What's blooming at Ekey's Garden Centre is not only flowers but a Garden Museum -- perhaps a first in Pennsylvania. For 90 years Ekey's has been growing new hybrid varieties of plants as well as old-fashioned flowers such as sweet pea and freesia. Throughout these eight decades, little of the garden paraphernalia used for growing and designing has been discarded. Now these items intrigue visitors at this unique museum.

"We have old wooden cultivators, thrashers, trowels and antique sprayers. My favorite is a collection of pamphlets called "Grower's Talk" that dates back to the 1930s," said Robert Ekey, owner of Ekey Florist & Greenhouse and Ekey's Garden Centre. "The exhibit of implements, books, containers, baskets and ribbons make us look back into the history of growing. We even have a few challenge items to identify for a free gift."

Starting with a small floral shop and greenhouses back in 1916, the business increased into a major northwest center for beautiful floral designs and plants. In 1990 Ekey's Garden Centre was established on Route 62 near the Warren Mall. Ekey transformed a 4-acre materials dump into creekside gardens, greenhouses and built a beautiful cedar structure for display. The center provides for all gardening needs.

Beyond offering a history lesson in the new museum located in the loft of the main building, Ekey helps us to learn more about growing by giving free Saturday classes. "We want to help our customers know how to be successful gardeners and designers," Ekey commented. "Our landscaper and horticulturist answer numerous questions on a daily basis. We've also started a Gardeners Information Area that offers pamphlets on water gardens, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs. Let's experience the joy of gardening into 2000 and beyond."

The Garden Museum at Ekey's Garden Centre, 1640 Market Street Ext., is open Monday through Friday from 10a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call 814-723-EKEY(3539).