Members Only Workshop

Please join us for a Holiday Centerpiece workshop with Cathy Ritch. The workshop will create a mini-fir tree made from Noble fir tips (a soft gray fir from the West Coast which grows best at higher altitudes). The mini tree will be about 14" high by 8 inches wide. Cathy first saw this tree in a florist shop in Paris (where she lived for a few years) and has since made them to decorate her church altar at Christmas time. Oasis is used, so the mini tree could last for a month or so if it is kept cool, watered, and spritzed often with water. Noble fir is known for good needle retention, so even if the mini tree is allowed to dry, it is attractive. Mini decorations can be added but will not be supplied. Bring your own decorations or add them later at home. An invitation will be sent prior to the workshop and there will be a small materials fee of $25. Click here to pay your materials fee by credit card or Apple pay via our secure EGC website online payment portal .

Workshop Facilitator: Cathy Ritch. Cathy Ritch is a gardener, floral designer, instructor, and National Garden Clubs (NGC) Accredited Master Judge. Over the past ten years, she’s been involved with the annual show of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut Inc., chairing it for three years. A longtime member of the Long Hill Garden Club of Trumbull and Creative Arrangers of Connecticut, Cathy is happiest when she can create floral designs using material from her own gardens or foraged. Cathy created and coordinated FGCCT’s Beyond Beginning Floral Design workshops for which she won a prestigious national NGC “Award of Excellence”. She’s had photos of her designs published in NGC’s Vision of Beauty and exhibited at the New Britain Museum of American Art show, “Art in Bloom”, using plant material grown in her own gardens or foraged.

EGC October General Meeting following by Presentation

Presentation is Open to the Public at 12:00 PM

From a plant's perspective, gardening is about meeting essential its physiological needs to ensure growth and health. As gardeners we sometimes don’t stop to think about exactly what that means. There is much information available on gardening but often it addresses the how, but not the why.

This 2-part lecture series will take a step back explore what exactly plants are doing and how our gardening practices can help them be successful. This series will explore the physical structure of plants, from the cellular level to the roots and shoots. Then on to plant physiology which focuses on processes within plants, such as nutrient and water intake, growth, interaction with their environment. And lastly, based on this knowledge, we reassess how we plant, feed, water, prune, propagate and protect the plants in our garden.

Speaker: Renee Marsh Renée Marsh is a garden designer, an advanced master gardener and a horticulturist (aka a plant nut). She believes our gardens should be a healthy ecosystem where people, plants, animals and insects are in balance. Doing it right means fewer chemicals, less maintenance and more enjoyment. She is the owner of a gardening design business, A Simpler Place. For a number of years she was also co-owner of a horticulture and cut flower business, Hilltop Blooms. For five years she was the Head Gardener for the Town of Monroe where she designed and managed gardens at the parks and town buildings. She teaches gardening classes for the New York Botanical Garden and writes on gardening topics for local publications

Sensory Garden Cart Debut on 9/28 at 2 PM at the Easton Public Library Back Patio

Learn more bout the Sensory Garden Cart Project

Members only event

Join us for our annual Easton Garden Club welcome back picnic at Karen O’Brien’s home. Last year’s picnic was such a success and Karen has graciously offered to host us once again! It's time for us to reconnect with old friends and meet new members. Bring a chair, stroll around Karen’s beautiful gardens, and share a story or two about your garden's pleasures and challenges. We will have our first general meeting at which time we will introduce our new board members, welcome new members, reveal the program line-up and highlight the club's projects for 2024-25.

The Easton Farm Tour will take place August 10th from 10 am to 2pm and Easton Garden Club member Abby LePage will lead the potting up of sunflower seedlings with kids at the Samuel Staples Elementary School Pavillon during the event. The sunflower seedlings are generously donated by Sal Gilbertie of Gilberties Organics. Volunteers welcome.

The Easton Farm Tour, sponsored by Citizens for Easton, is a free admission self-guided tour of some the many Easton farms and farm stands with participation from community partners like the Easton Garden Club. Pick up your ticket for the day’s events at Samuel Staples Elementary School Pavillon the day of the event. Abby is calling for pots — specifically more of Sal Gilbertie’s 1 pint size orange herb pots! Contact Abby or drop them at her home by Thursday before the Farm Tour.

Annual Spring Luncheon and Meeting

Members only event

Click this link to register and pay for our Annual Spring Luncheon which will be held at the beautiful IL Palio Restaurant in Shelton.  Raise a toast with your fellow members to celebrate another informative and productive year at Il Palio in Shelton, to dine on our member Margherita Aloi's delectable Tuscan fare. Learn about club projects, fundraisers, and hear how the club is doing financially. 

Fee for the luncheon $35. Click this link to register and pay for our Annual Spring Luncheon or bring a check for fee with you to the event. Questions? Contact Programs Chair, Carol Hamilton.

This free program is open to the public.

Join the Easton Garden Club Conservation committee for an Invasives Road Show, an evening of Conservation & Conversation at the Easton Library Community room on Tuesday, June 4th, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. We’ll be serving up some fun with an old-fashioned Founder’s Day Punch and light refreshments. Gather round the punch bowl and ask your questions about invasive plants in the landscape:

• We’ll swap stories about invasives, featuring the top 10 most often found in Easton

• Live samples, resources, and fact sheets for ID of invasives and what to look for at each stage of growth

• Learn about the impact invasive plants have in our gardens and landscapes!

Registration is required. Click here to register: https://www.eastongardenclubofct.org/egc-payment-portal/p/conservation-invasive-plant-workshop-june-4

Join us for an hour-long tour of Bartlett Arboretum during their peak bloom season. Bring a lunch and linger to enjoy the hiking trails. Contact Carol Hamilton for more details, including carpooling information.

Program:

Doors open to the public at 12:30PM

Kathy Connolly, Landscape designer and horticultural consultant will share the latest thinking on invasive species management.  If you've been overrun with knotweed, barberry or bittersweet, or just hear them knocking at your gates, this session is a must.  

Program:

Doors open to the public at 12:30PM

Donna Katsuranis, an Advanced Master Gardener and lecturer, and founder of the Brookfield Kiwanis Giving Garden will bring us the latest on vegetable gardening.   Whether you're an old hand at veggies or a newcomer, Donna will have some advice for you.  

Join the members of the Easton Garden Club Conservation committee for the Annual Easton Pollinator Pathway Winter Seed Sowing Workshop at the Easton Library Community Room. This hands-on workshop is open to the public and is family friendly. Come and learn about native ecotype seeds and come away with a winter seed sowing jug of ecotypes natives, as well as some annuals planted by you during this workshop. Admission: free. Registration required: Click here to complete the registration process to reserve your seat in the workshop. Registration closes Friday, March 1

• When: March 3, 2024, from 10:00 to 12:00PM

• Where: Easton Library Community Room, Easton, CT

• What: Hands-on Seed Sowing Workshop

• Supplies we provide: 1 gallon milk jug, sowing materials, and seeds.

• Supplies we ask you to bring with you: gloves, large spoon or hand trowel, apron (if you desire) as we are working with soil. a facemask (if you desire). You will be planting 2 jugs - one to take home and one to leave for community gardens. You are invited to bring extra gallon milk jugs (washed out please), milkweed or other native seeds you would like to try sowing in addition to the jug and seeds we will be providing. Be sure to bring information about the seeds you bring along so we may help you with planting instructions.

Program:

Doors open to the public at 12:30PM

David Brant, President of the Aspetuck Land Trust will speak to us about this local organization's contributions to the health and preservation of local landscapes.  "Green Corridor and Beyond..." David was recommended by two of our members who also belong to the Trust.

Join Us for Pop-Up Garden Bench Pruning Session at Aspetuck Park on Wednesday, 2-13-24, from 9 AM to 11PM:  Meet fellow Club members for a hands-on pruning session at Aspetuck Park in Easton with the EGC conservation committee. The site is home to a native plant riparian buffer and rainwater garden project that is now in its 12th year. Bring loppers, bypass pruning shears, wear gloves and plan to have some fun while practicing your pruning techniques. All welcome.  Aspetuck Park is located diagonally across the street from The Blue Bird at 369 Black Rock Turnpike, Easton, CT 06612. We will meet at the lower parking lot at noon. Cancelled if Raining. Check back here for updates on weather

Program:

Doors open to the public at 12:30PM

Renee Marsh,  Advanced Master Gardener,  designer and instructor will present Conifers for Every Garden, a look at both evergreen and deciduous varieties whose foliage provides color and interesting structural variety for any garden.  Whether ornamental or native varieties, these garden stalwarts are too often overlooked.  

Workshop - 12:30Pm to 2:00PM

Join us for Creating a Seasonal Centerpiece with Cathy Ritch, a floral designer, instructor and National Garden Club's Accredited Master Judge.  Click here to pay the $25 Materials fee for Nov 8th Workshop or provide Carol Hamilton with a check.

A Therapists Garden

Program:

Doors open to the public at 12:30PM

Erik Keller, Horticultural Therapist, will highlight excerpts and experiences about local organizations he serves.  His book, A Therapist's Garden will be available for purchase.  At 1:30, representatives of our Hubbell Garden team will share their expertise on dividing and repotting perennials having a variety different root structures.  This instruction is a useful preview for all of us as you prepare your contributions for our annual Garden Mart in May 2024.

Welcome Back Picnic - Members only event

Welcome Back Picnic  September 13 at 11:30am at the home of Karen O'Brien, 94 Sunset Rd.  Easton CT

Join your fellow members at Karen's beautiful home, stroll the grounds, admire her personal "arboretum" and gardens.  Bring your chair and a swim suit if you fancy a dip in the pool.  Look for an Evite in late August with details about what you can bring for the menu. 

Program - doors open to the public at 12:30

Levo International Founder Christian Heiden will be presenting the benefits and opportunities of simplified hydroponic gardening. Levo has developed an affordable and low-cost approach to hydroponics that  reduces the time, space, and water required in traditional gardening. Interested Club members will be able to purchase their own simple   hydroponics for their gardens this Season. Levo is a food security organization based in Hartford, CT. To date, Levo has delivered hydroponics to over 1000 households in Hartford County, as well as 300 families in Haiti. 

 Speaker Bio:

Christian Heiden is the Founder and Director of Innovation at Levo International. Christian is a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut's School of Agriculture in Applied and Resource Economics.  Self-taught in hydroponic technology and design, Christian, since his Eagle Scout project in 2016, has been leading Levo’s team in the U.S. and Haiti in the design and implementation of hydroponic farming and has overseen Levo’s product development since its start in 2016.

Join Us for Pop-Up Garden Bench Pruning Session at Aspetuck Park on Wednesday, 3-29-23, from 12 noon to 2pm:  Meet fellow Club members for a hands-on pruning session at Aspetuck Park in Easton with the EGC conservation committee. The site is home to a native plant riparian buffer and rainwater garden project that is now in its 11th year. Bring loppers, bypass pruning shears, wear gloves and plan to have some fun while practicing your pruning techniques. All welcome.  Aspetuck Park is located diagonally across the street from The Blue Bird at 369 Black Rock Turnpike, Easton, CT 06612. We will meet at the lower parking lot at noon. Cancelled if Raining. Check back here for updates on weather

Program: doors open to the public at 12:30

Did you know that the landscape right outside your back door can be important for the conservation of birds and other wildlife? No matter where you are located or how modest your resources, everyone can do something to make a difference. After reviewing essential habitat elements such as food and cover, we'll assess how existing conditions and the larger context of your neighborhood can help you decide how to optimize the habitat value of your own corner of the earth! Along the way, identification tips based on appearance and behavior of common bird species will be emphasized.

 Speaker Bio:

Jim’s primary responsibility is to apply principles of conservation biology to land management and habitat restoration activities at Connecticut Audubon Society sanctuaries. In addition, he enthusiastically assists with a variety of public education activities at Deer Pond Farm sanctuary in Sherman and with the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center in Old Lyme.  Jim has more than two decades of fieldwork experience with birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and aquatic insects in far-flung locations from his roots in New England to the Pacific Northwest, Belize, and Hong Kong. He earned a B.S. degree in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont, and a M.S. degree in conservation biology from the State University of New York in Syracuse. Jim joined the Connecticut Audubon Society staff in 2017.

Program:

Come learn the basic rules for houseplants and some of the common mistakes people make that lead to their house plants not thriving. Our speaker will share some of her favorite houseplants and perennials and discuss their care and feeding, what to do for pests etc. There will be a Q&A session at the end. 

About the Speaker:

Eliza Travisano will be joining the meeting virtually. She has worked at Logee’s as the retail manager for the past four years. As an herbalist of 20 years, with a passion for    medicinal plants, she discovered a new love for houseplants and  tropicals after starting her job at Logee’s. She loves to share information about plants with anyone and everyone and enjoys doing this in both an informal capacity at work and a more formal one in the many plant related classes she teaches. 

Join the members of the Easton Garden Club Conservation committee for the Annual Easton Pollinator Pathway Winter Seed Sowing Workshop at the Easton Library Community Room. This hands on workshop is open to the public and is family friendly. Come and learn about native ecotype seeds and come away with a winter seed sowing pot planted by you during this workshop. Admission: free. Registration required: Click here to complete the registration process to reserve your seat in the workshop. Registration open until 9 am the day of the event.

• When: January 14, 2023 from 12:00 to 2:00PM (Snow date - January 21, 2023*)

• Where: Easton Library Community Room, Easton, CT

• What: Lecture and hands on seed sowing workshop

• Supplies we provide: 1 quart pot, soil mix, and native seeds for winter sowing, screen, plant markers and pens

• Supplies to bring: gloves, large spoon or hand trowel, apron (if you desire) as we are working with soil. a facemask (if you desire). Feel free to bring additional small pots and any milkweed or other native seeds you would like to try sowing in addition to the pot and seeds we will be providing. Be sure to bring information about the seeds you bring along so we may help you with planting instructions.

Weather status: We are a go for today! See you at Noon.

Program:

Are you thinking about reducing a lawn, eliminating a veggie garden, cleaning up a weedy patch or turning a perennial bed into a flowering  meadow? Good site preparation is critical. Unfortunately this important step is often given short shrift in the drive to transform an old landscape into something new. Let's look at ways to analyze past land uses, how they affect future plantings, compare removal methods, look at realistic timelines for site transformations, and consider what it takes to thoroughly prepare a site. An extensive handout is included.

 Kath Connolly’s Bio:

Kathy Connolly is a landscape designer who specializes in naturalized    designs, low-impact techniques, and native plants for homeowners,         municipalities, and organizations.

Kathy has a master's degree in landscape planning and design from the Conway School in Northampton, MA. She completed the advanced master gardener program and is an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional through NOFA. She is active in the Connecticut Invasive Plants Working Group. Kathy is a regular columnist for The Day community papers, which circulate throughout southeastern Connecticut. She gives more than 30 talks and workshops each year for conservation organizations, master gardeners, museums, libraries, land trusts, and garden clubs. Her website is www.SpeakingofLandscapes.com.

Volunteer! Annual Poinsettia Delivery to our Seniors in Need.

Members are invited to participate in this annual ritual of delivering a Poinsettia to our Seniors in Need on November 29. Contact Janice in advance of the Wreath & Poinsettia pick up on November 29th to sign up and make a delivery.

You are invited to help members of the conservation committee construct the Ecotype Native Seed Bomb Kits on Monday, November 28, from 12noon to 3:00PM. Hope to see you there!

For members of the conservation committee who rolled the seed balls - THANK YOU! Please bring your tray of seed bombs with your seed packet, and any left over seed or arrange for drop off at or before 12noon. Contact Jean with questions.

Workshop

Please join us for a wreath making workshop with Easton’s Garden Club member, Janelle Krizek,  owner of Trellis & Vine. Janelle will walk you through designing a grapevine holiday wreath, wiring dried goods, such as pinecones, and teach you how to tie a holiday bow.  Included in this workshop is a grapevine wreath, evergreens, eucalyptus, and dried materials.  Wire, ribbon, and snips are provided but you’re welcome to bring your favorite pair!  We also encourage you to bring in foraged greens and dried goods to share! There will be a materials fee.

 Speaker Bio:

Janelle Krizek is an event and floral designer located in Easton, CT.  She planned corporate and private events for over 15 years but expanded into floral design during the pandemic. In March of 2020, she immersed herself into the world of flowers and learned as much about her newfound passion to spread joy in the local community and beyond through her business, Trellis & Vine.  Whether she’s working with a bride to make sure her day is perfect, leading floral design demonstrations, or selling bouquets on a farm, Janelle enjoys sharing her love of flowers with    others. Please find more info about Trellis & Vine here: www.trellisvineevents.com

The Growth of Trees: A Journey Through Time

Program:

No single view of a tree is a fixed snapshot in time that tells the complete story. Join Michael and discover how trees grow, reproduce, and interact with their environment across days, weeks, seasons, and years and over varying scales—from the intricate details of buds, flowers, leaves, and bark that we use for species identification to the collaborative roles of trees in ecosystems. We will also note some of the ways that habitat disturbances and climate change can affect tree growth and health.

Join us as we learn to notice more of the beauty of trees!

Michael Wojtech’s Bio:

As a freelance naturalist, writer, photographer, illustrator and educator, Michael strives to share the science and beauty of natural history in an accessible and compelling fashion through presentations, participatory  activities, and outdoor exploration. He writes and teaches about the    structure, growth processes, and ecology of trees—including their bark, buds, leaves, roots, and wood—for audiences at all levels of experience, and explores how knowing the natural history of the places we live and love fosters connection and the feeling of home.

Michael earned his masters degree in Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England. He is the author of Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast and co-author of Drawing Leaves and Trees: Observing and Sketching the Natural World.

Welcome Back Picnic - Members only event

Join us for our annual Easton Garden Club welcome back picnic at Janice Salva's home. It's time for us to reconnect with old friends and meet new members. Bring a chair, stroll around Janice's beautiful gardens, and share a story or two about your garden's pleasures and challenges. We will have our first general meeting at which time we will introduce our new board members, welcome new members and highlight the club's projects for 2022-23 and  introduce our program line up.

The Garden Bench

• 12:00 PM 1:00 PM

Meet us at The Garden Bench! Easton Garden Club members and garden enthusiasts come sit on The Garden Bench with us and let’s chat! For this month, we will be meeting at Marlene Goldstein’s garden. This is a chance to ask questions and share ideas and knowledge with other club members. Any garden related topic is welcome from seed sowing to garden design to timing for planting to pest and critter control.  There is no agenda here but to offer support and share our successes and challenges, tips and tools, and great for new members to get to know each other! 

It’s an open forum.  Hope to see you there!

Marlene has been very gracious to make this offer. Please look for an eVite to register if you are planning on coming so that she can plan accordingly.