Get your Garden On!

For me, Spring means the property will transforms itself through the gardens. Everywhere you look, daffodils are poking up, tulip shoots are starting and tiny mum leaves are showing themselves in places you were certain a plant could never survive. Often throughout the winter I find myself paging through  photos on my ipad to remind myself that green will return and that "mud season" as we call it, can't last forever.

If gardens get you going, there are some wonderful attractions in the area that will keep you occupied when visiting the Cumberland Valley.

The Hershey Gardens is a fabulous example of how a garden starts small at 3.5 acres and transforms into 23 acres of unique and rare plants, a childrens garden and perhaps most wonderful, the butterfly garden. Its a treat for the entire family. Even Dad will be inspired to try new things with his pruning shears after a visit.

Ashcombes Farm and Greenhouses has their spring open house March 8 and 9 & March 16 and 17th. Each weekend features new ideas to try in your gardens and a children's activity. Plan to have lunch there. The Bakery is A-Mazing. The home and garden store is also wonderful, with treasures for the entire family. A great place to pick up a gift for that hard to find family member or to fill someone's Easter Basket.

A well kept secret in the Cumberland Valley is Lurgan Greenhouses in Lurgan PA. You're going to need an Innkeeper's help to find this place.. Your GPS may not even know about it, but when you get there it will be worth the hunt.  Nine greenhouses packed to the gills with bedding plants and shrubbery, water garden supplies, pottery, and maybe the best part, Amish- made pies and cakes. If you are lucky, you'll be there on a Saturday when they are frying donuts.. Completely Amish run and staffed they do not subscribe to a website, word of mouth has kept this place a secret, that your innkeeper will share with you.. Bring a minivan!

You may just want to relax in the gardens at the Inn you are staying . All the inns in the Cumberland Valley Bed and Breakfast Association sport amazing gardens with unique personalities. You may find all the ideas you are searching for right outside your becdroom window!