Except where otherwise noted, all meetings are held at
Saint John’s Episcopal Church
679 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford.
(Directions to entrances to parking are in the front of the church from Farmington Avenue and South Highland Street.)
In the case of inclement weather or restrictions,
Zoom Video Conferencing may be utilized.
Tea sandwiches, cookies and beverages will be served.
Registration to attend the presentation may be made here.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2025,Thursday, 12:00 noon to 2 pm
“Autumn Joy: Focus on the Seasonal Slow Flower Movement”
Speaker: Michael Russo
Michael Russo, one of the founding members of the CT Flower Collective, has grown and
designed flowers for many weddings. Using in-season, locally grown flowers and
ecologically friendly techniques, Michael will design five floral arrangements to be
raffled.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
OCTOBER 9, 2025, Thursday, 12:00 noon to 2 pm
“History, Designs, and Human Stories“
Speaker: Caryn Davis, an award-winning photographer
Using beautiful images and stories she has photographed and collected,
Caryn will provide an overview of historic gardens – how they evolved from utilitarian to
aesthetic and became public landmarks – as well as delve into the stories behind some
of the most spectacular private gardens in Connecticut. She will bring her books to sell:
A Connecticut Christmas: Celebrating the Holiday in Classic New England Style,
Connecticut Waters: Celebrating Our Coastline & Water-ways, and of course,
Connecticut Gardens: A Celebration of the State’s Historic, Public and Private Gardens.
Annual White Elephant Sale/Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
NOVEMBER 6, 2025, Thursday, 12:00 noon to 2 pm
“Designing for Color in the Garden”
Speaker: Sarah Bailey
Sarah Bailey, a UConn Certified Advanced Master Gardener and a Connecticut Certified Horticulturalist, recently retired as state coordinator of the UConn Extension Master Gardener program. She will address color theory and examine how the thoughtful and deliberate use of color can help
achieve specific desired garden experiences.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
February 5, 2026 – ZOOM Meeting
(Info regarding Zoom will be provided day before the meeting.)
12:00 noon to 2 pm
“Exploring Floral Photography”
Speaker: Mark Battista, B.F.A., and M.S. in Art Education.
Mark will show us how to use light, composition, color, a few basic supplies, and our cell phones to create breathtaking images as a way to preserve the flowers we have grown. Mark will offer us his two e-books, Composition: Shooting with Intent and The Art of Still Life Photography, at a discounted price.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
MARCH 5, 2026, Thursday
Time: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm (Speaker may extend until 3:00 pm)
“Fearless Pruning”
Speaker: Lee Reich, PhD
Lee Reich, PhD, author of several books on this and
other garden-related topics. Lee will take the mystery out of pruning, so that lilacs,
roses, all trees, and shrubs can be pruned to look their best and be in vibrant health.
After going over the many benefits of pruning, he’ll show us the tools for the job and
then, most importantly, discuss how plants respond to various types of pruning cuts.
After that, we enter the “real world” with the how, why, and when of pruning multiple
groups of plants. Lee will bring his books to sell.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
APRIL 9, 2026, Thursday
Time: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm (Speaker may extend until 3:00 pm)
“Pollinators and How to Help Them”
Speaker: Louise Washer, co-founder and spokesperson for the Pollinator Pathway
Bees and butterflies have declined precipitously in the past decade. In Louise’s slide lecture, she will offer insight,
exploration, science, and how-tos, all dedicated to protecting our pollinators.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
MAY 7, 2026, Thursday
Time: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm (Speaker may extend until 3:00 pm)
“Local Bees, Local Gardens, and Local Honey”
Speaker: Ann Sagalyn, a hobbyist beekeeper
The interplay of bees, flowers, shrubs, and trees is crucial because it affects
the taste and quality of honey. Ann will discuss how the plants in her garden relate to
bees and honey production. Ann will lead us in a honey tasting and bring several jars of
honey for a raffle.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00