Programs
We hold programs throughout the year that are open to the community. We invite renown horticultural experts to speak to Club members on a variety of topics, and we welcome non-members to join us. There is no fee; a $5 -$10 donation per person is very much appreciated.
Our meetings are held in the auditorium of the United Way Building, 60 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair.
Urban Landscape Inspirations from Native Plant Communities
60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium
Monday, October 20, 2025 at 1PM
Educated in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture at Cornell University, Ethan Dropkin has followed his love of plants since childhood and turned that into a career in
landscape design. As an Associate and Horticulture Specialist with Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, Ethan focuses on native plants and landscapes while lecturing on horticulture and plants at large. He has a particular love of plants and plant communities that thrive in difficult conditions. His presentation will focus on how native plants and assemblages can be adapted to horticultural practice in the complicated urban landscape.
Foam-Free Flower Design
60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium
Monday, November 17, 2025 at 1PM
Owner of Rosaspina, an artisanal floral and event design studio in Montclair (her shop faces the newly planted circle on Church Street!), Lindsey Vandevier calls her aesthetic “artfully whimsical.” Her goal is to provide artistic floral creations that are never cookie cutter and always lush, sophisticated, and elegant. Lindsey will create two designs in real time while she talks us through her process. She’ll share her methods for making arrangements without floral foam, as well as tips for conditioning flowers. Lindsey will bring along a third design to explain, and then we’ll raffle all three!
Planning Your Kitchen Garden
60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium
Monday, January 26, 2026 at 1PM
Dani Scannella is the owner of The Backyard Garden Company in Cedar Grove. As a gardening consultant, Dani guides her clients through the process of planning, sowing, harvesting, and improving a home kitchen garden. She can also help turn around a garden that is under-producing. She’ll share her journey from the world of marketing to food production education; how to overcome the fear of beginning your own plot regardless of the space restrictions you face; and she’ll share gardening principles to get us all up to speed on growing our own food. Be sure to sign up for her Workshop, Seed Starting 101 for the Kitchen Garden, on Friday, February 20, 2026, 10AM to noon.
Wild Hydrangeas for the Mid-Atlantic Region
60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium
Monday, February 23, 2026 at IPM
As Manager of Horticultural Research at the Mt. Cuba Center, Sam Hoadley evaluates native plant species, old and new cultivars, and hybrids in the Trial Garden. Prior to working at Mt. Cuba, he was the lead horticulturist for Longwood Gardens Hillside Garden. He earned his degree in Sustainable Landscape Horticulture from the University of Vermont. Sam will share his knowledge about the native Mid-Atlantic alternatives we can consider rather than the ubiquitous Hydrangea macrophylla, the Big Leaf Hydrangea.
Gardening for Hummingbirds
60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium
Monday, March 23, 2026, 1PM
Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate in Ornamental Horticulture at Cornell University. His career has taken him on a journey through horticulture: he taught college for 24 years, worked as the Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, managed a 20-acre estate in Greenwich, CT, designed landscapes for both private and public clients, and has contributed to many horticultural publications. He continues to design landscapes, promote ecologically focused gardening practices, and lecture on his passion, native plants. Duncan will help us explore the life cycle of the ruby-throated hummingbird and show us how to make our gardens a haven for these tiny flying jewels, including a great selection of native plants that provide food sources and nesting sites from spring to fall.
One Hundred Years of History
60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium
Monday, April 27, 2026, 1PM
Let’s get ready to celebrate our upcoming 100th Birthday Year! This kick-off event will share the story of our beloved club from inception through today. Stay tuned for more exciting details!