No white lab coats. No test tubes or microscopes.
These scientists here wear big brimmed hats and hiking boots.
The Landisville Research Farm in Manheim, PA, might not house Bunsen burners, but it is a laboratory. A plant laboratory. A 104-acre laboratory.
Here, researchers with Penn State Cooperative Extension, evaluate the growth and development of a variety of plants using scientific methods. Plant trials are conducted to determine how plants compare to each other with consistent care in outside garden conditions.
There are a variety of trials conducted including annual flowering plants, and vegetable plants. Once the information is gathered and interpreted, the results are shared with growers, plant professionals and the public through Penn State.
Normally closed to the public, the Landisville Research Farm hosted the community last weekend. The event, “Summer Garden Experience,” was an open house that combined two parts education, a good dash of charm, and a band of dedicated plant lovers. The result was a great way to spend a Saturday.
So just how much fun can a research farm be? Picture walking through a pristine farm surrounded on all sides with flowering plants or bushy veggie plants brimming with colorful fruit. Take a wagon ride to see the whole farm, then build a bee box with your son. Visit with knowledgeable native plant nurserymen, then tour an award winning demonstration garden. (more on the demonstration garden later) Attend short seminars on the issues of your choice, then have the opportunity to ask questions of Master Gardeners. For kid fun, there was a kids camp.
Fun for me? Learning more about plants and meeting fellow plant geeks.
More than 400 people attended the fourth annual event, which was orchestrated by over 70 volunteers and Penn State Extension educators.
Steve Bogash, a Regional Horticulture Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension, attributed the quality of the event to the Master Gardeners who volunteered and the excellent teamwork of the Capital Region Penn State Cooperative Extension educators.
The farm was originally predominantly an agronomy research facility and outdoor teaching facility. In recent years, the plant trials were added. The annual flowering plant trial has grown to become the biggest and best attended plant trial on the east coast. More than 300 growers recently toured the annual plant trials which this year evaluated 1211 different plants.
The farm is growing. They’ve added buildings and a cutting edge high tunnel as well as improving their well for better irrigation. The researchers will continue to find and share best growing practices with farmers, growers and home gardeners. And they plan to hold the event next year. More to come on the annual and vegetable trials.
Boston Libhart, 5, of Lititz, assembles a bee box during a workshop at Summer Garden Experience.
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