Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
Note:
All January and February meetings will be held via Zoom with links sent to the membership in advance of meeting dates. All other meeting locations are at 9:00 am at St. Gabriel’s unless otherwise noted below.
Guest Policy:
Guests are welcome to all of the meetings with a fee of $$5.00/per, with a limit of 3 guest meetings per individual each year, and with the exception of the Annual Luncheon in June. Please reach out to Suzy for more details on attending.
CALLING ALL MEMBERS: Sign up for volunteering and workshops in the Members section of the website under the tab “Sign-up Genius”
March 5, 2024: Michael Jardin, The Importance of Conifers in Garden Design
You all saw the garden Michael Jardin designed in the village on our garden tour this year. Now you can meet Michael in person and hear how he approaches design as he shares examples of his work and displays some different types of live specimens for us to consider adding to our landscapes. Early in his career, Michael worked as a master gardener on estates in Brookline and Chestnut Hill and from there developed an interest in large scale installations and custom stonework. His natural style demonstrates an appreciation of the American woodland coupled with a Japanese flair.
April 2, 2024: Deborah Trickett, Container Gardening
Deborah Trickett’s “jaw dropping” floral arrangement demonstrations start with “Containers 101” selecting the right containers, soil mixes, and plants for different growing conditions. With the basics in hand, attendees then learn about new and unusual plant material and how to create one-of-a- kind combinations, including pairing annuals, perennials, and even vegetables. Trickett usually demonstrates two dramatic containers, which often end up going home with winning raffle ticket holders. A recent attendee of one of Deborah’s lectures stated that “Deb adds a fourth dimension to the adage: ‘fill,
thrill, and spill’–that of ‘chill’ sending shivers of delight up your spine.’’
May 7, 2024: Ikebana Workshop, Kaye Vosburgh
Ikebana is the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers. The practice, which roughly translates to “making flowers come alive,” uses carefully selected blossoms, greenery and other flora to convey a specific feeling or emotion to an observer – just as a painting or sculpture might. Kaye Vosburgh is a master judge for the national garden clubs and instructs courses in design for incoming judges to the national flower shows. She is also a Sogetsu Ikebana teacher of the highest rank, teaching at home in Newton and at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Kaye has just published a book
entitled Creations from the Garden – Growing Plants for the Art of Flower Arranging. She delights in sharing creative moments with others. Advance registration is required for this workshop. The cost is $25 which includes containers and flowers. Each participant should bring two spring branches,
18-24” long, flowering or leafed, and 1-½” to 3” Kenzans (pin holders) if you have them. Kaye will bring some for sale
May 21, 2024: Field trip to Kinney Azalea Garden, Kingston, RI
We have reserved space for forty people to travel by bus and to tour these exquisite gardens with two tour guides. We can stay on the grounds after to enjoy a picnic lunch. Advance sign up and payment will be required. Details to follow.
May 11, 2024: Plant Sale 9a-12p
The Chairpersons for this event are Joanne Petrie and Errin Chapin. Members split and donate perennials from their gardens to raise money at the plant sale. Profits support the MGG, charities and the Marion Beautification initiative. Those interested are encouraged to label their plants, noting color in the summer and fall so that they are easily identified when splitting. Members interested in assisting with splitting, potting, watering, transporting and day of sale should contact Joanne Petrie and Errin Chapin.
** Members only workshops