&A - Issuu

from Monroe East- Genesee Valley Penny Saver- 7-28-23

Adopting a “War Dog”

Why would my garden always look so far behind my neighbors’ gardens? What might I be doing differently/ wrong?

It is always encouraged for questions like this for you to consider reaching out to your local County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension as most have agents or Master Gardeners that would be happy to do site visits to help you assess your garden and further your gardening knowledge. Itpotentiallycouldbethesoilandhow yourneighborisamendingit.Itcould be potentially plant selection. Or it could be planting timing or planting skills. There are so many variables that could affect your garden versus your neighbors.’ One thing that is pretty universal is that gardeners on average are pretty open to talking about gardening, especially their successes. There are vast amounts of research and studies regarding how gardening particularly community gardens build social communities. So, take a deep breath and ask your neighbor their thoughts. I’m sure they would be happy to share. Also, if you are looking for educational opportunities to broaden your knowledge, reach out to your local CCE; they may have a program like Seed to Supper that might give you the tools and knowledge to be the best gardener you can be. CCEs are great resources for all kinds of information, so take advantage of them as each county has one.

PS. While gardening on many levels is experiential learning, “Learning by Doing,” you rarely are doing somethingwrong…it’sjustaprocess of learning what may work better for you and your speciﬁc garden!

- Ken Estes, Jr, Cornell Cooperative Extension,Livingston County

Enjoying Thrills At Amusement Parks

One of the more beloved ways for thrill-seekers to spend a day off is to visit an amusement park. Amusement parks take many shapes. Some may be small, traveling carnivals, while others are large parks that draw visitors from all over the country. Amusement parks typically feature hair-raising rides, games of skill, tasty food, and gift shops. That means there’s something for everyone.

Although they may seem like a relatively modern concept, amusement parks, fairs and carnivals actually have storied histories. In fact, historians say that carnivals and local fairs have been around since the Middle Ages. According to History.com, amusement parks, once dubbed “pleasure gardens” and “trolly parks,” sprung up across the United States and Europe in the 19th century.