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PROGRAM SPEAKERS and Schedule for 2025 -2026

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September 10, 2025 "Designing Gardens Using Native Plants and Art in the Garden"- Donna Katsuranis.

 

Donna is a master Gardner and an interfaith minister.​ She will present tips and ideas on how to design gardens using native plants. 

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October 8, 2025 PROGRAM: "Hardscape in Your Landscape" - George Trecian

 

George has a B.S. in Landscape Design from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. He will present a Power Point presentation on three quarries and some stone yards in Connecticut. We will learn how natural materials can be integrated into our landscapes and gardens.

                           

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November 12, 2025 PROGRAM:

“Brighten Your Spirits with Long, Low, Holiday Floral Designs"- Cathy Ritch

Cathy is an accredited NGC Master Flower Show Judge. She will discuss the Principles and Elements of Design while demonstrating how to make long and low centerpieces. The designs will be raffled off at the end of the program.

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DECEMBER & JANUARY - no general meetings held

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FEBRUARY - Workshop : TBD

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​March 11, 2026 PROGRAM: “Fearless Pruning" - Michele MacKinnon                                                       
 

Michele is a UCONN Advanced Master Gardener, and a CT Northeast Organic Farm Associate Chapter Accredited Organic Land Care Professional. Michele will have a slide show presentation on pruning. Club members are encouraged to bring in a piece of their favorite shrub to examine during the discussion.

                                                                         

 April 8, 2026 PROGRAM: “Smarter Gardening: Let's Talk" - Lorraine Ballato
 

Lorraine is an award-winning writer, speaker, expert horticulturist and photographer.

She will give ideas about how to change your garden and gardening techniques so that you will have less maintenance and more time for other things you love to do.

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May 13, 2026 PROGRAM: “Everything You Need to Know About Pollinators"- Holly Kocet

Holly is a founding member of Protect Our Pollinators and is a 2013 UCONN Advanced Master Gardener. Holly's program will emphasize each pollinator species and their specific needs. It is important to know what we can do in our communities to protect and provide for them.