables. However, seasoned gardeners also know that gardening is a year-round commitment. Pruning is one of the keys to keeping perennials returning for years to come, and fall is an ideal time for this task.
Pruning perennials in the fall is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, some perennials can be cut down after the first killing frost, while others can be left to benefit wildlife, including birds and insects. Understanding pruning and when to do it this fall can help gardeners lay a strong foundation for their gardening in the spring.
Why should some perennials be pruned?
The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University notes that perennials that have become diseased or infested with insects are pruned to prevent those problems from resurfacing in the spring. In addition, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, many herbaceous perennials have old foliage and dying stems after several hard frosts. If dead foliage or dying stems aren’t pruned, disease, slugs and other pests can overwinter in the plants. Cutting these plants down to the ground after several hard frosts allows the base of the plant to remain dormant over the winter but makes the plant less hospitable to disease and insects. In gardening parlance, a hard frost is when temperatures drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which perennials should be pruned?
The first step to pruning perennials is to recognize which need to be pruned and which can be left intact for the winter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that bee balm and phlox are prone to powdery mildew and should be cut back once they’re gone. Hostas harbor slug eggs, so they, too, should be pruned after a hard frost. Hosta leaves that have fallen on the ground should be removed as well. There’s no need to cut back certain perennials if they’re healthy. For example, hardy geraniums do not require pruning in the fall, and Penn State Extension notes that hardy perennials like garden mums are more likely to survive a cold winter if they’re left intact. That’s because the tops of such plants will collect leaves and snow for insulation and moisture over the course of the winter. Gardeners who are unsure about fall pruning can speak with their local gardening center for additional advice regarding which plants to cut back before winter.
When should gardeners prune their perennials?
Gardeners need not rush to prune perennials in the fall. Diseased or infested plants can be pruned at the first sight of disease or infestation, but gardeners can wait until several hard frosts have occurred before they prune healthy perennials. Several hard frosts kill the uppermost growth of most perennials, making this an ideal time to prune them.
Pruning perennials in the fall can be the first step toward creating an awe-inspiring spring garden.
More than 400 different Whoopie Pie flavors! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. free admission
11th Annual Lancaster
Hot Air Balloon Festival & Country Fair
September 16-18
2727 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird In Hand www.lancasterballoonfest.com
Dozens of big, beautiful balloons. This family-friendly event is suitable for all ages with good food and music. $
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Lititz Parkwalk
October 1
Lititz Springs Park, Lititz www.lititzparkwalk.com
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a leisurely stroll and see talented artisans in ceramics, decor, fiber arts, jewelry, painting & drawing, and woodworking and more.
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Strasburg Heritage Society’s Golden Anniversary Festival
Our 12th annual Pumpkin Madness Festival will include fun activities like the pumpkin smash, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin putt-putt, pumpkin chucking, and a HUGE pumpkin drop right at 5 :00! A glow in the dark pumpkin drop at 7pm and fireworks at 8:30pm $
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Christmas Show: Home For The Holidays
November 8 - December
American Music Theatre, Lancaster www.amtshows.com
Hear some of your favorite sacred and secular holiday songs and the outstanding musical arrangements of the AMT Orchestra. Witness the new set designs, fresh color palette, and a gorgeous array of new costumes, designed exclusively for AMT. $
Choose from Santa’s Paradise Express, Night Before Christmas Train, “Santa Claus Limited,” or the Christmas Tree Train. $
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Christmas at the Cloister
December 12-13
Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata www.ephratacloister.org
Performances at 6:30 and 8:00 pm. Spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and holiday music in the historic Saal (Meetinghouse). $
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New Year’s Eve in Lancaster City December 31
Penn Square, Lancaster www.visitlancastercity.com/city-events
8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Bundle up and head into Lancaster City to watch the red rose drop and count down to New Years! free admission
Albright & Thiry
O r t h o d o n t i c s
Children should have their first orthodontic check-up at Schedule Yo ur Free Smile Assessment Tod ay
