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From within the hand-hewn walls of my cozy 1800s log home nestled in the historic district of a quaint and quiet town in central Pennsylvania, I plant seeds of inspiration through art, herbs, storytelling, and seasonal living.
Here, thyme grows alongside velvet ribbons, and watercolors stain fingertips as tea steeps. Whether I’m stirring up a pot of lemon balm jam, sewing sachets with rose and lavender, painting the iris blooming outside my window, or guiding others through illustrated journaling, I am always seeking to honor the slow, sacred beauty of each moment. Living in Velvet Thyme (Time) is my way of cherishing my sacred space and getting in the flow. It is a gathering place for kindred spirits who long to create, connect, and live a life aligned with the seasons. Through nature’s lessons, artistic expression, and the scent of something always gently simmering—I hope to inspire you to live deeply, bloom wildly, and find magic in the small things. Welcome to my world. You’re always home here. 🌿 |
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Master Gardeners’ Graduation and Certificate!
In the spring of 2024, my daughter Mycenea asked me if I’d like to fill out an application to become a Master Gardener. The process was intimidating - I had no idea if I’d be accepted, although as proud mom, I was quite certain Mycenea would be. We had our interviews, and in the fall of 2024 we began the education process, which continued from October 2024, with our final exam on March 20, 2025.
Then we began our volunteer hours at local gardens, getting hands on experience and getting to know the other volunteers. Each garden has its own attributes and personality, as do the volunteers! The diversity is delightful! You can scroll through my Welcome page to learn more.
On Monday evening, November 17, 2025, we congregated at the Giant Center in Camp Hill to receive additional education, and to receive our certificates. Aren’t they gorgeous?
Then we began our volunteer hours at local gardens, getting hands on experience and getting to know the other volunteers. Each garden has its own attributes and personality, as do the volunteers! The diversity is delightful! You can scroll through my Welcome page to learn more.
On Monday evening, November 17, 2025, we congregated at the Giant Center in Camp Hill to receive additional education, and to receive our certificates. Aren’t they gorgeous?
The First Contribution to the Warming Fence
. . . came all the way from Susan Schirl Smith in New Hampshire!
I can’t begin to imagine all of the hours Susan spent creating these exquisite scarves and hats. They truly works of art!
We’l l be walking around Newville, for years, seeing them on children in the community, and smiling, because as we remember Susan’s gifts!
We’l l be walking around Newville, for years, seeing them on children in the community, and smiling, because as we remember Susan’s gifts!
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SEEDS, ROOTS AND FRUITS (OR FLOWERS) FREE BETA TESTING WORKSHOP
Calling all creative dreamers!!!
I’m looking for 6 courageous, imaginative visionaries to participate in a free (for your feedback) two hour beta testing zoom workshop. Please send me an e-mail ([email protected], or private message me on Facebook) if you are interested and we’ll figure out a time!
The zoom workshop is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
I’m looking for 6 courageous, imaginative visionaries to participate in a free (for your feedback) two hour beta testing zoom workshop. Please send me an e-mail ([email protected], or private message me on Facebook) if you are interested and we’ll figure out a time!
The zoom workshop is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Here are a few examples of some I’ve created over the years . . .
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SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025!
THE WARMING FENCE
PROTECTING OUR WATER CONTINUES!
SAVE THIS DATE, TOO!
FUND RAISER FOR OUR SAVE BIG SPRING
HAT CREEK WINE SHOP
Sunday, December 7, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
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Send me an e - [email protected] - if you would like the PDF so you can print your own!
Our yard signs are in! Raven is impressed!
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Amusing Side Note: This was my original design but it was rejected. I think they thought it was too irreverent. 
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It’s the little things, like expecting the water that comes out our spigots to be safe to use, that we often take for granted. For decades, we’ve been conditioned to carry around bottles of water, encased in plastic. I remember when Evian water first came out - naive spelled backwards, by the way. Have we been conditioned to purchase water so when ours is unsafe to drink, we’ll be used to buying it, or am I being paranoid? Or naive? Ha! It’s never been my nature to be skeptical. I’m usually optimistic and think people have the best intentions. But as I watch our precious resources being abused and contaminated by greed, my perspective has changed.
The Coalition to Save Big Spring is working to protect our water. We are continuing to promote education and understanding!
The Coalition to Save Big Spring is working to protect our water. We are continuing to promote education and understanding!
We are having a fund raiser at the
Please join us on our Save Big Spring Facebook page for updates!
Royal Encounter: The Empress Tree Mystery
On a recent autumn leaf drive through Tuscarora State Forest, my daughter took me to one of her favorite secret camping spots. (I think it’s safe to share the name—after all, with 96,000 acres of forest, I doubt anyone will stumble upon this exact place unless guided by woodland sprites.)
We stopped to admire a stream running lower than usual, and as I wandered through the clearing, something caught my eye. A leaf.
A huge leaf.
It wasn’t just large—it was storybook large, the kind that might double as an umbrella for a very large fairy or a shield for a woodland knight. There were no similar plants nearby, which made it all the more mysterious. I found myself humming the Little Shop of Horrors theme and glancing skyward, half-expecting the mother ship—or maybe a very determined vine—to appear.
The edges of the leaf curled slightly, so it was even bigger than it looks in the photo. My daughter laughed, snapped a few pictures, and we continued over the mountain, our curiosity piqued and our imaginations running wild.
Later, I showed the photo to a friend who asked, “Did you take it home?”
No. No, I didn’t. Somehow it felt right to leave it where it had landed—like a relic from another realm.
We stopped to admire a stream running lower than usual, and as I wandered through the clearing, something caught my eye. A leaf.
A huge leaf.
It wasn’t just large—it was storybook large, the kind that might double as an umbrella for a very large fairy or a shield for a woodland knight. There were no similar plants nearby, which made it all the more mysterious. I found myself humming the Little Shop of Horrors theme and glancing skyward, half-expecting the mother ship—or maybe a very determined vine—to appear.
The edges of the leaf curled slightly, so it was even bigger than it looks in the photo. My daughter laughed, snapped a few pictures, and we continued over the mountain, our curiosity piqued and our imaginations running wild.
Later, I showed the photo to a friend who asked, “Did you take it home?”
No. No, I didn’t. Somehow it felt right to leave it where it had landed—like a relic from another realm.
The next day, I shared the photo on the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Facebook page, hoping for an identification. Instead, I was promptly accused of creating it with AI and overdressing for a camping trip. (For the record, scarves and earrings are perfectly reasonable forest attire in my world!)
Fortunately, a few kind gardeners came to my defense—and even better, they helped solve the mystery.
“Paulownia!” one wrote. “First time I saw one, I thought I’d walked into Land of the Lost. Those young trees have the honkin’ big leaves like that!”
Another offered a more whimsical theory:
“My guess is some child found it elsewhere and used it as an umbrella to confuse the adults.”
Well, it worked. I was thoroughly confused—and thoroughly enchanted.
The final verdict: Empress Tree, also known as Princess Tree. Native to Eastern Asia, this royal, and highly invasive plant, can reach sixty feet tall with a trunk two feet thick. Introduced to the U.S. in 1840, it’s prized for its pale, silky wood used in Japanese carvings—and apparently for its ability to inspire laughter, wonder, and a few tall tales in a Pennsylvania forest.
Fortunately, a few kind gardeners came to my defense—and even better, they helped solve the mystery.
“Paulownia!” one wrote. “First time I saw one, I thought I’d walked into Land of the Lost. Those young trees have the honkin’ big leaves like that!”
Another offered a more whimsical theory:
“My guess is some child found it elsewhere and used it as an umbrella to confuse the adults.”
Well, it worked. I was thoroughly confused—and thoroughly enchanted.
The final verdict: Empress Tree, also known as Princess Tree. Native to Eastern Asia, this royal, and highly invasive plant, can reach sixty feet tall with a trunk two feet thick. Introduced to the U.S. in 1840, it’s prized for its pale, silky wood used in Japanese carvings—and apparently for its ability to inspire laughter, wonder, and a few tall tales in a Pennsylvania forest.
Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Sieb. & Zucc. ex Steud.
A Lesson from the Leaf
I’ve learned that nature loves a bit of mischief. Just when we think we’ve seen it all, she drops something extraordinary at our feet—a giant leaf, a curious cloud, a flash of color that makes us stop and smile. That leaf reminded me how important it is to stay curious, to let ourselves be surprised, and to keep a sense of play even in the everyday. After all, the forest is full of small miracles waiting to be noticed—some of them just happen to be extra large.
I’ve learned that nature loves a bit of mischief. Just when we think we’ve seen it all, she drops something extraordinary at our feet—a giant leaf, a curious cloud, a flash of color that makes us stop and smile. That leaf reminded me how important it is to stay curious, to let ourselves be surprised, and to keep a sense of play even in the everyday. After all, the forest is full of small miracles waiting to be noticed—some of them just happen to be extra large.
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Collecting State Parks and Forests
Here’s a collection that won’t cost a lot of money or clutter up your house! My daughter and her husband collect state forests and parks. They have a map of Pennsylvania with all the state parks and forests, and they put pins in the ones they’ve visited! Years ago I had a friend who collected light houses! What are you collecting?
My daughter invited me to join her on one of her collect adventures to see more of Pennsylvania’s phenomenal fall foliage! We visited Pine Grove and Caledonia State Parks, Michaux State Forest, Buchanan State Forest, Mount Alto and Cowan’s Gap State Parks. I hope you’re enjoying the fall season as much as we are!
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NEW BERLIN AREA COMMUNITY CENTER WOMENS’ CONFERENCE - 2026
Last year’s Herbal Swag workshop participants!
See my 3-24-25 blog post for more information.
Last year’s workshops at the New Berlin’s Womens’ Conference was delightful and I’m pleased to return this year for:
The Secret Garden: A Tussie-Mussie Workshop
Step into the hidden world of floriography, the Victorian-era "language of flowers," where sentiments are spoken not with words, but with bouquets. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn the history and art of creating a tussie-mussie, a charming, handheld nosegay used to send coded messages of love, friendship, and affection.
You will be guided in selecting fragrant herbs, blooms, and foliage, each with its own special meaning. Using a variety of materials, including classic paper doilies and ribbon, you will learn to craft and arrange your own take-along "talking bouquet". Discover how a single bloom can hold a secret, and how a combination can tell an entire story.
You'll leave not only with a beautifully scented and personalized creation, but also with the lost art of speaking through flowers—a delightful secret language to share with a loved one or to keep for yourself.
Limit: 12 participants, $5.00 to cover supplies
The Secret Garden: A Tussie-Mussie Workshop
Step into the hidden world of floriography, the Victorian-era "language of flowers," where sentiments are spoken not with words, but with bouquets. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn the history and art of creating a tussie-mussie, a charming, handheld nosegay used to send coded messages of love, friendship, and affection.
You will be guided in selecting fragrant herbs, blooms, and foliage, each with its own special meaning. Using a variety of materials, including classic paper doilies and ribbon, you will learn to craft and arrange your own take-along "talking bouquet". Discover how a single bloom can hold a secret, and how a combination can tell an entire story.
You'll leave not only with a beautifully scented and personalized creation, but also with the lost art of speaking through flowers—a delightful secret language to share with a loved one or to keep for yourself.
Limit: 12 participants, $5.00 to cover supplies
THE WARMING FENCE!
A few weeks ago, I attended an event along Big Spring in Newville, PA to share information on protecting our drinking water and the water in our beloved Big Spring creek. Scroll down to learn more about Protecting Our Water! I met some wonderful environmental advocates, including Michelle Carey, a delightful woman from Shippensburg. We shared information and when I mentioned my cabin, not only was she familiar with it, but she had photographs - see above left on the banner.
One photograph is my fence, decorated with gorgeous hand knit scarves, hats and mittens, and other is a close up the tag, making it clear that all of the items were gifts for anyone in need of warmth! I posted the photos on Everything Newville, our local community Facebook page, and had over 150 likes, and numerous offers to donate either hand made or store bought items, yarn, or sharing the information. It was heart warming!
I’ve created a Facebook group called The Warming Fence. If you’d like to join us, go to Facebook, groups, look for The Warming Fence and ask to be invited! All are welcome!
One photograph is my fence, decorated with gorgeous hand knit scarves, hats and mittens, and other is a close up the tag, making it clear that all of the items were gifts for anyone in need of warmth! I posted the photos on Everything Newville, our local community Facebook page, and had over 150 likes, and numerous offers to donate either hand made or store bought items, yarn, or sharing the information. It was heart warming!
I’ve created a Facebook group called The Warming Fence. If you’d like to join us, go to Facebook, groups, look for The Warming Fence and ask to be invited! All are welcome!
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION FOR MASTER GARDENERS AT KING’S GAP
King’s Gap Staff Give Appreciation Brunch for its Volunteers!
“We have a great staff and they are the cake that support and maintain the 2,531 acres of forests, and trails on South Mountain, as well as the Environmental Education Center and Cameron-Masland Mansion. You, our volunteers, are the icing on the cake!”
What a lovely analogy to acknowledge the appreciation for the volunteers at King’s Gap during our recognition picnic from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025! We enjoyed a feast of cold cuts, macaroni and cheese, apple crisp and more under the tent in the garden area!
The event was even more special because my daughter, Mycenea Worley, attended with me. She told me about Master Gardeners in the summer of 2024, we submitted our applications, were interviewed, and began the process of receiving education, and then doing volunteer hours in different area gardens. Sharing the journey has made it even more special. Thank you Mycenea!
What a lovely analogy to acknowledge the appreciation for the volunteers at King’s Gap during our recognition picnic from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025! We enjoyed a feast of cold cuts, macaroni and cheese, apple crisp and more under the tent in the garden area!
The event was even more special because my daughter, Mycenea Worley, attended with me. She told me about Master Gardeners in the summer of 2024, we submitted our applications, were interviewed, and began the process of receiving education, and then doing volunteer hours in different area gardens. Sharing the journey has made it even more special. Thank you Mycenea!
Our Welcome - Fabulous Food, Spectacular View and Seasonal Displays!
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King’s Gap Master Gardener Volunteers - Mixing and Mingling!
Bruce Ashbaugh proudly showing his recognition coin!
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Mr. Wiser, Dee Lauderbaugh, Judy Wiser
Friends and Tammy Duncan and Mr. Duncan
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Mrs. and Mr. Gary Buterbaugh
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June Morgan and friend.
Friends of Master Gardeners!
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The Gardens
There are numerous gardens that require loving care at King’s Gap.
The Herb Garden includes Medicinal, Dye, Culinary and Fragrance, plus the sundial area.
The Native Habitat Garden includes Shrub, the Pond Area, Meadow and Woodland.
There are also Shade Gardens.
The trip up the mountain is four miles, featuring gorgeous views. It’s so therapeutic to leave the world behind and enjoy so many aspects of nature’s gifts.
The Herb Garden includes Medicinal, Dye, Culinary and Fragrance, plus the sundial area.
The Native Habitat Garden includes Shrub, the Pond Area, Meadow and Woodland.
There are also Shade Gardens.
The trip up the mountain is four miles, featuring gorgeous views. It’s so therapeutic to leave the world behind and enjoy so many aspects of nature’s gifts.
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Partial view of King’s Gap Garden brochure.
HARVEST DAYS AT KING’S GAP!
The weather couldn’t have been more delightful for yesterday’s Harvest Days at King’s Gap, Sunday, October 5, 2025. The gardens were spectacular, as always. The Master Gardeners had numerous educational activities under way!
June Morgan, watering the gardens!
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Bruce Ashbaugh
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Gary Buterbaugh and Tammy Duncan
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Leaf Painting at King’s Gap Harvest Days!
The creativity of the young people who participated in the leaf painting was inspiring! And look at those smiles!
All had permission from their parents to be photographed but I don’t have names.
All had permission from their parents to be photographed but I don’t have names.
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Artist’s Booths with Superlative Items for Sale!
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And a Booth With Herbs. You Know I Love Herbs!
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WOODS HERBALS
Herbs, Tinctures, and Traditional Folk Recipes for Wellness. Support Your Wellness Naturally
WOODSHERBALS.COM [email protected]
PLEASE PROTECT OUR WATER!
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The water in our area is being threatened. This relates to water in places well beyond our Big Spring. If the water in your area hasn’t been threatened, it is probably only a matter of time until it will be. I hope this information will be helpful.
Big Spring is one of Newville’s greatest treasures — a vital source of drinking water, a haven for wildlife, and a destination for fishing, birdwatching, and tourism. But right now, it’s at risk.
Plans to build massive warehouses in our area threaten to contaminate the Big Spring watershed and Newville’s drinking water. The danger lies in our region’s limestone karst geology — a porous, fractured rock system that acts like a sponge. Water, and unfortunately pollutants, move quickly through it with very little natural filtration. That means anything spilled on the surface — fuel, chemicals, or stormwater runoff from vast warehouse roofs and parking lots — can quickly find its way underground and into our water supply.
Why This Matters
Drinking Water at Risk
Big Spring provides water for Newville and nearby private wells. Contamination could make this water unsafe to drink, putting families and future generations at risk.
Threats to Wildlife and Recreation
Big Spring Creek is home to diverse wildlife and a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching. Pollution could devastate fish populations, harm habitats, and damage tourism that supports our local economy.
High Costs for Everyone
If contamination occurs, residents and taxpayers could face significant expenses for water treatment upgrades, clean-up, or even sourcing alternative clean water.
Concerns with Construction
Blasting to install stormwater basins could create new underground pathways, making it even easier for pollutants to spread. Without strict protections in place, the risks multiply.
What Can Be Done
Residents and experts are urging for:
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Karst Areas — including spreading stormwater over larger areas, using shallower basins, and maintaining sufficient soil above bedrock.
Continuous Groundwater Monitoring — before, during, and after construction, to catch problems early.
Further Geological Study — to fully understand the underground connections that could carry pollutants to Big Spring.
Your Voice Matters
We need community members to come together to demand protections for our water. Once our water is contaminated, we cannot turn back the clock.
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DO THE WRITE THING - A SPECIAL MEMORY!
A friend just sent me a memory from the past! Special thanks to Kevin “Special K” Daley for inviting the team! to a once in a lifetime experience! Judge Jeannine Turgeon did a fabulous job with our local Do the Write Thing!
They let me wear the uniform but for some reason I was never asked to play on the team?
They let me wear the uniform but for some reason I was never asked to play on the team?
SEARCHING FOR STARS
Won't you join me in July and August as I actively search for stars? August is known as the meteor viewing season, and the next event is the Perseid meteor shower, due to arrive on August 11 and 12, with potentially 20 shooting stars visible per hour if conditions are right!
You can find stars any time! They are everywhere! Those of us living in the U. S. find them on our beloved Stars and Stripes, and they can be found on flags representing companies, organizations, states and countries around the world!
There are stars through out museums, and antique stores, in traditional and modern quilt patterns, and mosaics and paintings. You'll find them in tiles on the floor, restaurant walls and the hardware store! The star fruit at the market is obvious, but don't miss the star hidden in the apple if you cut it from side to side instead of through the core!
Nature is abundant with stars right here on earth! The delicate blue flowers on the herb borage are edible and make a beautiful garnish on a fruit salad or in ice cubes with your favorite summer beverage.
You'll find stars on the shells of turtles, the leaves of the sweet gum tree, on seashells and squash blossoms!
There are the 'stars' that entertain us! There are sports stars, stars of the silver screen, you'll find stars on broadway, at concerts, There are local unsung heroes, working to make your community and our world a better place to live! They are stars!
And we certainly can't forget the sun! It is the ultimate star, giving life and energy to all of us! Our very existence depends on this miraculous golden orb!
Searching for stars is wonderful in and of itself, but there is an added bonus! Stars are for making wishes. Use your imagination and makes wishes on every star you see, then prepare to make all of your wishes come true!