March 21, noon, at the Phoenix Lodge, Hanover Four Corners
David Austin's English Roses for New England Gardens Presenters Mike and Angelina Chute cover the history of English roses as well as the unique David Austin breeding program that focuses on hybridizing healthy, fragrant roses with superior flower form. The presentation is a collaboration between David Austin Roses and the Chutes and includes old favorites, new introductions, and a list of varieties that are known to grow well in New England gardens. David Austin, a nurseryman from Shropshire England, combined the charm and fragrance of old garden roses with the vibrant color and remondancy (repeat bloom) of modern roses. Even if you don’t grow roses, you will love seeing these. They are gorgeous!
April 25, time to be announced, tour of Cross St. Flower Farm, 4 Jacob's Lane. Norwell
We will visit the farm for a tour and learn about how the owners (all women!) created this thriving business. Those who wish to can pay for a ‘pick your own’ bunch of flowers. We are told that tulips will be the available crop at the end of April.
May 9, 10:15, joint meeting with the Norwell Garden Club at the Norwell Public Library, 64 South St., Norwell.
Floral design. The program presenter is Stacey Lee of Paeonia Designs, a floral design studio. Stacey loves organic design and textures. Her designs are unique and lovely.
June 21, 12:30, at a member's house, 967 Broadway, Hanover
Our annual picnic. As always, this is a ‘bring your own lunch’ affair, dessert and beverages will be provided. Pray for good weather, because her gardens will be at peak, and are worth a tour. Bring a chair, lunch, and don’t forget your hats and sunscreen!
July 19, noon, at the Phoenix Lodge, Hanover Four Corners
A Begonia for Any Season. Speaker Betsy Szymczak This program will feature how to grow begonias both inside and out. A month by month plan for enjoying this diverse and versatile genus will be described. Far from ordinary, begonias are wonderful houseplants; many make lovely terrarium specimens. As winter wanes and we think about spring, begonias as bedding and container plants are a beautiful addition to any garden. Fall brings cooler weather, and is the time to think about bringing plants inside and perhaps taking a few cuttings. With the holidays, it’s time for “winter-flowering” and fancy-leaved hybrids to enjoy while waiting for spring.
August 15, noon, at the Phoenix Lodge, Hanover Four Corners
Day Tripping from Hanover to Public Gardens in Southern New England. Presenter Joanne Pearson, an avid, world =traveling photographer, is offering us a specially curated slide show featuring gardens (and possibly a nursery or two!) we can visit in a day. An interesting program that hopefully encourages us to ‘get out there’!
September 19, noon, at the Phoenix Lodge, Hanover Four Corners
Infusing Your Life with Herbs. Presenter Karen O’Brien
There exists a quantity of pleasures to be encountered by using herbs in your everyday life. The aroma, taste, and visual delight of herbs can elevate your cuisine; help in cleaning your home; and bottle up a little bit of summer to help brighten a winter day. Using fresh herbs (either grown in your garden or on a windowsill) ensures that you not only enjoy the product of your labors, but a sensory experience as you create them. Learn how to take simple culinary staples, such as butters, sugars, vinegars, and more and transform them into something special with the addition of fresh herbs, infusing your pantry with the scents and colors of summer. Sample an array of herb-kissed food products which will enliven your meals throughout the year, and begin your own herbal adventure. We will have a workshop during which we will create two items of our own.