Programs
Every month we get together for a wide-ranging and unusual set of programs — usually a lecture from an outside expert — organized by our inquisitive and knowledgeable Programs Committee. See the schedule below for this year's offerings. As events pass, they move to the bottom of the page.
Haute Couture to Horticulture
Bnai Keshet
Monday, April 15, 2024, 6-8:30pm
"Clothes aren't going to change the world.
The women who wear them are."
– Anne Klein
We have amongst our members, a surprising number of women who have found their way to the glories of gardening after (or during!) careers in the garment industry. Is there a correlation between fashion and flora? On Monday, April 15, as early as 5:30PM, we will gather at B’nai Keshet for an evening program to hear from four of them: Cynthia Corhan-Aitken, Sidney Milliken, Tova Narrett, and Lauren Zodel.
Each designer will display a garment that represents her niche in the industry, as well as a floral design, inspired by her garment. She will share reflections on her career in the world of fashion, and ruminate on how she transferred that same creativity to the world of gardening and floral design.
Join us for a festive evening as these four members share their fascinating journeys from hemlines to hellebores.
Swap & Share with Committee Leaders
Union Congregational Church
Monday, September 18, 2023, 6-8:30pm
Members, both new and old, will learn what each of our hardworking committees hopes to accomplish this year, and we'll share ideas on a variety of projects that are the heart and soul of the Club. Upcycle your design items and gently used gardening tools and swap for repurposed treasures donated from other Members.
The Spirit of Stonescaping: Ideas for Your Garden
Bnai Keshet
Monday, October 16, 2023, 12:30-3pm
See report of the event.
Rediscover natural stone as a durable and sustainable landscaping element. Jan Johnsen will share creative and practical ways you can use natural stone in the garden; from rock gardens to dry streams, and as benches, paths, and more.
See Jan's suggested plant list (members only).
Jan Johnsen is a Principal at Johnsen Landscapes and Pools, as well as an award-winning landscape designer and author.
Artistic Flourishes: Pots With a Purpose
Bnai Keshet
Monday, November 13, 2023, 12:30-3pm
See report of the event.
Explore the exciting world of container gardening, as Dan Benarcik shares his knowledge about styles, techniques, types of containers, and favorite plants.
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Dan Benarcik is a Horticulturalist at Chanticleer Garden in Wayne, PA. He oversees the Courtyard Gardens and shares his passion for horticulture and landscape design as an international consultant, speaker, and writer.
Color, Color Perception, and Colorful Plants for the Garden
Bnai Keshet
Monday, January 22, 2024, 12:30-3pm
See report of the event.
Gain a deeper understanding of color perception and theory, in order to create vibrant and seasonal outdoor spaces, as Kelley Forsyth takes us on a visual tour of her favorite colorful shrubs and perennials.
With a Master's Degree in Landscape Archtecture and over 20 years as a professional landscape designer, Kelley Forsyth is the Horticulturalist at Branch Brook Park.
Ask the Arborist: Keeping Trees and Shrubs Healthy
Bnai Keshet
Monday, February 12, 2024, 12:30-3pm
Keep trees and shrubs healthy by understanding signs of plant decline. Brian Rombough will explain how he diagnoses and corrects typical health issues, especially emerald ash borer, bacterial leaf scorch, and the spotted lanternfly
Brian Rombough is a Licensed Tree Expert in New Jersey and also a Certified Arborist and co-owner of American Tree Experts, Inc.
Restoring, Rescuing, and Rehabilitating Our Nation's Public Gardens
Bnai Keshet
Monday, March 25, 2024, 12:30-3pm
Discover with Horatio Joyce the story of The Garden Conservancy and the evolution of its mission to restore, rescue, and rehabilitate public gardens — and to facilitate opening private gardens to the public
Horatio Joyce is the Director of Public Programs and Education at The Garden Conservancy, and oversees one of its most beloved programs, Open Days.