Author Archives: Jean Shaw

NYBG Orchid Show

Visiting Gardens attended the 21st Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens on Friday, February 23rd.  We spent time with the orchids, at the NYBG Shop (lovely things were purchased) and finished with a delicious sit down lunch at The Hudson Garden Grill on the grounds of the NYBG.  A good time was had by all!  Thank you to Olivia E, Nancy B, Jane S and Wendy D for driving!  ~ Liz Z    

Stop the Spotted Lanternfly!

Now is the time to take action to protect against the Spotted Lanternfly!  It is the year of the dragon. With this in mind, let’s tap into our inner gardening dragons and protect our green spaces from the spotted lanternfly scourge. If you see these pods on your trees, now is the time to remove them to mitigate damage in the spring. This pest does not have a predator and can be highly destructive to gardens! Please keep a eye out for these invasive insects in your own garden and while walking in Waveny and Irwin Park.     Continue Reading →

Talk with Jeff Speck, best-selling author of “Walkable City”

Join us for a talk with Jeff Speck, award-winning planner and author of Walkable City, How Downtown Can Save American One Step At A Time. Speck has spent his career studying what makes cities thrive and has bored it down to one key factor: walkability. Speck explains why walking is useful, particularly regarding land-use, zoning, transit, and parking, and then focuses on how, by sharing examples of places where walking is safe, comfortable, and interesting.     Continue Reading →

Holiday Party

Members and their spouses gathered together in early December for the NCGC annual holiday party. Provisionals collaborated on the beautiful floral arrangements and members contributed delicious seasonal fare. The party was enjoyed by all, filled with lots of lively conversation and good cheer. Much appreciation to our gracious hostess Emily and her family for opening up their festive home. Continuing our annual tradition, we honored the season of giving by collecting almost $3,000 for two New Canaan charities: The Warm-up Fund and The Food Pantry. Bethany Zaro, Director of New Canaan Human Services, was thrilled to receive the check from Julie and Wendy. Thanks to everyone who generously contributed! Happy holidays and all the best in 2024!    

NCGC Elves Hard at Work!

Members enjoyed a wonderful morning at our annual greens workshop with the New Canaan Beautification League creating wreaths and decorations for downtown New Canaan. Thanks to everyone who spread good cheer and helped kick-off the holiday season!    

Jane Gamber wins “Best in Show”!

Congratulations to Jane Gamber for her “Best in Show” award! She was awarded this honor – “the best entry in Horticulture” – for her beautiful Crassula “Gollum” at Hortulus’ GCA Flowers Show CUR*RENT in late September. Jane also received a blue ribbon for her propagated “Mother & Daughter” entry of two variegated Agave Americana “Marginata” plants. NCGC is so proud!    

Zone II Annual Meeting

Last Thursday September 14th, Zone II held their annual meeting in Greenwich at the Belle Haven Club.  Attendees were treated to a full day of activities, highlights being a history of Greenwich lecture by Curator of Science at the Bruce Museum by Dr. Daniel Ksepka covering the origin of the Long Island Sound and Coastline, a tour of the coastline on a 1930’s yacht lead by Susie Baker, marine biologist, retired oceanography teacher, conservationist and preservationist. Besides a delicious lunch we also enjoyed the awards presentation which had two special women honored who are especially close to our clubs heart. The first being past NCGC President, and zone Horticulture judge Jane Gamber who was honored with the Marcy Crutcher award. This award is given for spirit, energy and determination, expanding knowledge in horticulture by sharing in all ways. Words that epitomize all Jane does for our club.     Continue Reading →