Ranson Community Gardens

06/09/2026

Very Lucky
My father always told me it was better to be lucky than smart. This is another bit of dad wisdom that seems more valid today than it was when he said it to me 50 years ago.

My current lucky streak has to do with volunteers in the Gardens. The goal of Ranson Gardens is to create a place where everyone can come and enjoy a little peace and quiet. Whether it is planting a garden, creating a fairy garden, or just having a cup of coffee looking at a garden we are working on becoming that third place.

To get this to happen takes a lot of labor.

Yesterday, a group of volunteers from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races came by. They helped our gardener manager clean up some debris--they also worked on tidying up our micro-orchard and painting some planter boxes. It was a great group and we got a lot done.

We've got a few more things to do, but, our Tale of Trails is coming along. Thanks to all of our volunteers for the help they give, outside and inside the greenhouse.

Contact us if you'd like to know more. Or, just come out and enjoy a few minutes of quiet.

06/05/2026

Beautiful morning inside the high tunnel, found a bumblebee hard at work on a wild chicory flower

06/04/2026

Big news from one of our favorite partners!

Prismatic Studio is opening their brand-new brick and mortar location — and you're invited to celebrate.

Join Gabby and friends for their Open House on June 20th and come see what they've been building. As proud partners of Prismatic, we couldn't be more excited for this milestone!

📅 June 20th, 10am-7pm
📍 Prismatic Studio 113 West Washington Street. Charles Town, WV 25414

Mark your calendars and bring a friend — this is one you don't want to miss!

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