Ranson Community Gardens

06/02/2026

Learning about things in the Gardens
It was really nice to get some cool, clear spring days after the much needed rain.

We took advantage of the great weather and had a lot going on last week--everything from installing a frog hotel to Solar prints.

And, the City of Ranson continues be a great partner and worked on the air filter they put in earlier this year.

The picture is the group of missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that have been coming most Fridays since March. The group changes every couple of months as people rotate in and out--but, we've been learning together about everything from planting native trees to building frog hotels. Because of their help and dedication we have nearly finished installing the various stops for our Nesting Spots walk. The goal is to have our 'Tale of Trails' ready to enjoy by mid-summer. This will include the Nesting Spots, the Veggie Trail, and, the walk along Evitts Run.

We are also working on our next workshop with Prismatic Art Studio for July.

Interested in learning more about becoming part of our community? Send us a note or contact us via our website. You'd be surprised what goes on in the Gardens!

05/25/2026

This bright ball is called 'The Sun"

It's been a few days since we saw it. The nearly 4" of rain we got is more than welcome--we won't have to water the trees in the micro-orchard this week, which is a real blessing.

Speaking of sun..

This Saturday, Gabby from Prismatic Art Studio is coming back and doing a Solar Flora workshop. It looks like a lot of fun and should be a great time for everyone. You can learn more at https://prismaticwv.com/ola/services/solar-flora-a-sun-print-workshop

The volunteers are coming back on Friday to put up the Toad, bug, and frog houses. We're hoping to have our Nesting Spot area finished next month.

In the meantime, everyone is welcome to stop by the Gardens. The pollinator plants are starting to perk up. Stop by and check out the square foot gardens in the greenhouse.

05/21/2026

Man Plans, God Laughs
I've always loved this saying.

I used to have a bird feeder mounted on a PVC pole. Last spring a bear came and tore the feeder off the pole. You can always tell the difference between bears and raccoons--bears don't mess around.

I left the pole up as I planned how to replace the feeder. Then, the tree frog found it. Turns out that PVC frog hotels are a thing.

In fact, we were scheduled to install a couple this Friday in our Nesting Spot project along with a Toad House and Mason Bee habitat. But the rain has postponed tomorrow's work.

It also forced us to reschedule our Mocktail class from last night AND move our resident gardener welcome meeting. But, the rain is welcome for the new plants and trees.

Memorial Day is the official start of summer. We are planning to have some fun activities this summer including The Solar Flora workshop with Prismatic Studio on the 30th.

Stop by the Gardens anytime and check out our progress. And, have a safe, fun Memorial Day weekend.

05/12/2026

🌿☀️ Art class in the Gardens!
We're excited to partner with our friends at Prismatic Art Studio in Charles Town are coming back for another workshop: a Cyanotype Sunprint hands on class on May 30th — and we'd love for you to join us!

Cyanotype is a beautiful, sun-powered art technique that's been around since the 1840s. You'll use botanicals, sunlight, and a little magic to create stunning blue-and-white prints that are uniquely yours. It's the perfect blend of nature and creativity — right in the spirit of what we love here at Ranson Gardens. 🌸

Everything is included.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun, peaceful afternoon with good people, this workshop is for you.

Spots are limited — so, sign up early. 💙

A West Virginia non-profit dedicated to providing training, support, and gardening resources to the communities of Jefferson and Berkeley Counties while offering a safe, relaxing green space to gather together.

05/06/2026

Figs and things
We are testing out figs in the greenhouse--they spent the winter in Jean's attic. In addition, we have a large fig tree near the resident beds. And, finally, I have a bunch of different types in my garden at home.

In all cases, the figs always remind me of the Terminator movie when the Terminator has been lowered into the vat of molten metal. You know that part, when Schwarzenegger puts his thumb up above the liquid? That's my experience with figs. Just when you think they're done, a leaf pops up giving hope to mankind. 😁

I used to wrap them in insulation. I've tried putting them in trenches. I've tried a range of different varieties. My guess is that they get killed back to the ground about 80% of the winters.

As I have mentioned, I am working on the Zen aspect of gardening (see "Deer"). I now let nature take it's course...

Lot's coming up this month. We have the Mocktail workshop on the 20th. And, we are partnering again with Gabby from for a fun Sun Print workshop at the end of the month. Feel free to ask about either of these events.

Meanwhile, we are approaching the last frost date. I've seen a range of dates, but, waiting until Mother's Day is always safe.

Stop by and visit the Gardens anytime. Since we have a new skin, it's always warm and dry in the greenhouse!

05/01/2026

🌻 An evening in the garden is calling your name.

We've partnered with Be Your Own Guest Events for Mocktails in the Gardens!

Come unwind with us for a hands-on mixology experience where fresh herbs meet creative drinks! 🍃🍋

📅 May 20th at 6:00 PM
📍 Ranson Community Gardens

You'll learn to blend beautiful, alcohol-free cocktails using garden-fresh ingredients — and every guest goes home with a FREE succulent plant! 🌵

Perfect for plant lovers, foodies, and anyone who just needs a relaxing evening outside. 🌙

See the flyer for more information and to register — we'd love to see you there! 💚

04/30/2026

Mark your calendars, two plant sale events coming up
May 9th- Master Gardeners plant sale
May 16th - Potomac Valley Audubon native plant sale

04/29/2026

🌱 Baby, it's cold outside. But, it's still spring! 😄

Every year I say, "This time we'll plan ahead." And every year, April shows up and I'm standing in the garden beds with a coffee in one hand, a list of things I have already purchased in the other and absolutely zero idea where all of the herbs and native grasses are going.

In some cases, I haven't even figured out where the beds are going to be.

But, hey, it is a HUGE improvement over February!

While I work at getting things straightened out before Memorial Day, here's what's coming up in the Gardens:

🍹 Mocktail Making Class — Join us in May for a fun evening of crafting delicious alcohol-free drinks. Remember that herbs are not just for cooking anymore!

🚣 Ranson River Explorers Returns — June brings back one of our favorites! Get ready to explore what's going on with Evitt's Run. More details coming soon!

🪺 Nesting Spots Project Update — Huge shoutout to our incredible volunteers who are making real progress on creating nesting habitat. This week's plans include a toad house, a tree frog resort, and more. If you are interested, the fun begins on Friday at 10:30. This Martin house is up--the plan calls this the 'night shift and day shift' since the bat's are night hunters and the Martin's hunt during the day.

Spring chaos aside, we've got a great season ahead. Stay tuned for dates and registration info. And, remember it is (almost) always warm in the greenhouse!🌻

04/23/2026

Our Garden Manager, Jean is house #1 on the tour! Get tickets today and see how she spends her non-RCG time

Adults $20Children (12 and under) $10

04/20/2026

New Housing Complex, New Residents, and square feet

Last week was a busy week in the Gardens.

Our friends from the Opportunity Learning Center came by and installed the pole for our Martin House. This is just down the yard a bit from the bat house they installed two years ago. They also prepped the area we are turning into a Flood Plain vegetation area.

A second group of volunteers came in Friday. They watered all of the new trees and shrubs from last week's planting and also hung the owl and robin houses.

This week we will finish the martin house as well as some other 'residences'. Our nesting spot exhibit is starting to make some real progress.

Our resident gardeners have again leased 100% of the beds. County Community Ministries is starting up a garden club and has rented the last two gardens. We're looking forward to having them join us.

Finally, Jean Marie is going to have a demonstration area of square foot gardening. Not sure what that is? Follow us and find out.

Like I said, a lot is going on. Stop by and check it out. But dress warmly. There is a freeze warning for our area tonight. Make sure you cover and delicate plants you've put in.