CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Peace Kids to the Rescue

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In 2018, six-year-old Lucas Kreider told his mom, Sophia, that he wanted to create an art show to help those who are less fortunate. Lucas pitched his idea to Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace and was able to secure gallery space at the Lancaster County Visitor Center. The Peace Kids to the Rescue Art Show was born! The first show featured art from over 50 children and raised $2,400 for Church World Services and Lancaster County Homeless Coalition. To date, Lucas and Sophia have raised $16,000 for the organizations.

Lucas and Sophia Kreider

Eleven-year-old Lucas and his mom, Sophia, are spending the summer preparing for the 5th-annual Peace Kids to the Rescue Art Show and Silent Auction, which will be held Friday, September 1, at The Ware Center. Featuring around 50 pieces of art from children ages 6-18, the show celebrates the role children and art can play in bettering our communities. 

Last year, the art show raised $6,000. Half of the proceeds were donated to Church World Services for their Girls Who Code program, which equips young refugee and immigrant women (ages 11-21) with opportunities to improve digital literacy and explore STEM. 

Lucas and Mayor Danene Sorace

The other half was donated to the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition. The funds were used to support a new advocacy group through which people who have experienced homelessness will help to empower and support individuals who are currently or recently unsheltered. A portion of the funds was also earmarked to help create a “Peace Kids” corner in a city hub that will provide services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The area will provide space for kids to express themselves creatively through art, music, theater and more.

Photo by Michelle Johnsen
Photo by Michelle Johnsen

Meet Lucas and Sophia

Q: How did you come up with the idea to start an art show?

Lucas: When I was younger, I used to drive around in the city with my mom in what we called our kindness car. We would give out bags of food, water and other things people might need who didn’t have a home. And I used to make a lot of art when I was younger, so the idea just popped into my head one day to have a show to sell kids’ art and help people who don’t have as much as I do.

Q: Where did the name “Peace Kids to the Rescue” come from?

Sophia: For our first show, I asked Lucas what he wanted to name the show and he came up with Peace Kids to the Rescue. He says it’s because “kids are helping make the world more peaceful” and rescue because “they’re wanting to help others.”

Q: Why do you think it is important to help others?

Lucas: It’s just important. I think it helps people feel more equal and makes their lives easier. And it makes us feel happier when we help!

Q: What kind of art do you like to create?

Lucas: I like colored pencils, but my favorite is woodworking!

The Peace Kids to the Rescue Art Show and Silent Auction will be held September 1 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the lobby of The Ware Center, located at 42 North Prince Street in Lancaster. Refreshments will be donated by Prince Street Café, Wegmans and Sugar Whipped Bakery. If you are unable to attend the event, you can donate at gofund.me/67fcb4bb.  

Off The Well-Beaten Path

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From mansion museums to miniature horse farms, Lancaster County is full of nearly hidden gems that   satisfy a visitor’s demand to see something truly unique to this area. 

Friends and relatives who live outside of Pennsylvania often come to visit Lancaster County. I regularly take on the mantle of unofficial county ambassador and tour guide, trying to show off the highlights of what we have to offer. I have accumulated a list of stops that are quintessentially Lancaster County, which, at the same time, may be a bit off the radar to the average tourist. I thought I would share a couple, just in case you are pressed into service as a tour guide this summer.

Wright’s Ferry Mansion

I only recently discovered Wright’s Ferry Mansion, a true hidden gem of historical importance near the Susquehanna River in Columbia. The circa-1738 home of Susanna Wright, a Quaker who was one of the first English inhabitants of Lancaster County, remains in perfect, near-original condition on a part of the 100-acre tract originally deeded to her family from William Penn. Most of this property would later be divided into lots to form Columbia in the newly founded county named after the Wrights’ home of Lancashire, England.

Wright’s Ferry Mansion

Over the years, through the philanthropic efforts of owners, the home has been outfitted with a collection of antiques rivaling any museum collection. Visitors will see items like Susanna’s silver cup she brought as a child from her native England, a circa-1600s traveler’s sundial made in France, and a Philadelphian tall case clock during an informative, guided tour. Susanna’s sophisticated yet simple taste is seen throughout the house. This is a must-see stop for any American history buffs or those interested in antiques and design.

38 S. 2nd St., Columbia, discoverlancaster.com/directory/wrights-ferry-mansion 

Hinkle’s Restaurant

Once a staple in all of America, diners have become few and far between over the past couple of decades. Eateries where locals gather on a daily basis are a part of American history and small-town tradition, which Hinkle’s Restaurant in Columbia keeps alive. After more than 100 years in operation, Hinkle’s looked to be just another part of history until Don and Becky Murphy stepped in to keep the restaurant’s doors open in 2017.

Hinkle’s Restaurant

While the pharmacy part of the institution has been relegated to the history books, a new soda fountain lends a nostalgic air to the eatery that specializes in American comfort food. Hinkle’s keeps local history alive by serving the shifter – a ham-and-cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and a sweet pickle on white bread – which was a staple of Pennsylvania Railroad workers when Columbia was a bustling railroad town. Another popular item is the in-house-made chicken croquettes, which we all know are a prized Lancaster County tradition. There’s also an expansive gift shop. 

261 Locust St., Columbia, hinklesrestaurant.com 

Fetish Brewing Company 

Years ago, I relied on an almost hidden database of Lancaster County brewery knowledge. I would shuttle friends to a second-floor taproom in a barn or a carved-out corner of a defunct department store to find the area’s freshest brews. I even knew where to find the Fetish Brewing Company’s OG city garage before they moved to Lititz. Now, every Lancaster brewery is common knowledge, but I still love to show off Fetish as one of the county’s best-kept secrets, especially because their location in Rock Lititz’s Pod 2 is so cool!

Fetish Brewing Company

Fetish serves small-batch, meticulously crafted beers in a space where tunes are spun on wax within the sprawling rock n’ roll complex of Rock Lititz’s Pod 2. The bar area is industrial-cozy and the lobby-style seating area is perfect for groups with kids. They serve some snacks, but the best time to visit is when a local food truck is parked outside. Try Ghost Pepper, the beer that started it all.

201 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz, fetishbrewing.com 

Eastland Alpacas

Who can resist the fuzzy face of an alpaca? Because they are so loveable, produce high-quality fiber and are environmentally friendly, the South American camelid mammals became popular a couple decades ago with ranch and farm owners. Kevin and Sue Zurin, owners of Eastland Alpacas, have been sharing their love of alpacas for more than 25 years.

Eastland Alpacas

Every fall, Eastland Alpacas hosts a multi-weekend open house, usually in November. In 2022, the open house allowed visitors to mingle with more than 100 alpacas, including new babies, observe obstacle courses and even feed the animals. Kids enjoyed wagon and barrel train rides, and even a stilt-walking balloon artist. The newly expanded Farm Store Boutique sells products like socks, gloves, hats, sweaters and stuffed animals that are made from alpaca fibers. There is even alpaca yarn! Throughout the rest of the year the store and tours are available by appointment only.

2089 Risser Mill Rd., Mount Joy, eastlandalpacas.com 

Lapp Valley Farm

Chocolate marshmallow is my favorite flavor of ice cream and Lapp Valley Farm is hands down the best maker of this flavor, IMHO. It is loaded with marshmallow creme. I like to take guests to the original farm location in New Holland where respectful visitors can observe the working Plain farm and get up close to the cows that produce the milk for this wonderful ice cream. 

Lapp Valley Farm Creamery & Café

Now, there’s a new alternative to the farm – Lapp Valley Farm Creamery & Café opened last summer along the Old Philadelphia Pike near Intercourse. This location, which is part of Discover Lancaster’s new “cow-to-cone” Ice Cream Trail, can host busloads of visitors and goes beyond ice cream by operating a fast-food grill. Emma’s Gourmet Popcorn is located right next door, making this a one-stop visit for some of Lancaster County’s most delectable treats.

244 Mentzer Rd., New Holland (farm) and 4040 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville (shop/grill), discoverlancaster.com/directory/lapp-valley-farm-creamery

The Li’l Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm

The Li’l Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm

Taking the back roads southwest from Gordonville toward Strasburg provides beautiful views of Lancaster County’s farming community. A 15-minute drive takes me to my go-to spot for “Amish Country” souvenirs, the Li’l Country Store. I find the quality and selection of books, home décor and locally made products here among the best of its kind. You’ll also find treats such as homemade ice cream and root beer here. The store is owned and operated by Henry and Linda Stoltzfus; most of the wood products on site have been handcrafted by Henry.

Don’t miss the miniature horse farm. Kids and adults alike love to pet and interact with the horses who appreciate nose rubs and treats. When I was there in late May, a few foals had joined the crew. The family also offers one-hour miniature horse workshops, plus cart and saddle rides Monday through Saturday for a fee.

264 Paradise Lane, Ronks, lancasterminihorses.com 

Top 10 To-Dos for June 2023

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Photo courtesy of Lancaster Rec.

1.Lancaster Beer Gardens | June 1-July 1

Various Locations

Lancaster Rec will be hosting a traveling beer garden throughout the month of June. The beer garden will transform Lancaster City parks into a community hub for networking, entertainment and yard games. Proceeds benefit Lancaster Rec’s programs.

June 1-10: Buchanan Park

June 14-17: Ewell Plaza

June 22-July 1: Musser Park

Hours are weekdays, 4-10 p.m.; Saturdays, 1-10 p.m.; and Sundays, 1-8 p.m.

Information: lancasterrec.org/beergardens or 717-392-2115.

 

Photo courtesy of Lancaster Conservancy.

2.Lancaster Water Week | June 2-10

Various Locations

Lancaster Water Week celebrates the 1,400 miles of streams and rivers in Lancaster County. These waterways are the source of our drinking water, drive economic and agricultural growth and allow us to escape into nature to fish, paddle and swim. Many of these streams are polluted, but there is an incredible effort underway to bring them back to health in our lifetime. Lancaster Conservancy will offer over 40 events during Water Week, including river paddles, workshops, hikes, maintenance and clean-up projects, tours and more.

 Information: lancasterconservancy.org/water-week or 717-392-7891.

 

Photo courtesy of EPC.

3.16th Annual EPC Golf Outing | June 9

Crossgates Golf Club

Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. will be hosting their 16th Annual EPC Golf outing at Crossgates Golf Club for the benefit of Good Samaritan Services. Tee times are available at 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A bagged breakfast and Peters Chicken BBQ lunch will be provided for morning golfers, while a boxed lunch and chicken BBQ dinner are offered to afternoon golfers. Raffle tickets can be purchased for a chance to win prizes including gift cards, a Barnstormers gift bag, Longwood Gardens tickets and more. Registration is required.

Information: epcgolfouting.com or 717-492-2531

Good Samaritan Services compassionately responds to homelessness and poverty through a unique and personalized approach to help their neighbors journey from crisis to stability. Serving over 500 men, women and children annually across Lancaster and Chester Counties, their vision is to see and serve all who may be overlooked. Learn more at goodsamservices.org.

 

Photo courtesy of Lancaster Liederkranz

4.A German Sommerfest | June 9-10

Lancaster Liederkranz

Enjoy an Oktoberfest-style celebration at Lancaster Liederkranz. Enjoy traditional German food, beer, music, song and dance. General admission will cost $7 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-15. They will also be accepting non-perishable food items to benefit the Mount Joy Food Bank. Those who bring a food item will receive $1 off adult admission. The fest will be held rain or shine from 5:30-11 p.m. on Friday and 12:30-11 p.m. The event is cash only.

Information: lancasterliederkranz.com or 717-898-8451.

 

Photo courtesy of Lancaster Central Market

5.Strawberry Festival | June 10

Lancaster Central Market

The second-annual Strawberry Festival will feature berry-themed specials, kids activities, live music, fresh strawberries and more. Goodies such as strawberry lemonade, strawberry shortbread, spreads, candies and much more. Find specialty items inside and outside the market and sit with your community at the long kitchen table that runs the length of William Henry Place. The event is free and open to the public. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Information: Facebook or 717-735-6890.

 

Photo courtesy of Oregon Dairy

6.Family Farm Days | June 13-15

Oregon Dairy

Bring the kids to Oregon Dairy for some farm fun. Enjoy guided tractor and wagon rides, samples of the dairy’s milk and ice cream, barnyard theatre presentations, stream studies by Lancaster Conservancy, agricultural exhibits and much more.

Information: oregondairy.com/family-fun/family-farm-days or 717-656-2856.

 

Photo courtesy of Celebrate Lancaster

7.Celebrate Lancaster | June 16

Downtown Lancaster

Celebrate Lancaster is an annual celebrations of the city’s vibrant residents and cultures. Enjoy food vendors, activities and games, beer gardens, live entertainment and a dance party. The celebration will take place from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Information: Facebook or 717-735-3138.

 

Photo courtesy of Creatively Lancaster.

8.Creatively Lancaster Makers Market | June 17

Clipper Magazine Stadium

Shop, eat and play at the Creatively Lancaster Summer Makers Market. Find a wide assortment of talented makers, artists, hobbyists, crafters, creators, bakers, designers, upcyclers and more. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information: creativelylancaster.com/events/june17.

 

Photo courtesy of Crispus Attucks Community Center.

9.Juneteenth Cultural Mixer | June 18

Crispus Attucks Community Center

Juneteenth National Independence Day celebrates the true end of slavery in the United States. The Crispus Attucks Community Center will host a cultural mixer to bring the community together in celebration of Juneteenth. This free event will include food and beverages, performances, history and time to gather and reflect. The mixer will take place from 5-8 p.m.

Information: lancastercountymag.com/event/annual-juneteenth-cultural-mixer or caplanc.org/juneteenth.

 

Photo courtesy of Ephrata Brewfest.

10.Ephrata Brewfest | June 24

Whistle Stop Plaza

Held in downtown Ephrata from 1-4 p.m., this brew fest benefits the Ephrata Public Library, the Ephrata Recreation Center and Mainspring of Ephrata. Attendees can enjoy beer and food from a variety of brewers and food trucks, as well as live music. Ephrata Brewfest will also feature an official competition with the U.S. Steinholding Association at 2 p.m. The entry fee is $20 per person. Tickets for Ephrata Brewfest are $40. Designated driver tickets cost $10.

Information: ephratabrewfest.com or 717-738-9291.

Playful Pups Retreat: An Enriching Experience

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A year spent in California in the mid ’90s prompted Laurie Yost to look at human-canine relationships in an all-new way. Dog parks, dog hotels and dog spas were all-new concepts at that time. The way dogs were treated and cared for would eventually make its way east and ultimately set the tone for Laurie’s dream-come-true venture in Lancaster County that is set to expand next month. 

Two guests enjoy the splashpad at Playful Pups’ daycare center on Hershey Road in Elizabethtown.

Dogs are now treated as members of the family. Laurie verifies that notion and offers the observation, “Dogs are part of the family like never before. They’ve gone from the backyard to the bedroom.” A survey conducted by Chewy, Inc. concurs with that statement, as 84% of respondents say they consider their dogs to be important members of the family. 

Chewy’s latest ad campaign provides a humorous look at the phenomenon with a television commercial that shows a family – including Bailey the talking dog – gathered around the dinner table and discussing the events of their day. The kids are obviously jealous of the attention that is paid to Bailey and his exploits by their parents. 

Appropriately enough, the spot is called “Favorite Child.” According to the results of Chewy’s survey, which were released in April, three in 10 parents name their dog as their favorite child, while four in 10 consider their dog to be their best friend. 

Personalities, play styles, size and other factors figure into the makeup of play groups.

The results also reveal that 61% of survey participants report that their pets are better at cheering them up than are their partners, while 93% state that their pets make them happier people. Oh, and 60% of respondents admit to allowing their dogs to sleep on their beds. 

Laurie, who was born in Hershey and spent most of her childhood in Texas (her mother was in the military), moved back to Central Pennsylvania after college. Her one-year stint in California was centered in Laguna Beach. When she returned home, Laurie opened a consignment shop in Elizabethtown she named Now Wear This! 

Laurie Yost modeled Playful Pups Retreat after the facilities she saw in California.

However, the avowed dog lover’s mind kept returning to California; she dreamed of opening a boarding and daycare business based on what she had seen on the West Coast. “I came up with a five-year plan and started taking classes, attending seminars and conferences and visiting pet facilities,” Laurie explains. 

During her travels around the area, she took note of buildings that were for sale and contemplated the challenges of making them canine-friendly. That’s when she realized her “Champagne taste and beer budget” didn’t correlate. Reality set in: It would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to retrofit any of the buildings she saw. “I’m driven to do things right,” she says. “If I do something, I give it a 110% effort. I was fully committed to doing this right.”

So, it was back to the drawing board. She ultimately realized the answer to the dilemma was right in her own backyard. Laurie and her husband live on 19 acres of woodland along Milton Grove Road in Elizabethtown. They decided it would make more sense to build a facility from the ground up. A 6,900-square-foot “hotel” was built to accommodate guests whose families were traveling and could not take them along. What dog wouldn’t want to spend their “vacations” in such a beautiful spot that features secure, tree-shrouded play yards, nature trails and other amenities? 

On the Cover: Nick Gould photographed Laurie Yost, the owner of Playful Pups Retreat in Elizabethtown, as she engaged with two guests at the daycare location that is home to a splashpad and is set to expand next month.

Playful Pups Retreat opened in 2010 with six employees. “It’s a special culture,” Laurie says of the pet-care industry. “Yes, you must love dogs, but it has to go deeper than that. You must be fully committed. It’s hot, dirty work. Summer and holidays are our busy periods. We’re open 365 days a year.”  

One Adventure Leads to Another  

The venture proved to be so successful that Laurie began offering daycare and training. “We cater to people who want a high level of care for their pets,” she explains. Because of that, Laurie and her staff consider pet parents to be an important part of the equation. “A lot of our clients are in their 20s and 30s. Their dogs are their kids. The expectations are higher than ever before. Leaving a pet with us for the first time is equivalent to a parent putting their child on the school bus for the first time. They’re nervous, they wonder how their pet is coping … we want to give them peace of mind.” 

Paw prints and wet noses help to create special memories for pet parents.

To alleviate anxiety, Playful Pups’ canine clients engage in arts and crafts projects (creating framed paw or nose prints is a favorite pastime) and pose for photos and videos that are texted/emailed to their families. “The projects aren’t for the dogs,” Laurie says. “They’ll become keepsakes for their families.” 

Success also spawned expansion. Laurie sold the consignment shop and transformed the building into a center that is exclusively devoted to daycare. Open since 2019, the Hershey Road facility offers programs that are designed for dogs of all ages and entail a balanced agenda of social interaction, mental stimulation, enrichment activities, group play and quiet time. It is also home to a splashpad water feature. Evaluations are conducted before a first visit to determine a dog’s proper placement based on personality, play style, energy level, etc. “Our programs meet the needs of every stage of life,” Laurie notes. 

Once again, the venture proved to be a success. So much so, that an expansion is nearing completion. “We’ve been averaging 120 dogs a day at the Hershey Road site,” Laurie says. “We have a waiting list. Our plan is to expand the Puppy Social Skills daycare, as well as the Enrichment daycare. Enrichment activities, socialization and potty and crate training help to create confident and social dogs.” 

According to Laurie, “enrichment” is the new buzzword in the dog world. Dogs that are left to their own devices all day and don’t benefit from stimulating activities, socialization or exercise can create problems in a household. “You want your dog to be the best self it can be,” Laurie says. Demand for such services is at an all-time high. “We’re in the process of growing our training programs,” Laurie notes.  

With the expansion of the Hershey Road location, Laurie plans to put more emphasis on training and enrichment programs.

The Hershey Road facility is also an example of a new trend – memberships – in the pet-care industry. “To enroll, a dog must come to the center at least one day a week. (Full and half-day memberships are offered.) Laurie says average attendance is two to three days a week. “And, if a dog is sick, we ask that they stay home,” she says of the health precautions that are taken. “After all, we have a responsibility to every dog in our care.” Air-scrubbers are also utilized to purify the air at both facilities.    

There’s More! 

When Laurie became aware of a new offering called Sniffspot (sniffspot.com), through which home and land owners make their backyards and fields open to dog owners (fees vary from property to property), she joined the online roster and made an enclosed area on the Milton Grove Road property that is removed from the Playful Pups complex available. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she says. “I didn’t do anything to promote it; I just relied on Sniffspot.” 

The daycare center features a boutique that is stocked with treats, gear and other necessities.

The first year, she estimates six visitors utilized the yard. “Now we get a nice number of visitors almost every day,” she reports. The site offers its own parking lot and clients are trusted to clean up after their dogs and abide by Sniffspot’s and Laurie’s rules. “Our clients have been great – they’ll message me to alert me of any issues they notice.”  

Caring for Less Fortunate Animals 

Laurie has always been supportive of rescue organizations and shelters. “Rescue is a labor of love,” she says. One of the ways in which she supports the cause is to both foster and adopt rescue dogs. Her personal pack once consisted of 11 dogs. “We’re down to seven now,” she shares, adding that she is currently fostering a French bulldog. “They just become a part of your life,” she says. 

Autumn Young, an enrichment counselor, is working with hearing-impaired Mikaya on learning sign-language skills.

Laurie is the founder of Pitties Love Peace, which works to find homes for pit bulls and pit-bull mixes throughout the Northeast. Founded in 2010 and given nonprofit status in 2011, the organization relies heavily on foster homes to provide the first steps to finding forever families for their charges. Laurie especially likes to champion senior dogs, noting, “They have so much love and life to give.” For more information, visit pittieslovepeace.com.  

Looking Ahead 

With two facilities to oversee, Playful Pups’ workforce has grown to include 70 team members. “Many are part-time,” Laurie says. Clients hail mainly from the Elizabethtown/Mount Joy/Hershey area, but some long-time clients arrive from Lititz, Jonestown, the Harrisburg area and Lancaster. “They value what we do here,” Laurie says of those who travel longer distances. “They’ll do anything for their dogs.” 

Nature trails loop around the Milton Grove Road location.

While further expansion is not out of the question, for now, Laurie prefers to concentrate on providing quality care and growing the programs at the two locations she operates. “There’s never a dull moment,” she says of working with dogs. 

Playful Pups Retreat’s daycare center, located at 406 Hershey Road in Elizabethtown, will be holding an Open House on a date to be determined in July. For updates, visit playfulpupsretreat.com or call 717-689-3756.     

 

The Laundry Goes to the Dogs

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What happened when Kim and Curt Myers became pet parents and remodeled their home during Covid? The Myers’ new laundry became a multi-functional space that caters to the needs of the newest family member, Whiskey, their goldendoodle. 

What had once been a hallway that led from the garage to the kitchen – and contained a no-frills laundry – was enlarged and remodeled to serve as a multi-functional space that is dedicated to a laundry, mudroom and pet suite. Owners Curt and Kim Myers worked with Garman Builders Renovations to remodel this space, as well as the first floor’s living spaces. Pictured is the Myers’ goldendoodle, Whiskey.

The Myers’ daughter started the ball rolling for the cause of adopting a dog. According to Kim, she convinced her father that having a furry family member would be fun and fulfilling. “She said, ‘Let’s just go and look,’” Kim recalls. “Well, you can guess what looking at puppies led to!” 

Whiskey no sooner became a member of the family when the Myers’ daughter set off to take a job in Wilmington, North Carolina. To their surprise, the now empty nesters found themselves wholeheartedly doting on the puppy they named Whiskey. “The color of his fur reminded me of whiskey and Curt’s favorite drink is whiskey, so that became his name,” says Kim, who has since discovered that their dog shares his name with the band, Whiskey Myers, whose music is often heard on the television show, Yellowstone. “I’ve had a few people comment on that and ask if that’s how he got his name,” Kim notes. 

Kim admits that Whiskey is one spoiled dog. “He’s our third child,” she says of the soon-to-be two-year-old canine. 

One Thing Led to Another 

Kim points to a patio door that needed to be replaced as the motivating factor for the remodeling project. Having lived in their Strasburg home for nearly 25 years, Kim and Curt deemed that perhaps it was an opportune time to undertake a full-fledged remodel of the first-floor living areas. They chose to work with Garman Builders Renovations, as well as Kountry Kraft (custom cabinetry). Plans called for the kitchen and living room to swap spaces. A bathroom, which is now accessed by a short hallway that is lined with storage cabinets/closets, was also remodeled and is now part of a guest suite. 

Kim has discovered that Whiskey’s elevated bathing station is also perfect for watering plants and cleaning muddy footwear. The set-up is also easy on Kim’s back.

As for the laundry area, that was transformed into a beautiful multi-functional space that does duty as a laundry, a mudroom, a pantry and a spa/hangout for Whiskey. “He can be shy around strangers, so when people he doesn’t know are here, he’s happy to chill in his [laundry-room] crate,” Kim says. 

The room is also equipped with a customized and elevated bathing station (complete with hand-held plumbing fixtures) that makes bath time for Whiskey easy on Kim’s back. “It’s also perfect for watering plants and washing off muddy boots,” she points out. Wall hooks provide easy access to Whiskey’s leashes and coats/sweaters. Baskets filled with toys fit neatly under a bench. Cabinets keep food, treats and other essentials organized and out of sight. 

As for aesthetics, shiplap was high on Kim’s must-have list from a design perspective. Gray tones that define the wall color, custom cabinetry, tile and trim serve to create a serene and peaceful space. A low-maintenance tile floor can easily be cleaned after wet paws and feet have padded across it. 

Whiskey’s pet suite also consists of a custom crate, storage areas for food and treats and easy access to toys and gear.

Before the remodel, the space was essentially a hallway that provided access to the first floor from the driveway and garage and was outfitted with a washer and dryer. “Every time I bent over to use the dryer, I’d bump into the wall behind me,” Kim recalls. “I had no counter space for folding things.” Through reclaiming space from the garage and relocating closets, a much larger laundry was able to be created. It’s accessible from the garage, driveway and a porch that Kim enlivens with seasonal plants and other décor. “Now, everyone comes into the house through the laundry,” she notes. 

Laundries are Trending 

The Myers’ multi-functional laundry is part of a post-Covid trend that sees homeowners making optimal use of every room. Over the past several years, laundries have become multi-purpose rooms whose intent is to bring order and organization to a house. Hence, the new-concept laundry is perceived as being more than a place to wash and dry clothing, as it often shares the space with a mudroom, pantry, office, pet suite (apparently a craze in California according to Houzz), craft/DIY space, potting/maintenance area for plants, a prep area for catering … and the possibilities go on. 

As a result, laundries are being outfitted with high-tech appliances, sinks, islands, built-in desks, pet spaces and custom cabinets that contain pull-out shelves, drying racks and ironing boards. In the case of pet suites, Dutch doors are proving to be popular additions, as they allow for pets to enjoy privacy yet feel connected to the rest of the household. (Such a set-up also keeps them from being confined to a crate.) 

The now light and bright laundry has become a favorite way for visitors to enter the house.

A laundry also allows people to “unleash” their inner designer. Because the laundry is (relatively) small and usually removed from the living areas, it provides the perfect opportunity to go a little wild with color, wallpaper, flooring and other decorative elements. After all, if it’s a room that energizes you, doing laundry might not be perceived as a dreaded chore. 

Pet-Driven 

According to statistics compiled by Forbes, pets are even influencing where we choose to live. A recent survey of pet owners revealed that 14% of respondents admitted they moved from an apartment to a house so that their dog would have a yard. And, per an article in The Washington Post, realtors are reporting an uptick in clients who are seeking homes that are in close proximity to dog parks, daycare and vet services. 

According to Megan Herr, Garman Builders Renovations’ sales manager, Lancaster pet owners are taking the needs of their dogs and cats into consideration when they are building or remodeling their homes. “Clients are factoring in pets when they are building or remodeling. Pets are an important part of a client’s home life and the way they live and move about a house is being taken into consideration,” she explains. “In the Myers’ case, they wanted to create a space off the garage that allows for Whiskey to easily come into the house and have an area to clean off. A shower space that is also adult-friendly solved that question. The built-in crate provides function while keeping a certain aesthetic.” 

Whiskey is happy to lounge in his crate when Kim and Curt are busy or are entertaining visitors.

The needs of cats are also being taken into consideration. “Another request we have had is built-in closets for litter boxes,” notes Megan. “Such spaces provide a secluded area that cats can enter; the owners can then open a ‘hidden’ door to clean the area when necessary. We’re also often asked to incorporate the pet’s eating area into the kitchen design. That’s achieved with a built-in food dish area in the island or a pull-out drawer.” 

Megan shares that the needs of pets are considered even before a project gets underway. “Garman and our field supervisors always ask about pets prior to construction so we can best ensure their safety and stress,” she notes.

All aspects of the home industry are heeding America’s love affair with pets and are creating products that allow for humans and animals to happily coexist. For example, performance fabrics hold up to the kind of wear and tear that only a cat or dog can create. 

From a design perspective, shiplap was high on Kim’s must-have list.

In the realm of flooring, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is beyond forgiving where scratches, spills and accidents are concerned. Stone and ceramic stand up to the same challenges. 

If you’re painting, satin or semi-gloss finishes are washable and tend to repel fur. 

Dogscaping has become an integral part of landscaping design.   

Should you need a vacuum cleaner, funding for the BISSELL Pet Foundation is raised through the sale of the company’s floorcare products. Launched in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, the foundation supports rescue and welfare organizations across the country, as well as initiatives such as Empty the Shelters.  

If you happen to be doing laundry, Bounce recently introduced a new line of dryer sheets called Pet Hair and Lint Guard, which is advertised to remove pet hair/fur and lint from clothing. 

Credits

Design/remodel: Garman Builders Renovations 

Cabinetry: Kountry Kraft 

Appliances: L.H. Brubaker    

Out & About

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Judith Martin, aka Miss Manners, whose column appears in more than 200 newspapers, was recently asked the question: … “‘back in the day’ – a few years ago, pre-pandemic – most people did not take their dogs wherever they went. Now that people are starting to socialize again, it’s not unusual, upon arriving at someone’s home, to find that just about everyone has brought their dog …” She asked what’s a person who is highly allergic to do in such situations? 

Miss Manners agreed with the person’s observation, noting that dogs seem to be everywhere these days. It’s apparently become a post-pandemic trend. She also provided rules of etiquette for pet parents: Anyone bringing a dog anywhere needs to do their homework. In the case of a private home or social function, ask the hosts if it’s permissible. In the case of stores, restaurants, etc., check websites or call to check on pet policies. According to Miss Manners, once at your destination, a pet parent must supervise their dog’s behavior and ensure that he or she does not approach guests without clear encouragement. As for hosts, it’s their responsibility to let guests know that pets are welcome to attend so that those with allergy issues, phobias, etc., can send their regrets or take appropriate precautions. 

Shopping 

Walk into a Lowe’s or Home Depot and you may wonder if you made a mistake and entered a pet-friendly store like PetSmart or That Fish Place/That Pet Place. It’s obviously become “a thing” to take your dog on errands. It’s also become a way for dogs to practice their manners and for puppies to become socialized. If you see a crowd gathering at such a store, no doubt a puppy is on the premises! 

While stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot generally welcome dogs, they do not have blanket corporate policies in place. The same applies to HomeGoods. (Service dogs, of course, are welcome.) Instead, policies vary from store to store. Most request that dogs be well behaved; leashes are always required. (Leave the flexi-leash at home and use one that provides more control.) If an accident occurs, be proactive about cleaning it up. 

Stores that openly welcome dogs include Tractor Supply, Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom and the Apple Store. In Allentown, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley actually encourages shoppers to bring their pups along; stores that welcome canine visitors display dog-friendly decals on their doors; many provide treats. Water bowls are strategically placed throughout the complex. 

Locally, Festoon, which recently announced it is closing after 19 years, has welcomed four-legged visitors for years. Privately owned pet stores welcome canine visitors, as well. 

 

Kathy Frey has always been ahead of the curve where dogs are concerned, as she always welcomed them to her Festoon shops. On May 1, Kathy announced the end of an era – she is retiring and Festoon, which has been a fixture in Downtown Lancaster for 19 years, will close its doors on August 1.

Kathy and her beloved dogs, (the late) Millie and Turk, posed for our June 2016 cover in support of Take Your Dog to Work Day, which this year will be held across the country on June 23.

Happy trails to Kathy, her husband, Bruce Terkeltaub, and Turk! You will be missed.

 

If in doubt whether your dog would be welcomed, call or visit the store’s website. Use common sense: if you’re running into a store to pick up some sandpaper, no problem. If you’re there to design a kitchen, it’s probably not a good idea to bring the dog along.           

Play Ball!

I don’t know who started the take-a-dog-to-a-baseball-game phenomenon, but it’s become a huge attraction on both the minor and major league levels. In the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB), 16 teams participate in some sort of dog-related events. In Philadelphia, for example, Bark at the Park is held once a year; the 350 human-canine tickets for this year’s date, May 23, sold out instantly. A portion of the proceeds from those ticket sales benefit Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). 

In Pittsburgh, dogs are welcome to attend Tuesday home games, which are referred to as Pup Nights. Once a month (except for July), Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., will be hosting Pups in the Park. Proceeds from the sales of canine tickets (outfield seats) benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. In Harrisburg, the Senators host Wet Nose Wednesday for Wednesday home games. The Reading Fightin’ Phils will be holding Bark in the Park promotions on five Sundays during the season. 

The Phillies’ service-dog-in-training, Major.

In addition, several minor and major league teams have dogs on staff who serve as mascots and bat dogs. Others are partnering with service-dog organizations. For example, the Philadelphia Phillies are partnering with Warrior Canine Connection to sponsor a service-dog-in-training. Major, a black lab puppy, will be doing PR and participating in community events for the team. 

Taking in a Barnstormers game from the Capital Blue Cross Backyard.

Locally, the Lancaster Barnstormers have been sponsoring dog-friendly games for years. Pet parents are welcome to bring their dogs to Wet Nose Wednesday games (June 7 & 21; July 5 & 19; August 2, 16 & 30; and September 6 & 13). The Capital Blue Cross Backyard (a grassy pet-friendly seating area) is reserved for such fans on those game days. New this year is the Barnstormers Dog Club. Various levels of memberships are available that provide perks such as Yappy Hour beer specials, baseball cards featuring a photo of your pet, dog-friendly ice cream and more. The dog-friendly festivities kick off with Pet Fest on June 4, featuring vendors on the concourse and other special activities. For details, visit lancasterbarnstormers.com. 

Note: As a rule, teams require proof of immunization and liability releases that can be submitted online. 

W(h)ine 

Missy Wilson, whose family owns Setter (as in the dog breed) Ridge Vineyards in Kutztown, is the voice behind the podcast, UncorkPA. A recent podcast was devoted to dog-friendly wineries, notably Mountain View in the Poconos, that she described as “extremely dog-friendly” thanks to the 100 acres that dogs are welcome to explore. In addition, pet parents are welcome to post photos of their furry family members to the winery’s Facebook page on Woof Wednesdays. The winery also sells plush toys and treats for pets to enjoy while their humans relax over a glass of wine. 

Missy also noted that Pennsylvania’s vineyards, wineries, breweries, etc. are some of the dog-friendliest places you’ll find. She advises potential visitors to call or visit the website of a destination they would like to visit to confirm its pet policy. She also recommends that you bring toys, treats and water along. A leash is also a must. PA Wine Association: pennsylvaniawine.com. 

True to Missy’s word, Lancaster County is indeed home to pet-friendly vineyards, wineries and breweries. For example, dogs are welcome at Nissley Vineyards Winery & Estate (Bainbridge), anytime except during special events. They are also prohibited from the winery’s second floor. Nissleywine.com. 

At Grandview Vineyards (Mount Joy), dogs are celebrated on Wag & Wine Wednesday (1-6 p.m.), when they are permitted on the deck. Dog-friendly beverages and biscuits are made available. Grandviewwines.com. 

Moon Dancer Winery (Wrightsville) welcomes dogs to lounge around their outdoor tables.  Moondancerwinery.com. 

At Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard (Quarryville), pet parents are welcome to walk their dogs across the beautiful acreage. Dogs are also welcome on the covered patio and the shaded lawn area. Britainhillvenueandvineyard.com. 

At Waltz Estate Winery & Tasting Room (Manheim), pets are restricted from entering the tasting room; however, they are invited to relax on the lawn (leashes required). Waltzvineyards.com. 

As for other food and drink venues, more are welcoming dogs to the premises. Some include: 

Pups are welcome at Sickman’s Mill. Photo by Jordan Bush.

Sickman’s Mill (Conestoga) welcomes dogs to visit this summertime creekside gathering spot that is home to Jimmy’s Place (named after the owners’ late dog), where Jimmy Juice (orange juice, vodka and a secret ingredient) is available in cans or on draft along with other PA-made brews and spirits (such as River Dog Rum). Dogs are welcome to play on the grounds (under owner supervision) but are restricted from tubing down the Pequea. Sickmansmill.com. 

Spring House Brewing Company’s Hazel Street headquarters has a patio – Dalton’s Doggie Deck – that is dog-friendly. Food and beverages (for humans) can be ordered at a walk-up window. The dog menu features Chow’s Chicken and Barley’s Burger Patty. Fresh water and treats are available, too. Springhousebeer.com. 

Wacker Brewing Company/Wacker’s Roadhouse (Willow Street) welcomes dogs to lounge on the patio that is furnished with umbrella-topped picnic tables. Wackerbrewing.com. 

Play

Dog parks provide secure environments in which dogs can exercise and socialize. 

Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park, which opened earlier this year, was made possible by the Borough of Ephrata, Mainspring Ephrata, sponsors, donors, volunteers and Petsafe. Ahead of its opening, it offered a class in April called “Dog Park Safety and Etiquette.” The 40,000-square-foot park is divided into two areas and is open to the public. 

160 Old Mill Rd., Ephrata. Ephrataunleasheddogpark.weebly.com. 

Salisbury Township Community Park 

In addition to a nature preserve and recreational areas, the park is home to an enclosed, off-leash dog park that is open to the public. 

750 White Horse Rd., Gap. Salisburytownship.org. 

Dog Park Mount Joy 

Opened in 2016, this 3-acre park, located within Rapho Community Park, is divided into two sections. It’s operated and maintained with funding provided by membership fees, fundraising events, donations and the time and talents of volunteers. 

960 Strickler Rd., Mount Joy. Dogparkmountjoy.com. 

Beau’s Dream Dog Park 

Beau’s Dream Dog Park

In 2012, Angela Bauman and her dog, Beau, entered a contest sponsored by Beneful Dog Food and won a $500,000 makeover for the dog park at Buchanan Park. The design/build was overseen by Nate Berkus (HGTV), Jason Cameron (DIY Network) and pet expert, Arden Moore. Open since 2013, it offers two areas and amenities such as splashpads and a seating deck for pet parents. It is open to the public. 

901 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster. Facebook.com/beausdreamdogparkbuchanan.   

Overlook Dog Park 

This multi-acre park is located within Overlook Park in Manheim Township. It’s managed by the township and the Manheim Township Dog Owners Group. Registration is required to use the park that has spaces for small and large dogs. 

2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. Manheimtownship.org. 

Noel Dorwart Park/Nature Area 

Located off Farmingdale Road, the park is situated on land owned and maintained by the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority. It offers a play area for dogs, however, it is not enclosed. No matter, dogs will love walking along the 1.3-mile trail that loops its way through fields, woodland, wetlands and waterways. 

408 Parklawn Ct., Lancaster. Easthempfield.org. 

Sniffspot 

For one reason or another, a dog park may not be the best choice for your dog. Enter Sniffspot, through which backyards, fields and other privately owned outdoor areas are available to rent. Lancaster is home to several, including an oasis in the Southern End – The Pond – that offers five acres of what many who have visited call a canine’s “dream come true.” (Plus, as the name indicates, a water feature.) The place is gorgeous. Reviewers give it a 5 (tops) rating and Sniffspot ranks it as a Top Spot. Another destination that has earned a 5 rating is Aunty Sooz’s Backyard Pup Playland in East Petersburg that offers an enclosed 1/4-acre of grass and clover. Zoomie Park in Mount Joy offers three enclosed pastures and optional amenities such as a baby pool. Laurie Yost (Playful Pups Retreat) in Elizabethtown, makes an enclosed play yard available through Sniffspot. 

Rates vary anywhere from $8 to $14 (or more) an hour. New to Sniffspot is membership plans. 

For details, visit Sniffspot.com.

Dog Sports 

Some breeds of dogs need to be kept busy and engaged. Such drive is literally in their DNA! Activities like agility, nose work, dock diving and herding provide ways to unleash that pent-up energy. 

Dog Sense 

Wendy Jordan’s facility in Conestoga will be offering agility classes throughout the summer (the next six-week session begins June 25). Be forewarned, classes fill quickly due to Wendy’s reputation and experience in the world of agility. (In addition, all members of the training staff have a minimum of five years of experience.)  She also teaches a relatively new sport called nose work that taps into a dog’s natural ability. In addition, Dog Sense offers boarding, daycare (there’s a waiting list), training, behavior consults, grooming and more.  

Dogsensepa.com  

Rocky Creek Dog Agility 

Kim and Mark Malmer operate an agility-training program at their farmette in Ephrata. Kim has been handling and training dogs for years and has earned titles and credentials from nearly 10 organizations. She is also a judge for agility events. The facility offers a training field with equipment, an indoor area, a pond and a swimming pool. 

Rockycreekdogagility.com 

Canine Country Club 

It’s a doggie waterworld at Canine Country Club.

Some dogs take to water like, well, ducks. If your pup loves the water, put this dog resort and spa in Manheim on your must-visit list. Canine Country Club, which is owned by Gary and Kim Buchen, grew out of their garage and now encompasses two facilities, The Club and The Windsor. The Windsor location is home to indoor and outdoor pools. Offerings include private (reservations needed) 30-minute or one-hour sessions (no more than two dogs) and group swims for three or more dogs. Swimming lessons are also offered. Also available are open swims indoors (Tuesday and Thursday, 12-8 p.m.) and outdoors (Monday and Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6:30-9 p.m.). Reservations are not needed to attend; multi-use passes are available. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit … humans are welcome to join the fun. 

Cccresorts.com 

Oscar’s Pet Resort 

In addition to offering a full complement of services, Oscar’s is home to a Sports & Rec division whose activities are based in the Doggie Dome. Activities include all levels of agility (for fun and for competition). The Doggie Dome is also home to a club whose canine members are at advanced levels of agility and meet to reinforce those skills. The Doggie Dome also offers treadmill training, nose work, clicks for tricks and cart-pulling. 

Oscarspetresort.com   

Doing Good 

Sadly, not every dog has a place to call their forever home. As a result, rescue organizations and shelters take on the responsibility of providing dogs, cats and other animals with food, shelter and medical care until they are adopted. Fundraising is vital to such work. 

Mini Pints for Pups 

Raising funds for Humane PA through beer.

Launched in 2018 by Humane PA (which includes the Lancaster Center for Humane Life-Saving), the organization partners with breweries to host a series of fundraising events that feature tasty brews, food, yard games, prizes and more. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend. Best of all, $1 from every drink sale goes to Humane PA. The itinerary includes stops in Lancaster and Berks counties. The Lancaster events will be hosted by Pour Mans Brewing Co. (June 4, 12-4 p.m.), Raney Cellars Brewing Co. (June 24, 2-8 p.m.), Twisted Bine Beer Co. (July 16, 12-4 p.m.), River Trail Brewing (August 24, 4-8 p.m.) and Wacker Brewing Co. (September 24, 1-5 p.m.).

For details, visit Humanepa.org. 

Yappy Hour at the Railroad House 

Last summer, the Railroad House Inn put its patio to use as the site of fundraisers for several rescue organizations. Owner Joey Bowden recently announced the Yappy Hour fundraising series will continue this summer as follows: June 8,
Pitties Love Peace; July 13, Leo’s Helping Paws; August 10, Sebastian Foundation; September 7, Homeless to Home Husky Rescue; October 12, TBA. Guests are welcome to bring their (well-behaved) dogs along. Adoptable pets will also be on hand. Events are held rain/shine, 5-8 p.m. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the organizations. 

For reservations, visit railroadhouseinn.com. 

Good Dog! 

A birthday, a gotcha anniversary, good behavior, welcome home … all are deserving of a special treat, a new collar or the latest toy. 

As seen at For the Love of Dog in Marietta: A home-grown dog food, Naked Chicken, made from organic and omega 3 chicken and organic brown rice and cooked in natural juices. (No gluten, additives, binders or coloring.) Think of it as farm-to-bowl dog food from a real farmer, Ken Charles, who founded Charles Pet Food, LLC in 2018. Look for it at your favorite pet store. Nakedchickendogfood.com.

Basset & Lab 

Basset & Lab’s cakes look good enough for humans to eat!

This pawsome shop is owned by Mike Good and Alison Bowser, who became acquainted through a dog trainer. The bakery features dog-friendly treats, deli items (peanut butter bacon sticks) and cakes that look good enough for humans to eat (they are made with dog-friendly ingredients). The boutique is stocked with creature comforts and the latest gear. The food selection emphasizes health and wellness (chemical- and GMO-free and non-processed). 

1352 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Bassetandlab.com.  

The Barking Baron 

After a 30-year career as a nurse, Deneen Ostasewski, was looking to make a career change. A lifelong love of dogs inspired the idea of opening a boutique dedicated to dogs. An empty storefront provided the perfect location. The selection is phenomenal –
think canine-chic. Ever better is the fact that it shares the building with Cottage & Vine, a plant store. The two stores join forces to create a courtyard entrance that is always welcoming and sometimes whimsical. 

12 Market Square, Manheim. Thebarkingbaron.com and Facebook.

Plan a Vacation Your Dog Will Love

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Eleven-year-old Piper has visited 13 states and driven through at least three or four more. She’s called five states “home” for at least a couple of months or more. Not bad for a runty kid from nowhere North Carolina. Of course, by a kid, I mean a dog. But as a millennial, those two words are nearly synonymous.

Outdoor landmarks are great destinations to visit when traveling with pets. Here, Piper poses in front of the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Maine.

Piper, a 30-pound brown-and-black hound mix, came into my life just before graduating from college in 2013. From the start, I enjoyed bringing Piper with me wherever I went. But our relationship blossomed in 2020, when I bought and converted a cargo van into a home on wheels. Since then, the two of us have traveled up and down the East Coast. Along the way, I’ve learned a thing or two about traveling and sharing adventures with your pet.

Road-tripping With Your Pet

The most convenient way to travel with your pet is in your own car. 

Imagine a road trip with your best friend – indulgent snacks, throwback music and the excitement of an unknown destination ahead. This assumes your dog is your best friend. If this isn’t the case, this article might not be for you.

Road trips are about slowing down; the Blue Ridge Parkway offered the right pace and beautiful views through southwestern Virginia.

I got lucky with Piper. She’s a natural-born co-pilot, happy to sleep through hours of highway miles. But I’ve traveled with dogs that are not comfortable in a moving car; they pant and whine and occasionally vomit. Sometimes they try to climb onto your lap for comfort. This kind of behavior is dangerous for you, the driver, and it’s not an ideal way to introduce travel to your pet.

If you know your dog is an anxious traveler, consider some form of containment to keep them from encroaching on your personal space while driving. Several companies make travel-ready pet crates or carriers for cars and other types of safety restraints. Personal preference and pet behavior should inform the decision to crate or restrain a dog in a car.

You might also consider talking with your veterinarian about anxiety or anti-vomit medications for your pet before traveling. However you choose to have your pet in your vehicle while traveling, their safety and your own are improved by keeping them calm and comfortable. That includes when the car is parked.

Managing the Temperature in Your Car

Sometimes, there’s no way to avoid leaving your pet in a parked car for a time. As a solo traveler, it’s impossible. 

It’s a divisive topic, but often a reality when traveling with your dog. For your pet’s comfort, and the ease of mind of strangers nearby, I have a few ways to keep your car cooler and your pet comfortable.

The white beaches of Siesta Key aren’t dog-friendly, but neighboring Sarasota, Florida, offered plenty of places – including Bayfront Park & Marina – to explore with Piper.

Blocking the sun from entering the vehicle through windows is essential. If there is a shady spot in the parking lot, that’s where I’m heading. Even if it’s the farthest space from the store entrance or across the street in a neighboring parking lot. I also try to plan my trips to the grocery store or other errands in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler.

Insulated window shades go a long way in keeping your car cool, too. Sites like Amazon and retailers like WeatherTech offer sun protection for just about every vehicle. Mesh window screens also help manage the temperature by allowing you to leave your windows cracked or partway down without letting your pet escape or curious hands reach in for a head scratch.

Mass and Public Transit with Pets

Other forms of transportation can be dog-friendly, depending on the size and breed of your dog. 

I don’t have much experience with pets and mass transit, but I do some research every time I want to take Piper on a non-van trip. Most airplane and train companies impose restrictions on traveling with pets, such as a weight or breed restriction or verification of medical records. Unfortunately, bus companies rarely permit pets onboard. (Note: Such restrictions don’t apply to service dogs.) 

Enjoying coffee and baked goods at Double D’s Coffee & Desserts in Asheville, North Carolina.

The advice for mass and public transit is the same as finding lodging for you and your pet: always call ahead (or visit websites) to ensure you know the current policies. For example, Metro in Washington, D.C., allows pets to travel on the subway and buses as long as they are confined in carriers. (Well, that excludes Piper!) 

Aside from the rules and regulations surrounding pets in mass transit, your pet’s comfort level with public spaces, crowds and noise should be considered before traveling. Seeing your dog stressed increases your own cortisol levels, which makes every little thing that much tougher to navigate together. Common signs of stress in dogs include panting, excessive yawning, pacing and whining.

Booking Pet-friendly Accommodations

Of course, vacation isn’t all travel. There’s the destination part, too! 

I have a personal bias for green destinations – mountains and forests with plenty of free camping opportunities under tall shade trees. But Piper and I have managed to travel and stay comfortably in both remote campgrounds and big cities.

Many campgrounds and hotels will require proof of a rabies vaccination or other medical records to show your pet is in good health. They may also charge a pet fee or deposit. And, I can’t say this enough: when in doubt, always call ahead to confirm pets are permitted.

One of those meant-to-be moments occurred when I was invited to a conference at a dog-friendly hotel in Historic Williamsburg, Virginia.

For the comfort and safety of their staff, hotels will ask you to either crate your pet when you’re away from your hotel room or require you never to leave your pet alone in your hotel room. Have a plan for managing the activities of your vacation and your pet’s needs.

If your dog has never been camping before – especially tent camping – test out their comfort in the backyard or at a nearby park before committing to a destination. Unlike the walls of your home, tent fabric does little to muffle outside noises and smells that may interest or frustrate your pet and interrupt your sleep.

Staying in an unfamiliar space may cause a heightened sense of alertness in some dogs. I learned quickly that Piper was calmer when I brought a blanket or dog bed from home. Having something that smells like home and is familiar to your dog can help them feel comfortable in a new space. Likewise, to limit sound sensitivity, I often leave the TV on or pack a small FM radio to play music while I’m away, which helps muffle outside noises that may cause Piper to bark.

Adventure Safely with your Pet

The best way to plan a fun, safe adventure with your pet is to know your pet well. 

Consider their usual energy level and exercise habits – are they ready for a week of hiking or would they prefer five days of relaxing next to a pool? Is your pet used to doing their business on a sidewalk or do they need abundant green space to run around first? Are they better suited to winter wonderlands or more temperate climates?

One of our favorite hikes in the Adirondack High Peaks Region takes us to Hopkins Mountain in Keene Valley, New York.

Set up your pet for success on your vacation by getting them comfortable with the sights, sounds and smells of your destination environment before leaving home. You can test their comfort levels by taking them for a walk in an urban environment, asking them to sit with you outside at a busy park or visiting stores that allow pets to see how they behave. As a hound owner, I’ve found success using treats as a positive reinforcement when introducing new environments and travel situations.

Most dogs I’ve traveled with are surprisingly adjustable. Piper enjoys the smells and abundant hands for free head scratches found in cities and small towns, while also eagerly bounding up backcountry trails for a quiet day in the woods. But she’s not as young as she used to be, so I’m careful to limit her activity to what she can handle while building in “rest days” between hiking adventures.

Be willing to adjust your vacation plans if your dog isn’t taking to the original plan how you thought it might. Part of the adventure is learning more about your dog and finding ways to make the trip fun for both of you.

When we’re in cities – most recently, we visited Washington, D.C., in April – part of the adventure is exploring the city by foot. It’s an activity that is well suited for dogs. Piper got to smell everything that happened on those streets in the last 48 hours, while I got to visit the childhood home of Duke Ellington. I often use Google Maps satellites to look for green spaces and parks where Piper can do her business on real grass like she’s used to. 

Piper found Plymouth Rock less interesting than Plymouth geese on our day spent in the historic town.

Regardless of how many miles Piper and I walk or hike on road trips, her eating habits change when we’re on the road compared to at home. Even a veteran traveler like Piper experiences travel stress and may refuse to eat on the first day of our journey. It’s typical for pets to alter their eating habits when traveling. I supplement with a few dinner scraps and some of her favorite treats. I suggest using leak-proof Tupperware containers as your dog’s food and water bowls while traveling.

Building a vacation around your pet can be a fun way to explore and build a deeper bond. Dog-friendly vacations may look different from your usual beach adventure or road trip, but the memories you’ll create together make a few small compromises worth the effort. With your dog’s comfort and safety top of your mind and some pre-planning, you and your dog can have the time of your lives anywhere your adventure takes you.

Laura M. Brenner
Laura M. Brenner is a freelance writer and running coach. She and her co-pilot, Piper, travel the country in a self-converted camper van seeking interesting races to compete in, as well as untold stories of the land and animals in the care of modern American farmers.

Preparing for a Season of Change

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Despite the admonitions from the self-help gurus, we gardeners are rarely able to be “in the moment.” Instead, we are always looking at our borders and thinking ahead to the changes and additions we want to make and, more often than we’ll admit, the missteps we want to rectify. As a result, many of us are already looking ahead to fall and winter. 

Most of us remember being out in our yards this past January and February during recurrent periods of temperatures in the 50s. So, why not accept that this trend of warmer winters is inevitable and add more plants that will enliven the landscape this winter? 

Now is the time to install plantings that will display visually arresting textures, colors, fragrances and yes, even flowers, during the winter months. The nurseries and gardening centers are never better stocked than now. This month’s Gardening Journey will get you started on your shopping list of plants to admire next winter, which arrives in six short months.

Shrubs with persistent fruit or colorful stems

Winterberry Ilex verticillata

A focal point in any winter garden will be the persistent bright-red berries on a deciduous holly. They are native to swampy areas throughout the Northeast. Upright and mounding, it can reach a height of 5 feet. 

Remember, only fertilized female flowers produce the red berries. One male winterberry will be sufficient for pollinating six to 10 female plants. Also good to know is that the flowers appear on new spring growth; therefore, prune to shape in early spring before the new growth appears and after the birds have stripped all the berries. (The birds only eat the berries very late in winter, when nothing else is available.)

Of the many cultivars available, ‘Winter Red’ is one of the best. It is notable for abundant crops of persistent bright-red 3/8-inch berries. A suitable pollinator is ‘Southern Gentleman’. Other cultivars include ‘Red Sprite’ and ‘Sparkleberry’. Be sure to get a suitable pollinator for the cultivar you are planting since their bloom times need to coincide. 

Cut stems are great for winter arrangements or adding color to holiday wreaths.

Beautyberry Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ 

Well named, its genus name is from Greek, meaning “beautiful fruit.” Beautyberry displays showy, pearly violet-purple fruits through mid-winter on a 3- to 4-foot-high shrub. It can be pruned in late winter to control the shape from getting too leggy since it flowers on new growth. The cut stems provide an unexpected color addition to winter arrangements.

Oriental Spicebush Lindera angustifolia (aka L. glauca var. salicifolia)

For interest throughout the winter, consider planting an Asian spicebush. Often called the willow-leaved spicebush, it has yellow flowers in early spring, followed by black fruit. In fall, the leaves turn showy shades of orange-yellow with rosy undertones, fading to tawny-beige and remain on the plant until the flowers emerge in the spring. It’s subtly handsome in the late-afternoon sun.

Red-twig dogwood Cornus sericea

Although it has flat-topped white flowers in the spring, this dogwood is noteworthy for its red stems after the leaves fall. Grow it as a single specimen (perhaps in a large tub moved to the patio in late fall ) or group several in front of low-growing conifers or a yew hedge. The new stems will be the brightest. Just remove a quarter of the old stems each year to stimulate growth of new stems or even prune the entire shrub almost to the ground every two to three years to renew. (The fact that you won’t have any flowers that year makes is a non-issue because the small flowers are rather commonplace.) A fine choice for a wet spot along streams or ponds.  

Try to find the cultivar ‘Midwinter Fire’ (sometimes listed as C. sanguinea). Well-named, the stems are a bright orange-yellow at the base and deep-red at the tips. Dazzling. Another bright-red cultivar is ‘Baileyi’.

There are also shrubs with bright-yellow stems. You could plant them separately or in a mixed tapestry with your red-stemmed ones. Cultivars include C. sericea ‘Flaviramea’ and ‘Budd’s Yellow’.

Hardy orange  Poncirus trifoliata  

This citrus relative (deciduous shrub or small tree) has four seasons of interest. In early spring it is covered with fragrant white flowers. In summer it has flossy dark-green three-lobed leaves and by fall the 2.5-inch diameter fruits appear. They are said to be edible but are very acidic and seedy. They will persist on the tree well into winter. But the main show is the tangled vivid-green stem with lethal thorns. Very unusual as a specimen or impenetrable if grown as a hedge. Be sure to gather up the fruits as they fall unless you want countless seedlings.

Winter flowers

Leatherleaf mahonia  Mahonia bealei 

There is every reason to plant this evergreen shrub. It also has a common name of Grape Holly because of the stiff and spiny holly-like leaves. Because the fragrant yellow flowers appear in February (last year in early January!), it is important to plant it as a nectar source for honeybees who will venture out on days over 55 degrees regardless of the calendar month. The flowers are followed in spring by showy, waxy fruits in grape-like clusters that mature to blue-black and are devoured by birds. It’s too spiny for deer to chew. It will grow in shade.

Hybrid Witch hazels  Hamamelis x intermedia 

Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Pallida’

The hybrid witch hazels display crinkly, mid- to late-winter flowers on bare stems. The flowers are frost-safe; they curl up at night and then unfurl on a sunny day. The shrubs grow upright in a distinctive vase shape. There are dozens of selections available. Two are particularly nice. ‘Jelena’ has sweetly fragrant, blazing coppery-orange flowers (formerly listed as ‘Copper Beauty’). The leaves turn an attractive orange-red in the fall. ‘Diane’ has red to copper-red flowers. The leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and red in fall.

Be vigilant and cut back any root suckers because these hybrids are grafted on root stock.

Camellia Camellia japonica  

This evergreen shrub has always been greatly loved in the South (the state flower of Alabama), but hardy varieties are now available that we can grow in Lancaster County. The oval, leathery, glossy, dark-green leaves show off flower cultivars available in many colors. A particularly hardy one is ‘Korean Fire’, which has fragrant, single, 3- to 5-inch red flowers with showy yellow stamens that bloom in late winter. Other cultivars: ‘Polar Ice’, ‘Snow Flurry’, ‘Winter’s Hope’, ‘Winter’s Rose’, ‘Winter’s Star’, ‘Winter’s Charm’, ‘Pink Icicle’ and ‘Winter’s Interlude’. Did I mention that camellias are great for the winter garden?

Winter Jasmine Jasminum nudiflorum  

Winter jasmine is a dense, sprawling, mounding vine that spreads from a central crown and is ideal to cascade over a south-facing wall or along a fence. The branch tips will root as they trail along the ground. The bare green stems are very attractive in winter; on the first warm day in January they will be covered with vivid yellow flowers before the trifoliolate dark-green leaves emerge. The flowers are not fragrant. 

Late winter flowering bulbs that have been discussed in recent columns include Eranthis hyemalis, winter Aconite, and Crocus tommasinianus, the snow crocus.

Helleborus orientalis

And readers should by now be aware of the many virtues of Helleborus orientalis, the Lenten Rose, which this past winter was in full flower by the first of March.

Foliage

Little Bluestem  Schizachyrium scoparum ‘The Blues’

This cultivar of our native prairie grass grows in upright clumps of slender, blue-tinged leaves throughout the growing season. Purplish-bronze flowers appear about the foliage in August, followed by persistent fluffy, silvery-white seed heads. But I consider the most outstanding ornamental feature to be its deep bronze-orange winter color. The grass stays erect all winter even during the winds of March, after which it is easily cut back before new growth occurs. 

Nagasa bamboo Sasa veitchii  

No argument. Don’t ever plant bamboo. But if you have a difficult slope that is wet most of the year, or even a rocky dry slope where nothing ornamental has done well, this foliage plant will spread and cover the area. It is a striking plant as a groundcover in a woodland garden because it tolerates deep shade. It is about 14-inches tall and displays typical green leaves throughout the growing season. But in fall, the edges of the leaves turn a bright creamy white and remain very attractively variegated until very late winter, when the entire plant turns brown. The only maintenance is to cut back with a string-trimmer at that time before the new growth emerges. Make no mistake, this is a very vigorous plant and will spread rapidly. It is ideal for erosion control. Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than trees.

Bark

Trees with ornamental bark will be conspicuous in winter. The shedding of leaves exposes the peeling, furrowed, red, cinnamon, salmon-pink and even white bark of trunks and branches of such trees. Some to look for include: Paperbark maple, Acer griseum; Coral bark maple, Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’; Heritage birch, Betula nigra ‘Heritage’. 

Stewartia pseudocamellia

Other possibilities include Seven-sons flower tree, Heptacodium miconioides; Crape myrtles, Lagerstroemia indica; Persian ironwood, Parrotia persica; and Japanese stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia. 

Hounding the Coffee Trail

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Wherever I travel, I always seek out great coffee. Edward Harris, the president and CEO of Discover Lancaster, tells me I am not alone in this practice. We recently chatted over an Americano and an iced drink at a local coffee shop so I could learn more about one of the marketing organization’s newest offerings, the Lancaster County Coffee Trail.

Edward Harris, president and CEO of Discover Lancaster, says the sheer number of coffee shops that are found across the county provides a unique way for visitors (and locals) to tour Lancaster. He was photographed at Speckled Hen in Strasburg. The coffee shop is a stop on the Lancaster County Coffee Trail, which made its debut late last year. Its success prompted the introduction in May of a similar trail that is composed of ice cream shops.

“We have an unusual amount of unique coffee shops spread out across the county,” says Edward of Discover Lancaster’s goal to make the county known as a coffee destination. “We wanted to develop a new innovative way for people to find out about these places. That’s where this mobile trail was born.”

Since its launch in late 2022, approximately 2,000 people have traveled the coffee trail. Participation is easy and starts by downloading a pass from discoverlancaster.com/planvisit/experience-passes/coffee-trail via any mobile phone. A passport is immediately sent via text message, which can be saved to the home screen. The passport lists all coffee shops on the trail and selecting a certain business brings up a screen with links to a phone number, website, hours and mapped location if needed. Hitting the Check-In button will access the phone’s location services and mark a customer present. 

Coffee lovers can earn free merch by downloading a passport from Discover Lancaster’s website and visiting shops on the trail. Such items include stickers, coasters, mugs and canvas bags.

After visiting five stops, coffee trekkers earn a coffee trail sticker and coaster, at 10 stops a mug and at 15 stops a logoed canvas bag, all of which can be picked up at the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center, located at 501 Greenfield Road. “We are looking to attract more people to our visitors center,” Edward explains. 

“So far, people who have participated have really enjoyed the trail,” he remarks. “There are some die-hard coffee fans out there and they love going around and checking out places they haven’t been to. And, when they go to these new places, they learn about other areas of Lancaster County they may not have been as familiar with before.”

Melissa Palermo and her border collie, Pupper, enjoy a spring afternoon at Speckled Hen. The Strasburg coffee shop’s patio is a dog-friendly stop on the trail.

Discover Lancaster developed the trail with destination technology experts Bandwango, and Edward says the coffee trail will not be the last of its kind in Lancaster County. True to his word, Discover Lancaster unveiled the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail in early May. Consisting of nearly two-dozen stops, the trail is modeled on the passport app that the coffee trail utilizes. I’m hoping they will consider trails for beer and produce stands. But, I digress …   

One of my favorite perks about the coffee trail is how most shops offer discounts or free items for checking in. For example, La Mattina Caffe, the new coffee spot at The Inn at Leola Village, offers a BOGO delicious beverage. Coffee Co. Lancaster offers 15% off the entire check. In Refton, BrickHouse Coffee & Kitchen provides a free 12-oz. coffee after the purchase of a pastry item.

“We are tasked with making a visitor’s experience better,” says Edward. “And this is one of those ways.”

Since this is the pet issue, I wanted to highlight a few coffee-trail businesses allowing – and in some cases encouraging – your pupper to join you for coffee. I quickly compared the coffee trail to results from bringfido.com and petswelcome.com, which offer insights into which U.S. coffee shops (and other restaurants) are dog-friendly (bringfido.com locations are rated on a score of 1 to 5 bones). I found there are many stops on the Lancaster County Coffee Trail welcoming canine visitors. By the way, Discover Lancaster also has a pet-friendly section on its website: discoverlancaster.com/blog/pet-friendly-lancaster-pa. 

Here are just a few pet-friendly coffee destinations:

SPECKLED HEN COFFEE

This family-friendly café along Main Street in Strasburg is also dog-friendly. Speckled Hen owners, Ryan and Janae Dagen, supply the patio with water bowls for their furry visitors and provide human guests with food – and coffee – from local purveyors. Coffee served here is sourced from Passenger Coffee. In addition, the café serves all the expected espresso beverages. While I often opt for an Americano, the most intriguing specialty drink on the current menu is the blueberry white mocha.

141 E. Main St., Strasburg, speckledhencoffee.com 

JAVATEAS GOURMET COFFEE CAFé 

Before my daughter could drive, I spent time at Javateas waiting for her to finish rehearsals and shows at Ephrata Performing Arts Center. I would sit with my laptop and punch out columns like this one. If I had a dog at the time, I could have brought him or her along and spent a nice afternoon out front while enjoying one of their creative seasonal coffee drinks. FYI, it is pronounced jah-VAH-teas, not JAVA-teas.

1 Dutchland Ave., Ephrata, javateas.com

SQUARE ONE COFFEE ROASTERS

Square One is the OG of Lancaster coffee. Before hipsters were hip, when most coffee was bought at convenience stores, a little shop on North Duke Street dared to introduce drinkers to concepts such as fair-trade, sustainability and flavor. Roasted, served and sold in Lancaster, SQ1 coffee is available all over the county. Dogs are welcome on the back patio, which is by far one of my favorite places to relax and enjoy conversation and coffee – enter through the back, off East Chestnut Street.

145 N. Duke St., Lancaster, squareonecoffee.com 

CORNER COFFEE SHOP

Square One beans are served outside the city at Corner Coffee Shop. Located in Smucker Village in Intercourse, Corner Coffee Shop has some devoted patrons who love the PA Dutch Country-themed eatery’s cold and iced espresso drinks. A popular signature drink is the Sweet Bee latte made with real honey and vanilla, which is available iced or hot. Dogs and their owners can enjoy people-watching from the outdoor patio along Old Philadelphia Pike.

3526 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, facebook.com/cornercoffeeshop

RACHEL’S CAFÉ & CREPERIE

When Rachel’s relocated from North Queen Street to West Walnut Street, the move allowed ample outdoor seating for Lancaster’s first crepe staple. Doggos can dine alfresco with their human counterparts at the full-service, first-come, first-served outdoor pavilion. Rachel’s serves fresh and sustainable coffee roasted by Lonely Monk Coffees, using the newly popularized fluid bed roaster. Rachel’s offers some unique Nutella drinks, as well as a good golden latte.

201 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, rachelscreperie.com  

CAFÉ ONE EIGHT

Café One Eight has a couple outdoor seats along West Orange Street, where dog people can sit to enjoy a cup of coffee. The café has sourced local goods since opening in 2011; breads come from Thom’s, macarons are from Tara’s Treats and the coffee is roasted by Square One. New owners Anthony Vega and Demi Smeltzer took over the thriving shop in 2022. In-house coffee is bottomless.

18 W. Orange St., Lancaster, cafe1eight.com

Farther Afield

Some of my most notable coffee finds while traveling have been:

Joe & The Juice – I first discovered this European coffee chain while in Iceland. Now there are locations in New York, Washington, D.C., and one in Pittsburgh!

Scratch Biscuit Company – Even though it is all about biscuits in this Roanoke, Virginia, eatery, the coffee is amazing, especially the Grelen Gold blend.

Café de l’industrie – Okay, it is hard to find bad coffee in Paris, but this place ticks the boxes I want to hit when I travel: off the beaten path, full of locals, authentic and affordable.

Terrace Potager Garden

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When we moved into our home just outside of Akron, the side yard was beyond difficult to maintain. A steep thicket of weeds, the seemingly unusable hillside was an eyesore and a headache, especially after taking more than one tumble. A new, affordable method for terracing helped me to establish not only a garden, but a backyard ecosystem and a soulful refuge. 

Yes, the view is quite nice, but the side yard left a lot to be desired, as it plummets straight down the hill. I solved the problem with Dirt Lockers, which allowed me to transform the eyesore into a garden.

Problems to Solve

When we moved into our townhouse on a hill in 2016, there were problems to address. The back of our home faces south, providing us with stunning views of the fields of Farmersville. The trade-off is maintaining a steep hill loaded with weeds. 

Like many of our neighbors, I’d written the space off as unusable; our HOA and local township both view it as a nuisance. Problem number one is the slope is too steep to mow and, if established, grass would provide zero return for all the work involved. Plus, it would still be unusable.

The Dirt Lockers unlocked usable planting space I never anticipated or envisioned. I drafted a garden layout, keeping the center open for increased light and air movement. For the understory areas, I sought cold-hardy perennials as companion plants. In the middle of summer, herbs go on sale at close-out prices for as little as $1, so I loaded up last summer on an assortment of perennials to enhance cooking for years to come.

A second problem arose with the need to expand the flower garden at the front of our house. After several years of meeting growers and producers in Lancaster County, I’ve amassed dozens of stories and plants. Propagated fig trees started as pencil-sized cuttings and have grown into 6-foot-tall trees. The initial four varieties weren’t enough, more soon followed. Saffron, kiwi berries, hops and rhubarb … soon a collection was formed. 

Terraced Gardening

A solution started to materialize after observing the way Waltz Vineyard’s grapes grew on their hill in Manheim. Noting the advantages of sloped terrain prompted me to think of my steep hillside. Winemaker Jan Waltz explained that the staggered height and aspect, or the direction of planting, increases sunlight and airflow to mitigate pests and disease in a vineyard. Planting on land with a southern exposure offers full sun with protection from winter’s harsh north winds. It occurred to me that our hillside formed a microclimate that allowed cool air to settle below, provided protection from western winds and enabled the exposed foundation to retain warmth, which was evident, as it’s where snow first melts.

A potager garden follows a few rules. At its core, it’s a blend of form and function. Designed with the kitchen in mind, such a garden can be used to grow edible plants, all the while it maintains an aesthetic of defined spaces, paths and focal points. I was also able to incorporate fig trees into my garden. Last year’s yield was delicious!

Traditionally, terraced spaces are costly and labor-intensive since they are created with stone or railroad ties. Unfortunately, the latter eventually rot and are usually coated in tar. Both are susceptible to issues with drainage, freezing and maintenance. However, an innovation known as Dirt Locker® caught my attention. Made in the U.S., using recycled plastic, these cells interlock to form a grid held in place with rebar J-hooks. Filled with soil, they can be installed on slopes up to 45 degrees. 

Founder and designer, Mark Trebilcock, developed the idea in California, where water conservation is necessary. Dirt Locker “saves water, improves the growth success of plants … requires no special hardware, reduces erosion and is environmentally friendly.” The matte-black cells and extra surface area aid in heat absorption to bolster the growing season. Soil can be amended or fertilized uniquely in individual “lockers” for specific plant needs, such as adding lime for asparagus. Once installed, a staggered column can be used as stairs, making it much easier to traverse the hillside. Terracing the hill added enormous value to how we enjoy our home and changed how we interact with the space.

To date, I have installed 60 Dirt Lockers, filling each with a topsoil-compost blend from Oregon Dairy. Before installation, I upgraded the downspout drain, from an above-grade 4-inch corrugated pipe to Schedule 40 PVC below-grade.

Rain Barrels: A Must!

Carrying water up and down the terrace quickly grew tiresome and getting a garden hose to reach was a stretch. Motivated to work smarter, I installed a rain barrel at the top of the hill. Like magic, it tops up after every rain; gravity offers enough pressure to make the work easier than hand-carrying water. 

There is a litany of benefits beyond convenience, too. Rainwater is free, renewable and absent of chlorine or softening agents (salt) that affect plant health and local waterways. Reducing rain runoff is another plus, as it’s the primary cause of flooding and carries pollutants like sediment, manure, pet waste and automotive fluids into local waterways. In West Earl Township, we’re connected to the municipal water system and billed by volume. While our household usage is low, rainwater conservation is beneficial during droughts. The same is true for water supplied by underground wells.

A rain barrel conserves rain water that can be used as needed.

To solve those issues, I purchased an EarthMinded Rain Station 45-gallon rain barrel made of black recycled plastic. Installed correctly, it won’t overflow. It has a spigot for filling watering cans, as well as a hose connection at the bottom. Darker colored plastic prevents algae growth, while the lid keeps mosquitos out. (Before installing, verify your roof is suitable for using rainwater in a produce garden. That extends to avoiding asbestos shingles, lead paint and moss treatments.) Installing crushed stone and 18-by-18-inch slabs of stone from Stauffers of Kissel Hill leveled the ground for stability.

Each fall, the barrel should be drained and cleaned (freezing water could expand and crack it). 

The Watershed-Friendly Property Certification Program, offered as “a collaboration between the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program and Nurture Nature Center.”

In my garden, gravity works favorably, but if added water pressure is needed, a water pump can be added, many of which are solar powered. To calculate how much rainwater you can capture, for every inch of rain, multiply your roof area by .6 to convert the area into gallons. Half an inch of rain is more than enough to fill my 45-gallon barrel.

Enriching Compost

Further extending our garden into an ecosystem, compost is another easy use of otherwise discarded resources. Rather than pay a waste service to haul away produce and yard trimmings to an incinerator, those items can save a gardener money to enrich the soil. 

A composter helps to create rich soil for the garden.

Composting consists of four key components: water, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen. Carbon, or brown items, comes in the form of dead leaves, sticks, sawdust or shredded paper. Nitrogen, or green elements, are typically easier to access, as they are found in the form of yard trimmings, coffee grinds and fruit and vegetable scraps.

Making compost with these types of materials should be odorless. Compost needs to be turned regularly to agitate the mix. A two-compartment compost bin alternates the queue while keeping pests at bay. At temperatures over 140 degrees, hot composting kills seeds, weeds and harmful bacteria. Hot composting dropped produce or seasonal dieback reduces the risk of pests the following growing season. The process can be as short as a few weeks for delivering nutrient-rich, odor-free compost.

Fig Trees

Fig trees are the principal interest in my garden. Most of my in-ground trees were propagated from inexpensive cuttings purchased from Off the Beaten Path Nursery in Lancaster. Ten varieties of cold-hardy trees are planted in-ground. Propagating figs is inexpensive but commands patience. 

The trees are spaced towards the perimeter of the garden for airflow and light. The Dirt Lockers add warmth to the roots, a key element for productivity. Last fall, our maple tree dropped leaves while the fig trees were still green.

Three varieties of ripe figs, clockwise from top: JFE Black Madeira (Not), Longue d’Août and LSU Tiger.

Along with fresh berries, our cheese boards have gotten a significant increase in interest, flavor and richness with the addition of fresh figs.

A Humble Backyard Fruit and Herb Garden

Reading up on the care of seemingly exotic plants like fruit and herbs and tending to them are joyful parts of the process. Watching each plant develop is something I look forward to with great hope. It’s made better when the plant produces a yield whose unexpected flavors can be experienced and shared with others. 

Everbearing fruits produce yields throughout the season. Everbearing strawberries were an easy choice

My little project only goes to prove that with a little research and sweat equity, the ugliest, most unusable land can bear fruit in more ways than one. What we ended up with is essentially a terraced potager garden. (“Potager” is French for “kitchen garden.”) Such gardens date back to medieval monasteries, where herbs, flowers and other plants were grown for culinary and medicinal purposes. In times when cooking was labor intensive, such gardens brought cooking ingredients to the doorstep. 

Fall Gold Raspberry has a honey-sweet flavor without much of the expected tartness.

In addition to providing fruit, herbs and other goodies, the added garden space provides a place to relax and alleviates the most arduous and frustrating elements of weekly yard maintenance. The process has been deeply rewarding. Did I mention the food is delicious?

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