Events
Welcome Back Luncheon
Welcome to the 74th year of the Garden Club.
Business Meeting
Review of Programs
Continuing and New Projects
Composting for Healthy Soil
Improve your soil by composting with Master Gardener Cheri Wilczek. Learn how organic materials that would otherwise be discarded can be transformed into valuable compost that enriches the soil for trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Cheri will explain the composting process, its benefits, how to start and maintain a compost bin, which materials to avoid, and practical tips for success and troubleshooting. Start enjoying the benefits of homemade “Black Gold.”
Holiday Topiary Workshop
Presented by Deb Murphy, this workshop offers a different take on a holiday decoration with the use of beautiful alstroemeria as the main attraction. Differing colors will be available, members will supply their own containers, any particular decorations and greens to include in the base to supplement supplied greens. Deb will take us through the technique of working with the flowers and oasis which will be provided to create the topiary.
Bird-Friendly Yards in Winter
This program offers a comprehensive survey of things to think about when planning a backyard environment conducive to attracting birds. Among the topics covered are why attract birds, choosing safe outdoor décor, decorations that are beautiful and attractive to birds, leaving the leaves and dead wood, providing a water source, growing native plants for winter food, avoiding pesticides and responsible outdoor lighting.
The Vegetable Garden
The Vegetable Garden
Presented by Pat Soteropoulos
Discover how to grow fresh, healthy food year-round with Chatham gardener Pat Soteropoulos. Learn how her garden, recently featured on the Garden Tour of the Chathams, evolved from a modest backyard vegetable plot into a productive landscape that produces food throughout the seasons. Pat will share practical advice on growing vegetables from seed to harvest, selecting companion plants, attracting pollinators, and creating a garden that supports local wildlife.
Pruning Basics
Pruning Basics
Presented by Marta McDowell
Learn the art and science of pruning ornamental trees and shrubs with honorary club member Marta McDowell. Discover how proper pruning can manage plant size, improve plant health, and encourage abundant flowering. Marta will explain how plants grow, discuss the proper tools and timing for pruning, demonstrate effective pruning techniques, and share practical examples using container-grown native shrubs.
The Patriot & The Plant: Plant Geeks Who Built America
The Patriot & The Plant: Plant Geeks Who Built America
Presented by Lesley Parness
America is 250 years old. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s honor the women and men whose horticultural achievements helped build our nation. Soldiers, spies, diplomats, and industrialists shaped America—but so did the Plant Geeks. The ten little-known individuals featured in this presentation, from Colonial times through mid-century America, transformed everyday life. From orange juice and blueberry pie to global food crops, modern pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and botanic gardens, their contributions continue to enrich our lives. It’s hard to imagine America without these Patriots and their Plants!
Plant Swap
Plant Swap
It’s time for sharing your extra garden plants and any gardening knowledge you would like to give to the group. So, thin out those plants and gather your favorite hints, gardening books, websites and apps and bring everything along to the meeting.
Year-End Party
We will gather to celebrate the end of another productive year of friendship and gardening.
Business Meeting
Installation of new officers
Plant Swap
It’s time for sharing your extra garden plants and any gardening knowledge you would like to give to the group. So, thin out those plants and gather your favorite hints, gardening books, websites, and apps and bring everything along to the meeting.
Business Meeting.
Plant Exchange
Floral Arranging with Supermarket Flowers
Floral Arranging with Supermarket Flowers
Presented by Ann Fahey
Ann Fahey will deonstrate how to make a simple supermarket bouquet into a show-stopping arrangements.
Ann Fahey is the Superintendent of Horticulture Education for Morris County Park Commission. She oversees all horticulture education for the Park Commission including lectures, tours, and virtual programming. Prior to working for the Park Commission, Ann owned and operated her own landscape design business for 20 years.
Business Meeting.
Designing with Native Plants
Learn how to create a native garden that is both beautiful and ecologically beneficial. Caitlin will focus on the design side of native gardening—how to build structure, seasonal interest, and visual appeal while supporting local ecology.
Container Gardening
Maureen Peebles is the owner of Contain Yourself Gardening, a boutique container gardening business in Chatham, New Jersey. Featured in New Jersey Monthly, she is known for stylish, low-maintenance seasonal arrangements that add beauty to entryways, patios, and small outdoor spaces.
In this engaging discussion, Maureen will share practical container gardening techniques. She’ll cover plant selection, soil tips, and simple design principles to create balanced, eye-catching displays that thrive through the seasons. A live demonstration will bring these ideas to life, offering inspiration and guidance for gardeners of all levels.
Business Meeting.
Presentation of Slate of Officers
Medicinal Plants of the Civil War
Medicinal Plants of the Civil War
Presented by Lesley Parness
Garden historian and writer, Lesley Parness, worked in public gardens in America and abroad for five decades. Before she retired, Lesley was Superintendent of Horticultural Education at the Morris County Park Commission, where she oversaw education at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Willowwood Arboretum, and the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center.
Could plants have played a role in the outcome of the Civil War? Learn how important plants were in every aspect of this conflict, on batlefields and home fronts of both the North and the South. Over 30 plants will be discussed with their medicinal properties noted.
Business Meeting. Houseplant Exchange.
Then and Now
Then and Now
Presented by Marta McDowell
This hunt for garden history started with a discovery. It was a “visiting gardens” list, circa 1928, found in the archives of the Morris County Park Commission. Miss Caroline Foster drew up the list for the Garden Club of Morristown. Eighty years later Marta McDowell (and friends) tracked down those properties and a few more for good measure. What did they look like then? Have they survived? Come on this entertaining, informative hunt for the trasures of our gardening past.
One of our favorite speakers, Marta McDowell, lives, writes and gardens in Chatham Township. Her books include Unearthing the Secret Garde, Beatrix Potter’s Gardening LIfe, The World of Laura Inglis Wilder, Emily Dickinson’s Gardening Life, and All the Presidents’ Gardens. She also teaches landscape history and horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden.
Business Meeting.
Holiday Luncheon
Holiday Luncheon
A Town & Country Garden Club Tradition.
Business Meeting
White Elephant Gift Exchange
Designing with Marshall Watson
Designing with Marshall Watson
T&CGC will be co-sponsoring this program with the New Vernon Garden Club and the Home and Garden Club of Short Hills. The program features Marshall Watson, an internationally renowned deorator and avid gardener. Books will be sold and refreshments will be served. Admission: Free for members, guests $20.
Holiday Boxwood Craft
Holiday Boxwood Craft
Bring a suitable base and any decorations you would like to add to the beautiful Boxwood Holiday Tree that you will create. Various greens will be available to design a unique tree that will enhance every holiday table. Marie and Frank will answer any questions regarding supplies at the October meeting.
Business Meeting.
Continuing and New Projects
Grow Stronger Plants with Winter Sowing
Grow Stronger Plants with Winter Sowing
Presented by Debbie Barnes
Looking for a fun winter activity to stay connected to gardening year-round? Winter sowing is the perfect solution for both new and experiences gardeners. This cost-effective, simple method uses outdoor conditions to naturally start seeds - no grow lights or indoor setups needed.
In this session, you’ll learn about the materials you’ll need, how to prepare your containers, which seeds work best, and receive a step-by-step guide to the sowing process. Plus you’ll get useful tips for success and solutions to common issues.
Business Meeting
Welcome Back Luncheon
Welcome to the 73rd year of Garden Club.
Business meeting
Review of Programs
Continuing and new projects