past program calendar

HELD SEPTEMBER 2021 through May 2022

Judy Tweel, First Vice President and Program Chair
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september 14 | 10 am | wild birds | Mike & Leslie Larson

Mike and Leslie Larson of Wild Birds, Unlimited, know a thing or two about birds. They’ve always been outdoorsy types, both love riding horses and hiking, and Michael’s passion for photography created the perfect partnership of spending time observing and capturing nature.

This love of the outdoors led them to research how to bring local nature into their own backyard. Over the years they’ve transformed their home into a National Wildlife Federation property that is full of exclusively native plants. This means the flora on their property are beneficial to our ecosystem. Local plants attract local birds and animals. This natural evolution led Michael to become interested in Wild Birds Unlimited.

Food Pantry: peanut butter and jelly

October 12 | 10 am | wine growing and tasting

Once again, we celebrate Virginia Wine Month. We will visit The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, a new winery located in the woods on Lake Manassas. We’ll start with our business meeting, then enjoy a short presentation and tasting with the winemaker about growing grapes and making wine. Sunshine Ridge Farm is also a brewery, and we’ll learn about beer and growing hops. The winery has lovely views of Lake Manassas. They can be enjoyed in the rustic setting through open inside space to outside on the lawn. The owner has promised to open the three large glass doors to enjoy the outdoors from inside if you prefer. The hostess committee will provide a delicious light lunch. Savor a glass of wine as you view the beautiful setting.

Our field trip to:
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm
15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane
Gainesville, VA 20155

Please RSVP to program chair Judy Tweel by Thursday, October 7th, so that we may reserve your spot. We will open this up to non-member guests for a fee of $25. Food Pantry: potatoes, gravy, rice, stuffing. sweet potatoes

November 9|10 am| herbs! with herbalist Laine Welch

Laine Welch, a graduate of Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine is coming to share her love and knowledge of herbs. Herbs are not just for cooking, but for health, beauty and so many more uses. Laine will share recipes and activities for getting your herbal apothecary stocked for the coming wintery months.

Food Pantry: potatoes, gravy, rice, stuffing. sweet potatoes

december 14 and december 16

Dec 14th, Tuesday | 10 am | Holiday luncheon

Our hostess committee will prepare a holiday luncheon for us. (The cookie exchange is tabled this year.) For this December meeting, come in your holiday attire (if you like) - the ugliest and prettiest Christmas sweaters will be selected and there will be a prize for each!  After our business meeting, we will have our Christmas festivities and lunch.
Ways and Means will have a table available so that you may purchase those last-minute Christmas gifts and the afghan will be raffled off that day. We are accepting cash, check, or credit.

Please wear your masks. 

The Toys for Tots Mini-Drive is on the same day, so please bring an unwrapped toy to our club meeting.
Food Pantry: potatoes, gravy, rice, stuffing. sweet potatoes, spaghetti sauce, flour, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Dec 16th, Thursday | 10 am |
make & take a holiday arrangement

This year we will have a second holiday event at the Flower Gallery with owner Doug Burroughs. One of our Club’s favorite florists, Doug, will first demonstrate by creating an arrangement; we will then make our own to take home and have for the holidays.

The total cost of the class, container, supplies, and flowers is just $40.
Please RSVP to Judy Tweel by December 8 to hold your spot.
Flower Gallery is located at: 10816 Sudley Manor Drive; Manassas, VA 20109

January 11 | 10 AM | Backyard beasties

The lack of heat and a COVID turn postponed our regular January slate. We instead had a ZOOM meeting. We caught up in February.

"Eupatorium rugosum"—do you know what this is? Don't miss our January meeting, as we will learn about evil plants that may be growing in our backyards. As you prepare for Spring and Summer planting, you will want to hear all about those wicked, evil plants and which other ones to avoid. Our Master Gardener, Ruth Johnston, will present this program. Ruth has been enjoying the many aspects of gardening for over fifty years. She will also have some herbal remedies to share with us.

By the way, Eupatorium rugosum, shown right, is commonly known as white snakeroot. It killed President Lincoln’s mother.

The common name of this species derives from the erroneous belief among early settlers that the bitter rhizomes were beneficial in the treatment of snakebites. In fact, the foliage and rhizomes are highly toxic, causing fatalities from 'Milk Sickness' because the toxins can pass through the milk of dairy cattle to humans.

Food Pantry: Dish detergent and clothing detergent

February 8 | 10 am | SHOW-n-TOOL |
WITH DESIGNER KATIE Campbell

We will catch up with garden designer Katie Campbell of Wine Patio Landscape Design at a future meeting as she could not make this one.

We want to know more about your favorite tool for gardening. Master Gardener, Ruth Johnston surveyed the crowd and we shared our reasons for and tips for using our favorite garden tool. Our members have varied garden interests, from houseplants to landscapes and floral arranging.

Food Pantry: individual servings of ramen and mac ‘n cheese

March 8 | 10 am | GARDEN SHOW DESIGN | with Babs MCClendon

Raised by two lifelong gardeners, Babs caught the gardening bug early in life. She joined her first garden club in 1992, and the rest is history. Babs is an NGC (National Garden Club) Master Flower Show judge, and NGC accredited Landscape Design Council judge and consultant. Her love of floral arranging drew her to Ikebana. She has studied in the Sogetsu School for 11 years now. She is proud her garden is her palette for floral arranging. She uses her garden's blooms and leaves, making her love for floral arranging even stronger.

April 5 | 10 AM | BYLAW VOTE and flower show prep

You have had a month to study our bylaw changes distributed and discussed at the March meeting, so it now goes to a vote.

Our flower show will be the first for many members. Jane Huckins will have examples of each type of arrangement that will be at the April 12th show. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, from horticulture samples to arrangements, get answers, put your mind at ease, and have fun.

Food Pantry: flour, sugar, salt, pepper, masa flour

April 12 | 8 AM | Haymarket Garden Club Flower Show

“Through the Years” is the theme for our flower show in April 2022. Haymarket Town & Country Garden Club turned fifty in 2020, but the celebration of our semicentennial was sadly postponed. We are back, and Jane Huckins, our Flower Show chair, has planned this perfect theme. All members will be called upon to contribute an arrangement, horticulture, or assist with the show. This flower show will be especially memorable since it will be judged by professional judges.

CRITICAL TIMES
Arrangement set-up is from 8 - 10 AM. Judging starts at 10 AM and viewing is 2:30 - 4 PM. Awards will be given out at the May luncheon.

HELPFUL DOWNLOADS HERE
Includes the NGC Flower Show Handbook and a primer on the NGC Show Tickets we use.

May 10, Tuesday | 11 AM | Aloha, a Luau luncheon
Dominion Valley Country Club, Haymarket

This luncheon is a combination meeting and celebration of all the year’s wonderful accomplishments. Plus, we’ll do it all while sporting Hawaiin Luau apparel. For your convenience, coconut bras are available at some of your favorite retailers: Party City, Etsy, Walmart, and Amazon.

Address: Dominion Valley Country Club, 15200 Arnold Palmer Drive Haymarket, VA 20169 | MAP
Country Club phone: 571-222-6900
Delicious food: A buffet allows you to choose your favorite Hawaiin fare. Two servers will replenish.
Raffle: Three chances to win a glamorous gift bag. Tickets are $1 each, or 6 for $5 to win.
Music: Island sounds, from DJ Susan Brown
Adult beverages: Cash bar

Prizes are awarded for the best Aloha Headdress!

Food pantry: tuna, ravioli, spaghetti, or a cash contribution