Speaker Meetings

Urban Gardens: Changing Lives with Sheryll Durrant and Randell McShepard February 15, 2024 Zoom only Free for members; non-members register here.  Zoom links are automatically sent to members the Sunday before and the day of the presentation. You’ll enjoy this informative panel discussion. Step into the world of urban gardening and witness the life-changing impact […]

Native Plants for Container Gardens with Duncan Himmelman March 21, 2024 Zoom only Free for members; non-members register here. Zoom links are automatically sent to members the Sunday before and the day of the presentation. Many native plants make great choices for container gardens. From shade to sun, perennials to shrubs, spring to fall, there […]

Creating Pollinator Gardens - the Role of Plant Choice and Design with Harland Patch April 18, 2024 Live and on Zoom Elmwood Community Center 1106 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT Free for members; non-members register here. Zoom links are automatically sent to members the Sunday before and the day of the presentation. Ecological approaches […]

Roses for New England with Mike & Angelina Chute  May 16, 2024 Live and on Zoom (this presentation will NOT be recorded for future viewing) Elmwood Community Center 1106 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT Free for members; non-members register here.  Zoom links are automatically sent to members the Sunday before and the day of […]

Knockout Natives with Sam Hoadley June 20, 2024 7pm Live and on Zoom (please note that this event is taking place in Middletown, not West Hartford) First Church Middletown 190 Court Street, Middletown, CT and via Zoom (you’ll be sent the link on the Sunday before the talk). Scroll down for parking information. Free for […]

We’ll explore the beauty, the flavor, and the cultivation of American persimmon, pawpaw, beach plum, lingonberry, and a host of other native delectables, as well as blueberry — a relative newcomer to our market shelves.      

A look at the life and legacy of the Hartford-born individual who coined the term "landscape architect." While most famous for his public parks, Olmsted's commissions included the Biltmore Estate, the World's Columbian Exposition, and campuses ranging from Stanford to Amherst. 

Register now. Presentation and biographical information coming soon.

This lecture will focus on the wonders of the winter landscape and how to enhance the aesthetic value and interest of the garden by using horticultural treasures such as winter fruiting plants, broadleaved evergreens, conifers and trees with interesting bark.

Learn about the natural history of Connecticut’s 11 species of frogs and toads and how to attract them and a host of other wildlife to your yard through bubblers, small ponds, and other water features.

Fundamentally we all want the same thing...more! More plants, more choices, and more options to extend our gardening season. Dan will share with you ways that he extends the season on both sides at Chanticleer, both fall and spring. Plant suggestions, design tips, and techniques for how to make your late season garden sing.

Nancy's garden is filled with so many annuals, perennials, biennials, shrubs, and herbs that she didn't plant. They may be considered "free gifts" or they may be considered "plants gone rogue"! Dive into how to recognize, manage, move around, edit, and generally care for a generous garden that offers so much to its gardener.