Tour 14 local gardens including the famous Beckhorn permaculture garden on Irish Hill
By Kathryn Ross,
WHITESVILLE – On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Whitesville Public Library will host its annual Hands in the Dirt, Nose in a Book Garden Tour to raise funds to support programing.
This year 14 gardens are on the tour which includes vegetable and flower gardens, habitat and container gardens. President of the Whitesville Public Library Board, Gay Thistle explained that those taking part in the tour will learn tips and secrets, and can chat with knowledgeable gardeners about how to cultivate their gardens and what grows best in this zone.
One of the features of this year’s event will be a visit to a permaculture plantation cultivated by Sue and Fred Beckhorn on Irish Hill Road. There attendees will stroll through a variety of woodlands and learn about harvesting food from nature.
Permaculture gardening is a holistic approach to growing plants that mimics natural ecosystems rather than working against them. It focuses on creating self-sustaining landscapes that require minimal external input while promoting biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation.
Tours of the permaculture garden will take place at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m.
Thistle said, “There are every kind of garden to tour from traditional to woodland. There will be guided tours which include a mushroom growing operation Most years there are blueberries to pick and veggies to sample along with container, pollinator gardens and native plant gardens. It also includes ideas for decorating garden spaces with found or antique materials. There will also be portable sawmill demonstrations throughout the day.”
Those who attend Hands in the Dirt, Nose in a Book Garden Tour will visit a variety of gardens in and around the village on self-guided tours they can walk or drive. Maps of the route are available at the Whitesville Library registration desk where visitors can nab giveaways and win prizes. The event is free. Donations are appreciated.
The Hands in the Dirt, Nose in a Book Garden Tour will benefit programming at the Whitesville Public Library and provide activities at the library for children, teens, and adults. Contact the Library at 607-356-3645 for more information.
