Kathryn A. McCarty, 78

Fresh Veggies are Not Exclusive to Spring and Summer 0
Family Features
- Advice, Gardening
- September 15, 2021
Spring and summer may be the seasons most often associated with gardening. But people who love to grow their own vegetables can do so even when the weather outside is frightful. Various vegetables thrive in cool temperatures. The home and garden experts at HGTV note that some winter vegetables are hardy. That means they can
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How to Help Houseplants Survive a Long Winter 0
Family Features
- Advice, Home Improvement
- September 15, 2021
As fall gradually gives way to winter, gardeners expend ample energy preparing their flowers and plants for the months ahead. Plants may be pruned to increase the likelihood that they will return in full bloom come the spring, while lawns may be aerated so cool-season grasses can get the nutrients, water and oxygen they need
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Attract More Birds to Your Backyard 0
Family Features
- Advice, Home Improvement
- September 15, 2021
Basic tips for feeding wild birds With all the constraints people lived through in 2020, many turned to their own backyards – nature, in particular – for hope, solace, wonder and even entertainment. Despite the worldwide crisis, nature’s normalcy remained intact; flowers continued to bloom, bees continued to pollinate and birds continued to fly and
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Sylvan Dell Environmental Center and Robert Porter Allen Natural Area Now Being Developed Through a Private-Public Partnership Effort 1
Lou Hunsinger, Jr.
- Local News
- July 21, 2021
South Williamsport native Robert Porter Allen (1905-1963), was at one time one of this country’s leading naturalists, serving as president of the National Audubon Society. He is credited with helping to save the Roseate Spoonbill and the Whooping Crane. His childhood experience birding in Sylvan Dell’s large wetland influenced his career in ornithology. Allen’s innovative
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How to Keep Gardens Safe in Summer Heat Waves 0
Family Features
- Advice, Gardening
- July 21, 2021
Summer is a season to relax and enjoy the warm weather. Basking in the summer sun is a great way to relax, but only when the temperatures are safe. Summer heat waves can compromise the health of human beings as well as their pets. Gardening enthusiasts also may need to go the extra mile to
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Fundraising Campaign Launched for Rider Park 0
Lou Hunsinger, Jr.
- Local News
- July 7, 2021
Rider Park is rightly regarded as one of Lycoming County’s, as well as one of Pennsylvania’s, great scenic and recreational treasures. Its 867 acres of private land available to the public 365 days a year for hiking, trail running, mountain bike riding, cross-country skiing, and other low impact recreational activities. The park offers 10 miles
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Pollinators 0
Charlie Gizenski
- Outdoors
- July 7, 2021
Pollination, the transfer of pollen from one flower to another, results in the production of vegetables, fruits, and the seeds we need to grow more plants. Bees, flies, butterflies, birds, and beetles are the pollinators, carrying pollen on their bodies and then distributing it as they move from one flower to the next. We need
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Time to Grow 0
Charlie Gizenski
- Advice, Gardening
- June 30, 2021
For those who planted this year, your gardens should be well on their way! For those who wanted to plant but did not get the chance, it’s not too late. Visit your local greenhouse this week; they still have a great selection and are probably offering some great deals. Vendors are starting to look ahead
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Watering Your Garden 0
Charlie Gizenski
- Advice, Gardening
- June 9, 2021
Gardens, regardless of size, require attention. Your garden will need watering daily during the summer months, but how do you know if you are giving too much or not enough? My solution is to use a soaker hose. The soaker hose is a porous hose that allows water to seep out slowly over an extended
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Eight Garden Tools for Beginners 0
Family Features
- Advice, Gardening
- May 12, 2021
The right tool for the job is essential to working safely and efficiently. This is as true in the workplace as it is in the garden. Novice gardeners may not know where to begin in regards to which tools they need. The following are eight items that can serve as a solid foundation for beginning
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How to Care for Perennials 0
Family Features
- Advice, Gardening
- May 12, 2021
Perennials can add color and vibrancy to any garden. One of the more desirable components of perennials is that they come back year after year, meaning homeowners do not have to invest in a gardenful of new flowers every year. That can add up to considerable savings. Perennials often form the foundation of beautiful gardens.
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Introducing: Spring Gardening and Planting 0
Steph Nordstrom
- Editorials
- May 12, 2021
Let me tell you, Charlie and I are so excited about the BRAND-NEW special section in the paper this week. We are introducing our Spring Gardening and Planting section that you can find on pages 28-33. In this section, you’ll find everything you need to get started this gardening season! Charlie and I both enjoy
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Stay Safe When Working in the Yard This Spring and Summer 0
Family Features
- Advice, Lawn Care
- April 28, 2021
A day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and summer afternoons. A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens. A sun-soaked day can make it easy to
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Timing is Everything 0
Charlie Gizenski
- Advice, Gardening
- March 31, 2021
As the weather begins to warm and become nice, gardeners start to prepare their pots, beds, and fields for planting. If this is your first year gardening, do not let mother nature trick you into planting too early. We will probably still have a few frosty mornings and cool days ahead, so be wary. Timing
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Stay Safe When Working in the Yard this Spring 0
Family Features
- Home Improvement
- March 17, 2021
A day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and summer afternoons. A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens. A sun-soaked day can make it easy to
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Exterior Lighting Can Add Ambiance to a Property 0
Family Features
- Home Improvement
- March 17, 2021
The value of the right lighting in a home is undeniable. Lighting can instantly transform a room and create the ambiance homeowners are looking to establish. Though it might be mostly seen as a way to create mood inside a home, lighting also can do much for lawns and gardens. Backyards have come a long
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How Ergonomic Tools Can Help Gardeners 0
Family Features
- Home Improvement
- March 17, 2021
Gardening is a rewarding activity that has been found to provide a host of benefits beyond ensuring readily available access to fresh fruits, vegetables and awe-inspiring blooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says many gardening tasks qualify as light to moderate exercise, which means raking the leaves and cutting the grass can be
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Cold Weather, Warm Weather – Start Planning Now 0
Charlie Gizenski
- Gardening, Outdoors
- February 3, 2021
This past week I took some time and shopped a few local garden centers. Talking with some of the employees, they see this being another record-breaking year for gardening. My tip to you is to start thinking about what you would like to plant in your garden. If you can, buy your seeds now. They
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Introducing the Backyard Gardner 1
Charlie Gizenski
- Advice, Gardening
- January 13, 2021
Living in a town, borough, or even the city does not mean you cannot have a garden. You do not need acres of land, big tractors, and a barn. All it takes is a little time, garden soil, and yard space, or even garden pots. I have lived in Pennsylvania my whole life. I come
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What to do to Prepare Your Garden for Winter 1
Family Features
- Home Improvement
- September 23, 2020
Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens
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Tips for Planting Fall Vegetables 0
Family Features
- Home Improvement
- September 23, 2020
Tending to backyard vegetable gardens can fill many hours of enjoyable downtime in the great outdoors. What’s more, the bounty produced by such gardens provides healthy, fresh foods to gardeners and their loved ones. Although spring and summer are widely seen as the peak of gardening season, the mild temperatures of autumn can be a
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Tips for Planting Fall Vegetables 0
Family Features
- Food, Gardening
- September 2, 2020
Tending to backyard vegetable gardens can fill many hours of enjoyable downtime in the great outdoors. What’s more, the bounty produced by such gardens provides healthy, fresh foods to gardeners and their loved ones. Although spring and summer are widely seen as the peak of gardening season, the mild temperatures of autumn can be a
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The Hunting Seasons are Upon Us 0
Ken Hunter
- Hunting, Outdoors
- September 2, 2020
It’s probably safe to say that most of us outdoor types have not given much thought to the upcoming hunting seasons, especially in light of the hot, dry weather that has engulfed us over the past month. But ready or not, the hunting seasons are about to begin. It’s also that time of year that
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Container Gardening Tips 0
Family Features
- June 17, 2020
Gardening is beneficial in various ways. The AARP states that some of the health perks associated with gardening include improved mood, increased vitamin D levels (which benefits bones and immune system) and reduced risk of dementia. In addition, if gardening efforts include growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, it can be a cost-effective way to eat
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Pollinators are an Important Part of Gardens 0
Family Features
- June 17, 2020
A thriving backyard garden requires homeowners to take steps to ensure the garden has the best environment in which to grow and thrive. The right tools and components, including trowels, rakes, soil, amendments, and fertilizer, can help gardeners create beautiful spaces. It’s also important that pollinators are made to feel welcome in the garden. The
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Tomato Plant Giveaway 0
Press Release
- Events, Local News
- May 6, 2020
T.I.M.E. – The Improved Milton Experience and Chef’s Place/Boiardi Museum and Eatery will hold a Tomato Plant giveaway to encourage the public to create “Victory Gardens.” The event is in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8th which marks the end of World War II in Europe. Many homes in
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Meanings Behind the Easter Lily 0
Family Features
- April 8, 2020
Easter symbols and traditions help make the holiday familiar and special. Eggs, hot cross buns and frilly church dresses help paint the picture, and so does a delicate and beautiful white flower. The Easter lily plant is native to both Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. The plant’s flowering season begins in April and
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Container Gardening Tips 0
Family Features
- Home Improvement
- April 8, 2020
Gardening is beneficial in various ways. The AARP states that some of the health perks associated with gardening include improved mood, increased vitamin D levels (which benefits bones and immune system) and reduced risk of dementia. In addition, if gardening efforts include growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, it can be a cost-effective way to eat
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Remembering Easter 1943 0
Lou Hunsinger, Jr.
- Local News
- April 8, 2020
President Trump has likened the present Corona Virus pandemic crisis to being in a wartime situation and at times if feels like that. It might be good to look back and remember another Eastertide that took place in a real wartime situation. Easter 77 years ago was in many ways typical, but it was not
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Help Make Your Poinsettias Last Longer 0
Family Features
- Christmas, Features
- December 11, 2019
Poinsettias are synonymous with the holiday season. These colorful plants brighten up homes with their vibrant hues in variations of red, white and pink, making them a holiday decoration many people cannot live without. While they’re most visible during the often chilly holiday season, poinsettias prefer warm weather. Poinsettias are native to Central America and
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Protect Your Plants From Winter Weather 0
Family Features
- Home Improvement
- September 24, 2019
For the majority of gardening enthusiasts, gardening is a warm weather activity. While some people live in climates that make it possible to enjoy gardening year-round, those who don’t often lament the end of the gardening season. Winter might not be conducive to gardening, but the arrival of cold weather does not necessarily mean a
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Prevent Growth of Mold/Mildew in Colder Months 0
Family Features
- Home Improvement
- September 24, 2019
Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, but unhealthy. These fungi grow readily in damp areas and are found in the air breathed both indoors and outside. If left unaddressed, mold and mildew can threaten the health of a home’s inhabitants. Mildew is a type of mold that remains relatively flush with the surface it
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The Penn State Master Gardeners of Lycoming County Host Annual Garden Fest 2019 0
Press Release
- Events
- July 31, 2019
Montoursville, Pennsylvania – The Master Gardeners are throwing a party! Nature lovers can celebrate unique gardens at the peak of their beauty and learn from area experts about all things gardening this Saturday August 10th during “Garden Fest 2019” at the Penn State Extension. Created by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Lycoming County, this
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