Sky, Plants, and Ground: Water in the Landscape  

Water is a fundamental consideration for almost any private garden. Baseline practical concerns like quantity, freezing, and source are all critical in the establishment and care of landscapes. Perhaps more importantly, water is an inspiration for garden designers of all ages. This talk will discuss historic and contemporary precedents from the history of landscape architecture, easily understandable technical considerations (such as rainwater harvest, rainfall requirements, and water-efficient irrigation), and specific examples drawn from Bryan’s two decades of experience in garden design.

Bryan Quinn is the founder of One Nature, a landscape design/build company that has completed numerous projects in the Fairfield County area and beyond. His lifelong dedication to landscapes and the environment is evident in One Nature’s diverse body of work, including gardens, parks of all sizes, campuses, agricultural land, and urban design. Regardless of project size, he strives to bring out the potential for every landscape to inspire people through ecological design. Part scientist and part artist, his design methodology is place-based and relies on a sensitivity to the particular qualities of each location. Bryan is a registered landscape architect in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. To hear Bryan, please join us at 1:15pm at the Senior Center, Allen Road in Norwalk on February 12th.

We had some beautiful crafts, table top arrangements, extra large gift baskets, cookies and other baked goods, planters, wreaths and more!

Beautifully decorated artificial trees to adorn your mantle or table top. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey A. Tauscher, December 2019

Mini Santas

A chic floral centerpiece for any time of the year! Miniature holly plants adorn this vintage cookie stand. Photo credit: Jeffrey A. Tauscher, December 2019

From left, Diane Russell, scholarship program chairperson; Fortuna; Noreen Normand, scholarship committee; Jan Valus, treasurer; Paula Fortuna, Natalia’s mother; and Martha Moore, co-president.

During a ceremony at the Farm Creek Nature Preserve on Monday, June 17, Natalia Fortuna, a graduating senior from Brien Mc Mahon High School, received the annual Norwalk Garden Club Scholarship.  The $1000 scholarship is awarded to a person who is pursuing undergraduate coursework or continuing education in areas related to horticulture and environmental sciences. Natalia is a member of the Honor Society and is among the students in the first class to complete the International Baccalaureate program at McMahon High School.  Her activities include an internship with Harbor Watch, international travel to study diverse cultures and environmental issues, hiking, camping and outdoor leadership, and experiences that expand her artistic talents.  “She more than meets the requirements of the scholarship, she exceeds them at every level,” observes Diane Russell, scholarship program chairperson.  In the fall, Natalia will be attending the University of British Columbia, majoring in environmental studies.

Art by Noreen Normand

We are proud of our long time member, Noreen Normand, painter, crafter and gardener! Her watercolors will be on display for one month at the Norwalk Public Library beginning with a reception on Sunday, April 14th from 2 to 4pm.

The Norwalk Garden Club proudly supports the Pollinator Pathway project!

April 22: come to the Community Room at City Hall to hear Louise Washer  tell us about the growing Pollinator Pathways throughout the area, and how we can avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers. (6pm refreshments, 7pm talk) The venue is part of the Norwalk Land Trust Annual meeting, and the Garden Club will have a table there!

May 18th: Annual Plant Sale: 9am – 1pm, 1 Park Street (near the Green)

May 23rd: Annual Planting on the Green

Time to start thinking about plants! Are you interested in the Pollinator Pathway Project of Fairfield County? Then join us on January 9th (Room A of the Senior Center, Allen Road) at 1:15 to hear Louise Washer, President of the Norwalk River Watershed Association, provide info and ways we can promote project awareness in our community.    

February 13th: Garden designer Deirdra Wallin will discuss Horticultural Therapy:  Harvesting the Benefits of Horticulture.

March 13th:  Bill Kenny, landscape  architect with Native nursery of Fairfield, will tell us how to use native plants in the garden. His presentation will be linked to the Pollinator Pathway Project.

We enjoyed seeing so many of you at our Christmas Fair. Thanks for coming by, and we hope you enjoyed your purchases!  

September: Patricia McNelis demonstrates ikebana arrangements. Member Bench Show: “Flower Pot Power”

April 11th: Linda Fleming, noted herbalist, writer, and delightful storyteller, will be our guest speaker. Topic: Moon Gardening:  Planting According to the Phases of the Moon.  Please join us at 1:15 at the Norwalk Senior Center (11 Allen Road, Norwalk).

May 26th:  Annual Plant Sale!  Located in the parking lot at 1 Park Street (near the Norwalk Green), hours 9am to 1pm.  Save the date!

The public is invited to hear our selection of informative speakers this winter.

Jan.10: Victor DiMasi, noted lepidopterist, will tell us about our native butterflies and how the environmental changes are affecting them.  Lecture at 1:15 at the Senior Center, 11 Allen Road, Norwalk. (Room B of the Senior Center)

Feb. 14: Sarah Graber will talk to us about the Norwalk Land Trust programs.  Lecture at 1:15 at the Senior Center, 11 Allen Road, Norwalk.

Mar. 14:  Kim Eierman, environmentalist, will discuss gardening to benefit ecosystems.  Lecture at 1:15 at the Senior Center, 11 Allen Road, Norwalk.

September kicks off a new year of terrific guest speakers and events for the Norwalk Garden Club. Our meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Gallaher Mansion in Cranbury Park at 12:15. Guest speakers start around 1:15; the public is welcome to join us!  

September guest speaker: Tovah Martin – horticulturalist and well know garden author will discuss the Indestructible Houseplant.     [No guest speaker in October]

November guest speaker: Evelyn Lee from Butternut Gardens in Southport will prepare holiday floral arrangements.

Annual Christmas Fair:  Saturday, December 2, Cranbury Chapel in Norwalk