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 10, 2026, Thursday, 11:45 am to 2 pm
“Plantscape 1776: Plants from Here and from There”
Speaker: Susan Eisenhandler
Looking back 250 years to the founding of the United States, retired UConn Professor Susan Eisenhandler investigated the origins of the new nation’s herb plants and their uses.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
OCTOBER 8, 2026, Thursday, 11:45 am to 2 pm
“Designer’s Choice”
Speakers: Moscarillo’s Event Coordinator, Krystyna Chmielowiec, and Head Designer, Jill Kotulski
Representatives from Moscarillo’s Florist will select and demonstrate the creation of three designs in three container styles. Flower preparation and flower choice are important aspects of each design. As they demonstrate each design from the start, they will also share with us the mechanics and tricks they use daily. There will be time for questions. At the end of the presentation, the three designs will be raffled off.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
NOVEMBER 5, 2026, Thursday, 11:45 am to 2 pm
“What Nature Can Do for Your Brain and Your Brain Can Do for Nature”
Speaker: Susan A. Masino
Protecting our brain health and protecting areas for natural processes are both vitally important for our long-term well being. This presentation will review the emerging interdisciplinary science of supporting human potential by reengaging with nature and protecting it for the future.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
DECEMBER 10, 2026, Thursday, 11:45 am to 2 pm
“Decking the Halls of the White House”
Speaker: Kerin Smollen, Flower & Twine
Kerin will share the criteria and process Dr. Jill Biden and her team of volunteers used to decorate the White House on a grand scale for the 2024 holidays. During Kerin’s slide show presentation, we will get a behind the scenes look at their approach and finished designs. Kerin will also share tips and tricks she and her team used for holiday swags, trees, and wreath designs. At the end of her talk, there will be time for questions, followed by a raffle for two free admissions to wreath-making classes at Flower & Twine, Kerin’s floral design studio in Glastonbury.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
FEBRUARY 4, 2027, Thursday, 11:45 am to 2 pm
“Longwood Gardens Through the Year”
Speaker: Christopher Fisher
Chris will describe the many facets of Longwood Gardens through the seasons, then he will present images of the gardens set to appropriate music.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
In the event of inclement weather, we will enjoy “Birds of Costa Rica” on Zoom in place of this event.
MARCH 4, 2027, Thursday, 11:45 am to 2 pm
“Beyond Your Backdoor: Connecting with Nature Where You Live”
Speaker: Jim Sirch
Phenology reveals the living calendar of nature unfolding just outside your door – from the first swelling buds of spring and the return of migrating birds to summer’s ripening fruits, autumn’s fiery leaf fall, and winter’s quiet rest. Together we’ll take a look at these seasonal moments as they happen locally and discover how paying attention to them deepens our connection to place. Jim will also explore how important creating a garden habitat can be for birds and other wildlife.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
APRIL 8, 2027, Thursday, 11:45 am to 2 pm
“Foraging for Floral Arrangements”
Speaker: Kerin Smollen from Flower and Twine
Foraging is one of Kerin’s favorite ways to collect floral material for arrangements, even in April. Kerin will discuss the environmental and soulful benefits of foraging as she creates three hand-tied designs to be raffled with containers.
OPEN MEETING, Guest donation $10.00
MAY 6, 2027, Thursday, 11:45 am to 2 pm
“Gardens of the Gilded Age”
Speaker: Jana Milbocker
Jana will showcase a selection of estates along the East Coast, delving into their histories and the elements that make them striking and unique.