2022-2023 Programs
We welcome everyone to our monthly speakers’ programs. We appreciate a contribution of $5 for non-members to help us support our programs and activities. We hire professional, well-known garden, floral arrangers and horticultural experts to help us learn how to make our environment more beautiful and sustainable.
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9:30 Coffee and Social Time
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10:00 – Club Business
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10:30-11:30 plus – Guest Speaker
Cancellation Policy: When Rye public schools are cancelled due to weather, our meeting is cancelled. If the schools delay opening, we hold our meeting as scheduled. Members are notified of changes by email.
Programs At-A-Glance
9/20/22
10/18/22
11/15/22
1/17/23
2/21/23
3/21/23
4/18/23
Kevin Gardner
Patti Elwell
Kelly Orzel
John Fortis
Jamie Colen
Margaret Witham
Elaina Hatsis
Discovering New England Stone Walls
Growing Sprouts, Microgreens, & Herbs
Coastal Native Plants
Heirloom, Traditional Plants & Skills
Fuller Gardens-Dispelling Garden Myths
How to Grow Garlic
Japanese Flower Arranging
Program information is added each month. Check back here for more detailed program information...
September 20
Kevin Gardner
Discovering New England Stone Walls
Kevin Gardner, author of “The Granite Kiss”, will discuss his much-anticipated topic Discovering New England Stone Walls. Kevin will cover some main points from his book such as the history, stylistic development, and technique of stone walls. He’ll explain how New England came to acquire its thousands of miles of stone walls, how their styles have emerged and changed over time, and their significance to the famous New England landscape. While giving this informal talk, Kevin builds a miniature wall or walls on a tabletop using tiny stones from a five-gallon bucket. There will also be a generous question-and-answer period where listeners are encouraged to bring up specific problems or projects on their own properties.
October 18
Patti Elwell
Growing Sprouts, Microgreens, and Her
Patti’s garden philosophy “if she is going to work for her plants then they are going to work for her” is the reason she focuses her efforts on using and preserving all forms of edibles. Sprouts and microgreens pack a nutritional punch. Learn how easy it is to grow them, even in the winter, when you’re missing your garden the most. Patti grows her own vegetables, herbs and edible flowers and will share her knowledge and experiences. Learn which annual and perennial herbs will grow best in your NH garden and how they can also bring new flavors to your life. Discussion will also include ways to use and preserve them. Patti Elwell is an experienced gardener who has been a staff member and educator at Rolling Green Nursery for the past 8 years. She started the vegetable gardens for homeless individuals participating in the Seacoast Family Promise program. Patti is a past president of the Exeter Garden Club, where she’s been a member for 13 years, and currently coordinates their Facebook page.
November 15, 2022
Kelly Orzel
Coastal Native Plants
Small-scale organic herb farmer, Kelly Orzel, will be presenting Native Coastal Plants. Bred to stand up to the salty air, hard winter weather and inhospitable soil, native plants tolerate growing conditions that would make other more delicate plants weep —which is why we love them! Kelly will start by discussing the advantages of and how to create a thriving native landscape. Then she’ll play a little “identify the dreaded invasives” game, followed by an exhibition of native alternatives. Kelly will also profile a few of her favorite natives and reveal what makes each of them special
January 17, 2023
John Forti
Edible Landscape
John Forti, Bedrock Gardens Director, will be giving an informative talk titled “Edible Landscapes: For Health, Habitat, Families and the Future.” This illustrated lecture will explore how to eat locally and enjoy the fruits of our own labors. John will delve into planting edible gardens and landscapes that offer healthy alternatives to lawns and hedges. Whether learning to explore our own backyards or the newest landscape style of the 21st century, this talk offers meaningful ways to engage ourselves, our kids, and our community in cultivating a sense of place from seed to table.
February 21, 2023
Jamie Colen
Keeping Roses in Tip-Top Shape
Roses can be so temperamental! Learn how to tame their bad behavior with Fuller Gardens Director Jamie Colen who will present “Dispelling Garden Myths. A Practical Guide to Growing with and Focus on Roses” at the Rye Driftwood Garden Club February meeting. Jamie will explore the best techniques for keeping roses in peak flowering shape such as the best location, watering, and mulching techniques, care throughout the year, and how to deal with unwanted pests.
March 21, 2023
Margaret Witham
Learn How to Grow Garlic
"If you can smell garlic, everything is alright" J.G. Ballard
Margaret Witham and Rebecca Hennessy, co-owners of Backyard Garlic, started their business to be part of the food business but with a twist. The main goal was to be part of their community while promoting human health and soil sustainability without the use of synthetic chemicals. Backyard Garlic grows 7-10 types of garlic which are blended through a slow dehydration process for use in their grinders and refill packages. These blends bring intense flavors and convenience right to the consumer's table to enjoy!
Come join us when Margaret talks about how to grow garlic and tell us a little more about Backyard Garlic.
April 18, 2023
Elaina Hatsis
Making Flowers Come Alive: Ikebana
Elaina Hatsis will be creating a couple of arrangements while demonstrating Japanese flower arranging. We'll highlight what makes Ikebana different from Western flower arranging, the philosophy behind it, and the way it evolved over the centuries as Japan opened its borders to the outside world.
Elaina has been a member of the Kittery Point Ikenobo Chapter since 2007 and has served as president from 2017-2019. Her training is in the Ikenobo School of Ikebana and has received a Level 6 Certificate from the Ikenobo School of Floral Art Teacher Training Program qualifying her to teach and give demonstrations. Come join us and enjoy Elaina's magic!
