Roe Jan Library to host seed-starting seminar

Roeliff Jansen Community Library, in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene counties, is sponsoring a series of three “Back to Nature” seminars conducted by Master Gardener volunteers.

The first offering in the series, “Seed Starting Essentials & Seed Swap,” will take place Sunday, March 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the library and will be presented by Maureen Mooney, a retired nurse who has been a Master Gardener as part of the Columbia and Greene counties volunteer organization for 12 years.

Participants in the presentation will learn about seed starting essentials, best practices for successful germination of seeds, caring for seedlings, and how to transition the seedlings into the garden in the spring. A seed swap will follow the presentation and participants are invited to bring their favorite seeds to share.

The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Roe Jan Library at 518-325-4101. For guidelines on seed swapping, go to: www.roejanlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/S...

Latest News

Troutbeck Symposium 2025: the latest chapter in continuing a vital legacy

Participating students and teachers gathered for the traditional photo at the 2025 Troutbeck Symposium on Thursday, May 1.

Leila Hawken

Students and educators from throughout the region converged at Troutbeck in Amenia for a three-day conference to present historical research projects undertaken collaboratively by students with a common focus on original research into their chosen topics. Area independent schools and public schools participated in the conference that extended from Wednesday, April 30 to Friday, May 2.

The symposium continues the Troutbeck legacy as a decades-old gathering place for pioneers in social justice and reform. Today it is a destination luxury country inn, but Troutbeck remains conscious of its significant place in history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Roaring Oaks Florist launches self-serve flower market

Terence S. Miller, owner of Roaring Oaks Florist in the new self-serve area of the shop.

Natalia Zukerman

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Roaring Oaks Florist in Lakeville has launched a new self-serve flower station next to its Main Street shop, offering high-quality, grab-and-go bouquets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week — including Sundays when the main store is closed.

Owner Terence S. Miller, who bought the shop 24 years ago at just 20 years old, calls the new feature “a modern twist on an old-school honor system,” with some high-tech updates.

Keep ReadingShow less
Third graders enjoy classical treat at Music Mountain

A string quartet opened the Bard Conservatory of Music program for Region One third grade students at Music Mountain.

Patrick L. Sullivan

Region One third grade students attended a chamber music concert by Bard Conservatory of Music students at Music Mountain Tuesday, April 29.

After expending spare energy racing around the Music Mountain lawn, the children trooped into the concert hall and took their seats.

Keep ReadingShow less