July 10, 2023:  Jay’s Hosta Garden Tour.  If you have ever visited Jay Stanton’s garden, you know you will be greeted with a warm welcome and an eye-opening tour of Jay’s (world-renowned ) Hosta Garden, which is – priceless!  He is a member of the American Hosta Society. Come prepared for a limitless tour of Jay’s collection! (Members and guests only)

 

August 7, 2023:  Visit to Country Joy Flowers U-Pick Farm.  Join us for a visit to Country Joy Farm, Lancaster County Magazine’s 2022 Readers Survey second place winner in the u-pick category! This charming family run farm, located on Colebrook Road just off Route 743, boasts acres of beautiful annual and perennial flowers.  Owner Tracy Zeiset will host our tour of the farm and attendees will have the opportunity to pick a bucket filled with beautiful flowers to take home, for a fee. Additional details for our visit will be shared in July. (www.countryjoyflowers.com) (Members and guests only)

 

September 11, 2023:  Climate change extremes by seasons in the United States.

Our speaker, Dr. Zachary Labe, obtained a Ph.D in earth system science from Cornell University, and is a postdoctoral Climate Scientist at Princeton. Zack was a previous scholarship recipient for our society.  He will bring us important information in terms we can understand.

 

October 2, 2023:  Food as Medicine. Presented by Maryann Smith of the Central PA Food Bank. Food as Medicine has gained momentum over the years as a result of evidence that a nutrient-dense diet supports better health outcomes. Recognizing this connection, the Central PA Food Bank, in partnership with local healthcare providers, created an initiative to provide nutrition education to individuals and families served by their partner distribution organizations. Find out in this interactive workshop the many ways the CPFB is focused on procuring, distributing, and educating the public about how healthier foods leads to improved health.

 

November 6, 2023: Keystone Native Plants and Natural Landscapes.  Jane Allis represents Wild Ones of Central PA, a national organization which began in the 70s and includes four chapters within PA. Their motto is Saving the Earth, One Yard at a Time.  Jane is an expert in her field, and you will be enthralled with her knowledge, as she entertains with her facts and suggestions.  Come prepared to take lots of valuable notes!

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December 4, 2023: Holiday Luncheon: Christmas Wreathmaking. Hershey Country Club Picard Pavilion. Join us for our holiday luncheon. Horticulturalist Jody Davey from the Hershey Gardens will demonstrate continuous wire wrap technique of wreath wrapping with winter harvested greens from Hershey Gardens. There will be some lucky winners of wreaths at the completion of the program.   

 

January 8, 2024:  A Four-Season Garden: A Photographic Tour. Join Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly for a virtual tour of his suburban garden through each of the seasons. You will see how his passion for gardening and photography has resulted in a garden with year-round interest and excitement. He will share what he has learned along the way.

 

February 5, 2024:  The Ecology and Management of the Eastern Bluebird.

Dr. Dean Rust, President of the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania, will present a wonderful view of bluebirds and all songbirds, including his interest in waterfowl and wood ducks. Who doesn't enjoy seeing and listening to songbirds?  He will share his tips on enjoying the charismatic bluebird.

 

March 4, 2024: Ten Most Common Gardening Mistakes. Presented by Connie Schmotzer, Master Gardener, Penn State Extension, York. If you are still using the same gardening practices you learned from your grandmother, it’s time to up your game. From planting to pruning to plant selection, there’s something in this class for every gardener!

 

April 1, 2024:  Happy Hydrangeas: How to Successfully Grow These Gorgeous Shrubs.

Join Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly for an in-depth presentation about hydrangeas, a favorite ornamental shrub. The presentation will review the different kinds of hydrangeas, both native and non-native; proper location in the garden; and most importantly, how to correctly prune these beautiful shrubs. A discussion of the ecological value for pollinators will also be included.

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May 4, 2024:  Plant Sale.

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May 6, 2024:  Dahlias by Gerry Waln. The program will be presented by Jerry Waln of the Gettysburg Dahlia Society.  This speaker was so interesting that he is returning! Come prepared to possibly buy one!

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June 3, 2024:  Rose Luncheon: “Petal it Forward” at the Picard Pavilion, Hershey Country Club. Jessica Maloy has a mobile flower shop. Her van is full of loose flowers plus arrangements. She’ll tell you her fascinating business activities during her presentation. After the program she will have flowers to purchase if you weren’t lucky enough to win an arrangement earlier.

 

June 20, 2024:  Flower Show. Our biennial event will take place at the Brownstone Lodge.

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