Lovely lavender
by Terri Laird Greene County Master Gardener
Ijust love herbs, and one of my all-time favorites is lavender.
With more time at home in 2020, while still navigating the pandemic, I decided to make a new garden area. As a lavender enthusiast, I decided to incorporate lavender gardens. I’ve always loved lavender, so I thought, why not start growing it? Besides loving the aroma of lavender, I find it to be so enjoyable to make useful things with it that you can share with family and friends, and even take to the farmers market to sell.
Let me say, my first experience with growing lavender was just that — an experience, and boy, it was not a good one. I had committed the cardinal sin of not knowing anything about the plant. My first attempt resulted in dead or dying little sad-looking clumps. The greenery turned black and looked like a plastic, spooky Halloween decoration from Home Depot. But I didn’t give up just yet. I decided to get to know this plant. I utilized information from the Penn State Extension website, specifically “Adding Lavender to Your Farm,” which provided a wealth of knowledge. I began to realize I was doing everything wrong for growing this plant. I realized I needed to know the needs of this plant. What did it want and need to grow? Convincing a plant to grow is like a little love story. How could I attract this plant to grace me with its beauty in my garden if I didn’t even know anything about it?
I also recently went on a farm tour of a working lavender farm in Pottsville, owned by Wendy Jochems, a Penn State Master Gardener who also happened to be a speaker in the Penn State webinar, “Adding Lavender to Your Farm.” Her farm is also home to a Penn State Master Gardener-certified pollinator garden.
I was surprised to find that lavender originated in the Mediterranean area. It prefers nutrient-poor soil and a dry environment. It requires a well-drained growing area and does not do well with moisture-holding material around it. It also does not require fertilization in the way you may think. Who knew? So, there were all my mistakes, as I plied it with rich, black gold dirt, then added fish fertilizer, then watered and watered it, finally covering it with tons of mulch. Everything I was doing was all wrong. No wonder they all died.
So, I started all over and planted eight lavender plants.
After taking the time to educate myself on growing lavender, I now had a plan that led me to plant them in a way that was different from before. For example, I added small rocks to the soil mix and utilized existing soil instead of adding planting mixes. I stayed away from the fertilizer, offering only a small amount of compost dressing at the beginning of spring — the only time lavender really needs any fertilizing. According to Gardening Know How, gardeningknowhow.com, by Liz Baessler, there is a saying about lavender and why it dies: “More often than not, the plant has actually been cared for to death.”
I chose not to mulch them for winter, instead using small landscape rocks as an insulator over the winter. I find mulch keeps them too wet and leads to the plant to experience rot as it comes out of winter. For larger planting areas consisting of many lavender plants, a thick landscape cloth or cover is also a good lavender insulator, keeping weeds away. Lavender is also very drought-tolerant, so it is typically killed by overwatering. For my new plants, I watered them once every two weeks for only a few weeks after planting, then let the natural rain cycles take over. For winter hardiness, I use plants that are bred with English lavender, as that variety is the most winter-hardy for our area. A favorite lavender cultivar of mine is Lavandula angustifolia Phenomenal because it has one of the most beautiful, strong, long-lasting scents and has a high oil content.
My effort was rewarded. By the next two summers, I had the most beautiful lavender, bobbing and swaying in the breeze above my full and large plants. By the first year, they were approximately 2 feet wide; by the second year, they had spread to 42 inches across. Now, I have 15 to 24-inch-long stems, their ends exploding with intoxicating wafts of lavender flowers all around one side of my home. Even my husband took notice of these new plants, and that’s saying something. There were hundreds of bees all over them. I currently have 25 lavender plants to continue feeding the droves of bumblebees that have found my summer lavender flowers. While many pollinators are attracted to lavender, this herb plant is more popular among bumblebees. According to Oregon State University, referencing a 2011 study by the University of Sussex, “Bumblebees’ long tongues allow them to efficiently forage from lavender’s tubular flowers and more quickly extract nectar than the shorter-tongued honeybees, which must
jam their heads inside the flower to reach the nectar”. The bees are so busy when feeding on lavender, even while I’m gently trimming the stalks off, they never even bother me. You can hear the low humming sound of all their buzzing wings, such music to my ears.
I love growing lavender, and I've learned a great deal through the process of cultivating and harvesting the lovely buds and flowers. I have found the best way to harvest it is using sharp hand clippers, clipping off the long stems, clearing down to the greenery, about an inch or two above the woody part of the plant. Cutting the woody part of the plant can damage it, and that part may not regrow. Gather enough long stems for a large handful, then wrap a rubber band around the bottom close to the ends. Hang upside down in a dry room with some air circulation. A tightly closed room could cause the stems to become moldy. Don’t allow direct sunlight on the stalks, as the sun will lighten the color in the buds. During harvest time, which typically occurs around the end of June to mid-July, depending on the maturity of the flowers, I prefer to harvest just as the buds are beginning to bloom and open. This is when the oil content and fragrance are the most concentrated. For flower arrangements though, I wait until the flowers are open and in full bloom. Using your hands, grip the budded ends and gently twist the buds off into a large container. Store the buds in large glass containers with lids or in plastic bags.
After harvesting the stems, this is a good time to give the entire plant a haircut. Prune the greenery about an inch above the woody part. This prevents the plant from growing too large and developing excessive woody branches. When that happens, the plant is devoting too much energy to growing and maintaining all those woody stems instead of creating the flower buds. It will usually produce another smaller flush of budded stems throughout the rest of the summer, which can be harvested. The plant can then be given a last trim again before winter, around September.
So, what does one do with all these lovely, dried, beautifully scented lavender flower buds? There are many ways to utilize lavender. It’s simply a matter of personal preference. Some of the dried lavender buds are perfect for sachets, and I make a lot of these. Keep the buds on their long stems, and you can use them in arrangements. Lavender stalks with the buds opened to flowers make for captivating arrangements that smell wonderful for a long time. There are endless possibilities with their use in dry decor. I love to experiment with it. Since lavender buds and flowers are edible, lavender is also used in cooking and baking. However, French lavender is typically paired with herb blends due to its more subtle, floral flavor. One thing I plan to make this year is lavender jelly, a beautiful and tasty treat to spoon on warm biscuits with a hot cup of tea, perfect for a frosty morning!
The essential oil from the buds can also be harvested, but that’s a specialized process that requires essential oil distillation equipment. I was a bit discouraged when I found out that it takes 11 pounds of lavender buds to produce just one ounce of oil. I think I would need way more lavender plants. For now, I'll stick with harvesting the beautiful buds and stems for many other enjoyable projects using my lovely lavender.
Getting back to nature at Oak Tree Acres Flower Farm
It’s finally springtime after a seemingly never-ending winter, and the flowers are blooming, which means Oak Tree Acres Flower Farm is bringing vibrant cut flowers to the Greene County community. Located in Garards Fort, Oak Tree Acres is a ten-acre local flower farm owned and run by Jane and Jason Kowalczyk. As a flower farm, they sell to individuals as handcrafted arrangements and to businesses as wholesale bundles, allowing the full community to experience the beauty of their flowers.
Oak Tree Acres specializes in all types of flowers, focusing on nature through seasonal blooms. In the spring, they have beautiful offerings like tulips and dahlias, while in the summer, they focus on the late bloomers, like sunflowers. This commitment to nature and its natural ebb and flow is a pillar of Oak Tree Acres and their objective, “this isn’t just about flowers — it’s about the connections they create.”
Whether patrons want to get their hands dirty and fill up a DIY floral bucket, or simply bring some color home with Oak Tree Acres' unique flower subscription and delivery, anyone can embrace nature through an order from this local business, farm and community member.
Jane Kowalczyk also takes on the event space as well, designing and selling flower arrangements for any special event. Not only do they sell their offerings at local businesses and their Facebook page, Oak Tree Acres, but they are also currently starting up a traveling flower truck, so that they can reach more people through farmers markets and other special events.
To promote conservation, Oak Tree Acres is selling tuber bags, allowing customers to realize their own garden and cultivate beautiful flowers with ease, currently available for purchase at The Dutch House, as well as through the Oak Tree Acres Facebook page.
These tuber bags contain a single tuber of the dahlia of a customer’s choosing; it is a modified stem of the plant that has all the nutrients necessary for it to reproduce successfully at home, allowing anyone the joy of growing something. Kowalczyk hopes to spread the joy flowers bring her and aims to teach others to cultivate that joy. “As the journey goes, I’ll create videos to help and explain the growing process.”
Tuber bags aren’t the only growing option Oak Tree Acres is bringing to the community. Kowalczyk has an upcoming project that will be available for Mother's Day weekend: a cutting garden in a box. This garden in a box will be a collection of seeds that the customer will plant in their own space. Get creative and plant the flowers in different parts of the home and yard, or follow the planting guide Kowalczyk includes in the garden box. It’s a wonderful option to explore growing, or as a gift for mom.
Jane Kowalczyk, “the heart and hands behind Oak Tree Acres,” is a fifth-generation farmer, following in her family's footsteps, while also branching out from tradition and into the flower market. Oak Tree Acres is Kowalczyk’s passion project. Not only is she a full-time hospice nurse, but she is also a mom to 3-year-old Duncan and dog mom to her weimaraner, Barkley. She sought out Oak Tree Acres to bring her passion for flowers to her community's doorstep, so that she can see on people's faces the “the first few seconds of joy when they receive flowers.”
Kowalczyk is always sharing this flower-joy throughout the community, whether it be bringing a smile to her hospice patient faces, or sharing the growing cycle to toddler story time in local libraries. Oak Tree Acres is a true example of what it means to come back to nature, and they are hoping to share it with anyone who wishes.
Story and photos by Amanda Startare
Left : Flower arrangements like this one use seasonal blooms
Above left: Jane Kowalczyk with her dog Barkley on the farm
Above right: Flowers must be protected from the elements and the critters
Dreaming of a backyard refresh this summer? Leverage your existing home equity, or ask about a home improvement or construction loan from First Federal of Greene County. We’ll help you dive in to any new project: a swimming pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, even a new driveway or garage. Whatever floats your boat. Visit one of our Loan Officers, or apply anytime online!
Dreaming of a backyard refresh this summer? Leverage your existing home equity, or ask about a home improvement or construction loan from First Federal of Greene County. We’ll help you dive in to any new project: a swimming pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, even a new driveway or garage. Whatever floats your boat. Visit one of our Loan Officers, or apply anytime online! www.ffgc.bank
www.ffgc.bank
Story by C.R. Nelson
C.R. Nelson/for the Observer-Reporter Park manager Alan Johnson showing the work being done on the new pool complex in October 2020
There was a fine drizzle on April 3 as I pulled into the parking lot at Ryerson Station State Park Visitors Center with a platter of fresh-baked cookies from South Fork Kitchen & Fixins’ — our newest local eatery — to deliver. Spring was definitely here, and so were the friends, neighbors, local business owners and state officials who came this evening to hear what State Parks Regional Manager Jeremy Rekich had to say. His long-awaited, much updated timeline for the massive stream restoration project, now scheduled to start in 2026, was breaking news. Everyone had questions. We freshly elected board members of Friends of Ryerson Station — FORS — were here to chair this public meeting, provide refreshments, ask many of those questions … and have a stack of membership applications on the table beside the sign-in sheet. (Thanks for joining! You know who you are!)
Scott Hackenburg retired from the Bureau of State Parks in 2021 after “35 years of working in parks, 20 years living in them!” Then, he moved to Greene County to be closer to Steeler Country and started Pursley Creek Farm. Now he’s back in action as a savvy, good-natured Friend, with first-hand knowledge of how a state park can drive the local economy and how Friends groups can help make good things happen. “I look around and I see a lot of potential,” Hackenburg said, looking around at all of us who came. “This is a beautiful park. My role as chairman of the Friends group is to move forward. When I hear stories from people about how it used to be, I listen, then tell them what’s past is past. We’re moving forward. What I’d like to get tonight is where we stand on some of the projects because I’m new and have nothing to base it on.”
“Some of this is new to me, too,” newest manager Casse Criss agreed as she introduced Rekich. Rekich’s happy smile spoke volumes. “I just got this timeline yesterday. We got the notice to proceed! All that slope analysis really did pay off because we found a lot of issues we want to resolve in the design so we don’t have a lot of change orders when it comes to this large a project. We want to make sure the money for construction goes to construction. We’ve been taking our time on purpose. We want to do it right.”
For those of you who didn’t make it to the meeting, Rekich also has the official short answer to a question that keeps popping up as the years go by and that overgrown stretch of what used to be a lake, anchored to a broken dam, is still painfully visible to anyone who passes through the park on Bristoria Road.
“I get that question all the time! All the money is still there. It’s legislatively mandated that it can only be spent here. It can’t be put into the general fund. And the amount has not changed.”
The money in question is the 34 million dollar settlement DCNR received from CONSOL Coal, Inc. in 2013. That money would compensate for the loss of Duke Lake (19592005). Portions of the settlement have already been used for some impressive improvements. When testing in 2015 showed the ground was still moving, DCNR withdrew its permit to rebuild the dam and a new task force, Revisioning Ryerson, was formed. The group held a series of meetings with residents, organizations and local officials that year, and those of us who participated put together a
C.R. Nelson/for the Observer-Reporter
New Ryerson manager Casse Criss talks about an upcoming stream restoration project at Dryerson 2024
C.R. Nelson/for the Observer-Reporter
From left, State Park Pittsburgh Division Manager Kevin Blair, Ryerson manager Casse Criss and State Parks Regional Manager Jeremy Rekich at the April 3 Friends of Ryerson Station meeting
wish list for the future of Ryerson. That wish list has been slowly coming true, one major project at a time. Upgrading what the public still had access to came first, and those who came to hike, hunt, swim and picnic were the first to be impressed.
The campground now has upgraded hookups, cozy cabins, a playground and modern shared amenities. This is what makes Ryerson a popular woodsy retreat throughout the year. During the COVID lockdown of 2020 into 2021, there was time to do the heavy work of excavating ground for the new pool, waterpark, modern pool complex and solar parking canopies. Under the watchful eye of park manager Alan Johnson, who became a dad during his tenure, there would be plenty of shaded areas to protect kids from the sun.
Rekich was here for the pool’s ribbon cutting on July 7, 2022, along with State Parks Director John Hallas and DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, elected officials, visitors galore and a beaming lineup of local lifeguards who continue to keep the summer pool seasons fully staffed.
This last major stream restoration project, headed by Land Studies, Inc., will bring a transformation to the landscape along Bristoria Road. That upper branch of Wheeling Creek will be rechanneled through wetlands, designed to be a “meadow and a stream bottom, taking it back down to 14,000 years ago, to what it should look like in Pennsylvania,” Rekich was happy to tell us. “They keep a lot of the water just beneath the surface cover, which cools it and makes sure that trout can sustain.”
The stream is “actually designed to flood and when you have higher water. You should be able to launch kayaks in the spring and fall. I’m a big kayaker and I’m extremely interested in this. I think it’s a cool concept. One of the things we’ve heard from the community is they want interaction with the stream. So there are areas where you can easily get into it with a kayak, and you can easily fish it during trout season.”
The crowning feature of this world-class restoration project will be the three-acre, off-stream pond in the meadow below the pool. “We tried to do the largest that we could without making it a DEP-permitted impoundment.” The pond is designed to be both natural and accessible, with ample shoreline for both kids and adults to fish. “I have a stack of drawings that show the design structures for the fish and aquatics. I’ll get those phase drawings, and we’ll do a breakdown of the funding too. I can come back to a Friends meeting for that. The task force is done. It’s time to transition to a Friends group. That’s the best way to get info back to us on details as we work, and we can work together to make adjustments.”
For those who grew up fishing, paddling and playing along its shady banks, Duke Lake was their world. For those of us who moved here, the magic of Ryerson began with our first picnics, hikes and sun-soaked days at the pool, maybe taking a paddle or dropping a line. Over the years, I turned herons in the shallows and people paddling into art for my Greene Country Calendar and
shared the love. Our first informal Friends group hosted community festivals, starting in 1994 when park manager Jeff Anna came to manage and stayed to raise a family and energize a community. This marked the beginning of unforgettable fall weekends, when apple butter got stirred over the fire, local crafters and musicians showed their stuff, reenactors camped out like they did when this was the Western Frontier and our kids learned as much as we did about history, ecology and the power of people working together. Festivals and gatherings have continued after the lake was gone, supported by those managers who came after Jeff Anna.
Tri-State Citizens Mining Network, a coalition formed in 1994 after Congress created federal regulations on surface coal mining operations, gathered at the park in 2006 for a first “wake for the lake.” Two years later, the group became the Center for Coalfield Justice, and Dryerson Festival was born. This new summer event found its educational niche, keeping friends, neighbors, local officials and legislators in the loop as DCNR litigated for compensation for the damage done to a state park.
When Pitt graduate Lindsey Aranson went looking for a project to do for her master’s thesis at American University in 2024, she talked to fiance Alex Downing, who does media work with CCJ. “He told me about Ryerson and the image of a lake that had no water stuck in my mind.” She and her crew of fellow filmmakers from her graduate media program began camping out at the park that fall, as Aranson interviewed and filmed, then returned to interview and film some more. “I wanted to learn more and did a lot of research about the history of the park and started talking to people in the community. And by coming here to do my documentary, I’ve learned to love the park myself.”
On April 3, Aranson was back to listen, learn and ask questions like the rest of us.
(Of course, she took an application!)
This map shows the conceptual plan of Ryerson Station State Park. The map can also be found in a high-resolution version online at murphydittenhafer. com/recent-news/how-architecture-is-improving-the-pa-state-park-experience
C.R. Nelson/for the Observer-Reporter
Far left: Remembering Duke Lake at Dryerson 2024
Left: Lindsey Aranson and Sarah King attended the April 3 Friends meeting to gather information and interviews
Above: FORS chair Scott Hackenburg and new member Lisa DePaoli meet at RGB Coffee in Waynesburg. For more information, call 717-360-8326
Courtesy of DCNR
THE POWER OF NETWORKING HOW BUILDING CONNECTIONS CAN TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS
By Sarah Varner Greene County Chamber of Commerce assistant executive director
Running a business takes more than just grit and determination — it takes connections. In today’s fast-paced, competitive landscape, who you know can be just as important as what you know. That’s where the power of networking comes into play. For business owners, effective networking isn’t just a bonus — it’s a game-changer. It can unlock new partnerships, generate valuable leads, offer much-needed support and open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
At its core, networking is about building genuine, authentic and mutually beneficial relationships. It’s the handshake that leads to a collaboration. It’s the business card exchanged that turns into a loyal customer. It’s the shared coffee that sparks an idea and launches a joint venture.
Networking helps business owners cultivate genuine, lasting relationships with other professionals in their community. Whether you're searching for reliable suppliers, potential customers, trusted mentors or creative collaborators, these connections can be invaluable to the success and sustainability of your business.
In a small community, trust and familiarity carry significant weight. People naturally prefer doing business with individuals and companies they know, like and trust. A friendly face at a local event or a familiar name mentioned in conversation can go a long way. Through consistently showing up, engaging in meaningful discussions and participating in local events, you're not just marketing your business — you’re building a reputation.
The more people who know about your business, the better your chances of success. Attending networking events, meeting fellow business leaders and establishing a visible presence in your local business community can significantly raise your profile. It ensures your name and your business are top of mind when someone needs a product or service you offer. Visibility creates opportunity. You never know who you might meet at a luncheon or who might refer your business after a casual chat at a community mixer. Sometimes, a simple introduction can
evolve into a game-changing business relationship.
One of the often-overlooked benefits of networking is the inspiration it provides. Conversations with other business owners can offer fresh perspectives, spark new ideas and challenge you to think differently. Hearing how others tackle challenges, adapt to market changes or seize emerging trends can inspire innovative strategies that you can apply to your own operations.
These informal knowledge exchanges — sometimes over coffee, sometimes at a roundtable — are powerful tools for growth. They provide a broader view of the business landscape and offer an opportunity to learn from others’ successes and mistakes.
From joint ventures and collaborative partnerships to speaking engagements and media coverage, many valuable opportunities begin with a simple “hello.” Networking puts you in the right room at the right time, often with the right people. Whether you're looking for advice, exposure, resources or connections to new markets, networking is the bridge that can get you there.
The Greene County Chamber of Commerce exists to support local businesses, and one of the most effective ways we do this is by hosting high-impact networking events specifically for our members, designed to foster connections, collaboration and community.
Our events are a key benefit of membership in the chamber, attracting a diverse group of professionals, including experienced business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as startups and nonprofit leaders, all eager to connect, learn and grow. Whether it’s a Coffee and Commerce morning meet-up, Business Banter or monthly Business Connection Luncheons, each event is curated to bring the right people together in the right setting, offering a relaxed yet professional space to build meaningful connections. The magic that truly sets our events apart is the culture we’ve created.
We understand that networking can sometimes feel awkward, uncomfortable or overly transactional. That’s why we focus on building an environment that emphasizes support,
encouragement and shared success. When you walk into a Greene County Chamber event, you're entering a community of business owners who are eager to lift each other up, share their knowledge and collaborate rather than compete. This is why we are so proud of our Women in Business Event Series. This series holds the mission “to encourage, educate and empower women at every stage of their professional journey. These events create an inclusive space for inspiration, mentorship and connection among local women leaders and entrepreneurs.”
Many events also feature guest speakers, local officials and influential community leaders — people who shape the direction of our local economy and can offer powerful insights and connections. Meeting them in a more personal, approachable setting can give your business a significant advantage.
Beyond the handshake and business card, our networking events often incorporate educational opportunities to help sharpen your business acumen. We offer workshops, panels and seminars on topics ranging from digital marketing and customer service to financial planning and leadership development. It’s a chance to grow your network and your skill set, all in one place.
The results speak for themselves. Chamber members who consistently participate in our events often report increased referrals, stronger partnerships and greater visibility in the community. These are not just feel-good gatherings. They’re strategic tools for business growth. If you’re a business owner looking to expand your reach, grow your brand and be part of something bigger, networking isn’t optional. There’s no better place to start than with the Greene County Chamber of Commerce. Our events are more than just social meet-and-greets; they are launching pads for lasting relationships, business breakthroughs and long-term growth. Every handshake, every introduction, every conversation is an opportunity waiting to happen.
So, come join us. Show up. Shake some hands. Share your story. You never know where the next conversation might take your business.
For more information on such networking events and other Greene County Chamber of Commerce happenings, be sure to visit our website, greenechamber.org, email us at info@ greenechamber.org, call us at 724-627-5926 or find us on Facebook at Greene County PA Chamber of Commerce.
