Old Georgetown Road , Rockville, Maryland
Calendar
2011-2012 CLUB CALENDAR
September 28, 2011 – Members’ Forum
To kick off the new club year, we will welcome new and continuing members with an overview of some of the coming months’ activities. We will follow our traditional first-meeting format in which those who would like to speak will share gardening experiences, show a favorite tool, or reveal good resources. Bring a plant from your garden, or even a tool, for an exchange at the end of the meeting.
Salad Luncheon
October 26, 2011 -- Good Guys in the Garden
Michael J. Raupp, Ph.D.
Only 10 percent of bugs in the garden are bad guys, says Mike Raupp, professor of entomology at the University of Maryland. In his lively style, he’ll tell us what we can do in our own gardens to encourage the good guys, or beneficial insects, which will help us get rid of the bad guys and otherwise enhance the environment. Many gardeners have heard Mike on national radio and television. His latest book, 26 Things That Bug Me, introduces children and their parents to the natural history of insects.
Bring a Sandwich to Share
November 16, 2011—Minding the Hives: Beekeeping and Bee Research
Victor Levi
Victor Levi works in the Bee Research Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland. He has been a beekeeper himself for several years. Vic will outline some findings about the disturbing drop in the honeybee population, and will tell us what is involved in keeping his own hives.
Hot Luncheon
December 14, 2011—December Greens Workshop
Candy Kessel and Carolyn Kulik, Co-chairs
This is our annual get-together to make holiday greens arrangements for shelters, assisted-living and extended-care facilities, and other group homes in our community. We use greens from members’ gardens and other cooperative sources. The club provides all other materials. It’s a great way to get in the holiday spirit.
Bring a Sandwich to Share
January 25, 2012—Landscaping for Curb Appeal: Before and After
Susan Bell
Curb appeal, to landscape contractor and designer Susan Bell, refers to a house that is true to its architectural style and setting, beautifully landscaped, and accented with details that set it apart. Susan will illustrate some basics of landscape design through before-and-after photos of various job sites. She will talk about screening, maintenance, plant selection, and other factors.
Soup Luncheon
February 22, 2012 – Moon Gardens
Gene Sumi
Often evenings are the only time that busy people can relax in their gardens. Find out from Gene Sumi, horticulturist and education coordinator at Homestead Gardens, what it takes to design a garden that can be enjoyed at night, by moonlight. He will tell us about ideal moon garden plants—those with fragrances released at night or with especially interesting white, gray, or silver foliage or blooms that reflect the light of the moon.
Bring a Sandwich to Share
March 28, 2012—Rejuvenating the Mature Garden
Bob McDowell
Bob McDowell has a dozen years of experience answering garden questions at Montgomery County Master Gardeners’ plant clinics, and he has helped develop the organization’s demonstration gardens. Bob will talk about what factors indicate that an older garden should be rejuvenated, and will describe three key items for returning it to a healthier and more rewarding state.
Hot Luncheon
April 25, 2012—The Joys of Moss
Carole Ottesen
Carole Ottesen is an author and the designer of the native plant garden at the U.S. Botanic Garden’s Bartholdi Park. She will give us insights and advice about inviting moss into our gardens.
Bring a Sandwich to Share
Thursday, May 3, 2012—Annual Plant Sale
Elaine Hope, Carol Meyers, and Nina Stark-Slapnick, Co-chairs
From 7 a.m. till 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market in Bethesda. This is the club’s main fundraiser and visible presence in our community. Plants are dug from members’ gardens, labeled, and priced before the sale. Club members are hosts, salespersons, and consultants for our buyers, some of whom have been coming to the sale for years.
Refreshments Provided
June 2012 (date to be announced) – Club Picnic
Please check the club Bulletin for date and location. The luncheon coordinators will arrange for a picnic meal.
*Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, except for the months of November and December to accommodate the Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah holiday.)
