Story and photos by Gail K.
Leaving Downtown Milan:
we drive the short distance back to the HACK HOUSE,
to casually tour the property and enjoy some light refreshments.
The Milan girls tend the gardens at this historical site.
– Front view of the house & garden area –
as you can see, the grounds are nipped, tucked & very well maintained.
We spot some new plants neatly tucked into the front bed, waiting to be planted……….
These will bring a contrasting blend of striking color along side the current blooms.
Many of the buildings are anchored by distinct plantings;
such as this one–a Kousa Dogwood and hostas. Below-Jerusalem Artichoke has been planted along the rear of this barn-its blooms will be loved by the bees.
Side view of house:- boasting a grand porch, perfect for rocking the day away.
Below: Most noted to many of us is the “bee barn’ on the far left.
I want to show more of the bee barn. Truly impressive–the bees that is…
A massive & Yummy variety of native plants surround the bee barn & the bees love it!!!!
The group allows the bees to occupy the barn; taking advantage of their activity to teach visitors about bees & their art of making honeycombs.
ABOVE: Bees enter the walls of the barn.
BELOW: The honeycomb swells in size & expands outside via the eave vents
Visitors enter the barn & safely view the inner portions of the walls which are protected with plexiglass.
a newly created honeycomb waiting to be filled.
a bee keeper comes to assist with harvesting the honeycomb and keeps an eye on the bees & the health of the hive.
the site where honeycomb was harvested-look at the expanse it covered, it must have been massive. I believe in our archives there are other pictures from prior visits to this hive…….
I suggested, they sell the honey— maybe @ the Bakery.
Should be really good, given the nectar from the native flowers
and all those plantings available in downtown.
Some members toured inside the Hack House with its bounty of historical artifacts.
The rest of us completed the day by mingling on the front porch with lemonade & delicious baked goods in hand.
THANK YOU: MILAN GARDEN CLUB, THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY& BARB FOR GIVING US A GRAND TOUR of your special town. gk
Coming next- going to share a few extra highlights of the town.
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
Thank you Gail for the beautiful and VERY professional looking photos of our beloved Hack House where our garden club members spend a lot of time maintaining the gardens there! Many thanks to Barbara Gardinier and the club members who hosted this tour! We all hope you will stop in and visit our town, the Veteran’s Memorial Gardens, and Hack House Museum whenever you are in the area!