The South Schuylkill Garden Club held a summer picnic at the property of Ardella Newswanger located near Pine Grove.

She led a tour of her property and was surprised by both Jane Kruse and “Porcupine Pat” McKinney, who interrupted her tour to present her with the Helen Moyer Curb Appeal Beautification Award.

In receiving the sign, Newswanger was visibly moved. Kruse said, “This award is presented once a year to someone whose property really stands out.”

Club President Kim Morgan agreed, and added that “Ardella has done much for her property from planting native trees to native flowers.”

Her property is located along Dad Burnham’s Road outside of Pine Grove. It features an active kestrel box and a good variety of planter beds.

Helen Moyer was a longtime club member, past president and active gardener, with her property just outside of Friedensburg.

Morgan added, “It is only fitting that we name this award after Helen as she was an inspiration to many gardeners.”