This will be the first of three programs designed to prepare us for our flower show in May, “Birds of a Feather Flock Together.” Chester resident Nancy Gahtan, an accredited master flower show judge, will show us how to interpret that theme in a Type II flower arrangement. Club members are asked to bring in circular forms (perhaps even actual wheels) so that we can all have some fun creating.

Terry Holman, president of the Long Valley Garden Club and student flower show judge, will educate us in the art of grooming our plant specimens so that they can be award-winning flower show entries. This will be a watch-and-learn program. The guidelines will be taken directly from The National Garden Clubs' Handbook for Flower Shows.

We are thrilled to welcome back David Mitchell of Still Life Design, New Vernon's own event planner and floral design genius. David will dispense decorating advice just in time for the holiday season. He and his experienced team create breathtaking works of beauty for businesses, non-profits, and private clients. (Take a peek at his website for some of his stunning designs.) As you may know, David has particular expertise in producing masterpieces from local flora found right in our own New Vernon woods and gardens. Picture yourself fashioning a centerpiece out of materials you've gathered from your own yard! Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all holiday entertaining will be a pleasure with David's advice on making wreaths, garlands, and bouquets.

www.stilllifeeventsdesign.com

Local florist Hannah Wallace will surprise us with some uplifting ways to brighten our homes during the long dreary months of winter.

Flowers from Hannah has been Harding Township's neighborhood florist for over 25 years. Her team creates beautiful arrangements that make any space or occasion extra special. They do it all, from simple centerpieces to elaborate weddings, parties, and charity events.

www.flowersfromhannah.com

Sponsored by J&M Home and Garden Center     www.JMHG.com

David Wilson of Garden Splendor, an exclusive line of high-quality plants and shrubs grown by Overdevest Nurseries in New Jersey, will discuss the upcoming 2010 planting season. David’s passion for plants began as a small boy when he worked alongside his grandmother, helping her tend her cottage-style garden in Ireland. A distinguished horticultural education led to a career in commercial nursery production and eventually to lecturing and appearances on radio and television. He writes for the Garden Splendor web site and provides gardening advice for its online Garden Club members.

Garden Splendor is a premium plant collection that includes more than 500 varieties of perennials, ornamental grasses, patio plants, shrubs, and vines. Its concept successfully merges the efforts of some of the most respected independent garden centers in the country with one of the East Coast's leading nursery growers, Overdevest Nurseries, to bring quality, innovation, and reliability to home gardeners. Garden Splendor plant selections are grown to exacting standards and represent the best of the “tried and true” varieties available. To be included in the Garden Splendor collection, a specific plant variety must have outstanding genetic qualities and a proven record of performance under various garden conditions.

www.gardensplendor.com
www.overdevestnurseries.com

Flowers on the Ridge is back by popular demand! For anyone who missed Richard Blauvelt last April, mark your calendars for this special presentation. Richard is an experienced florist and owner of Flowers on the Ridge. His shop in Basking Ridge, which opened in 2008, is a beehive of activity each season, producing one-of-a-kind flower designs for friends, family, and corporate accounts.

Richard has over 30 years of experience and will design five to seven simple arrangements that we can copy or edit to make our own. Don't forget to bring your cameras.

Please join us to welcome back Nancy Gahtan, an accredited master flower show judge. Nancy will show us how we can approach flower show table design using things we have in our homes that incorporate the show's theme.

Table designs are fun to do. Nancy will help us with a functional table design. It will relate to food, express the title, and conform to the principals of design.

A talented representative from our local Garden Cottage will share insider information about the upcoming trends for summer outdoor entertaining. They will review how to prepare your outdoor spaces for guests, teach how to create tablescapes, and give tips on exterior decorating. You can peruse sample home accessories to get ideas and shop for summer decor.

www.gardencottage.com

The NVGC will be holding a Flower Show on Monday, May 24, 2010.
More details will be posted shortly.

Click here for NVGC flower show 2010 flower arranging rules and photos.