2022-2023 Calendar of Events
All monthly in person meetings will be held at Dutch’s Restaurant, 567 Glendale Road on Deep Creek Lake
(unless otherwise noted). Registration for meetings begins at 10:00 a.m. Programs start promptly at 10:30 a.m.,
followed by our business meeting, and lunch. Lunch is available with reservations required at the cost of $20.00 per person. If you would like to attend the meeting as a guest, click on Contact Us to receive more information.
(unless otherwise noted). Registration for meetings begins at 10:00 a.m. Programs start promptly at 10:30 a.m.,
followed by our business meeting, and lunch. Lunch is available with reservations required at the cost of $20.00 per person. If you would like to attend the meeting as a guest, click on Contact Us to receive more information.
Sept. 20, 2022
For the Love of Birds, presented by Caroline Blizzard & Julie Turrentine.
In November 2021, photographer Caroline Blizzard and glass artist, Julie
Turrentine, unveiled their collaborative "For the Love of Birds" exhibition in the Garrett
County Arts Council's new $MART ART: Shared Workspace. Over the course of the
exhibition, videographer Mark Stutzman worked with both artists to create a documentary based on their interactive show to enlighten people on how climate change is affecting bird populations. The documentary will be followed by
an artist talk and Q&A session.
For the Love of Birds, presented by Caroline Blizzard & Julie Turrentine.
In November 2021, photographer Caroline Blizzard and glass artist, Julie
Turrentine, unveiled their collaborative "For the Love of Birds" exhibition in the Garrett
County Arts Council's new $MART ART: Shared Workspace. Over the course of the
exhibition, videographer Mark Stutzman worked with both artists to create a documentary based on their interactive show to enlighten people on how climate change is affecting bird populations. The documentary will be followed by
an artist talk and Q&A session.
Oct. 18, 2022
Gardening with Native Woodland Plants, presented by Ian Caton, owner/operator of Wood Thrush
Native Plant Nursery. This presentation is an introduction to gardening with native woodland plants,
which thrive in shade. Some are familiar, others are less well known but deserve attention. Ian will also review some design and installation techniques for both small-scale and large-scale woodland plantings and
thoughts on how to maintain these plantings.
Ian Caton has been the owner/operator of Wood Thrush Native Plant Nursery (formerly Enchanters Garden) since March of 2013. Wood Thrush Native Plants is a nursery specializing in native plants of the Appalachian region including West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and North Carolina. A focus of the nursery is the introduction of new and rare native plants that are little known or under-appreciated in the nursery trade. Previously Ian had been an employee of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates (a landscape firm specializing in the use and promotion of native plants in landscaping) since 2001 and has an ongoing relationship with the firm and its educational arm: “The New Directions in the Landscape (NDAL)” program.
Nov. 15, 2022
Herb Farm Development Using Permaculture Practices, presented by Alea McClintock-Donahue of
Yorkie Acres Farms in Friendsville, MD. Alea will be discussing plans for the planting of the herb farm at their newly purchased property. She will be sharing some design plans and will focus on discussing garden design practices with a permaculture focus and the benefits of this style of gardening and farming practice.
December 13, 2022
Holiday Party
(Member and invited guest only)
Zoom meetings require pre-registration. Once registered, you will receive a link to log in 15 minutes before the program starts. Please click on Contact Us for more information.
January 5, 2023
Birds of Garrett County – The Species You’re Especially Likely to See or Hear, presented by Kevin Dodge, Director of the Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology program at Garrett College. Believe it or not, over 300 species of birds have been observed in Garrett County – some commonly and others only rarely; some in the winter, some during migration, some during the summer, and some year-round. Kevin will give an introduction to some of the more frequently seen and heard species we can encounter in the forests, fields, lakes, and wetlands of our home turf. (This program will be held at Garrett College at 10:30 am, weather permitting,
otherwise it will be presented via Zoom.)
February 21, 2023
Garden Gems at New Germany, presented by Liz McDowell, Coordinator, Western Mountains
Chapter of Maryland Native Plant Society. (10:30 am Via Zoom) The native plant garden at New Germany State Park is home to many of the botanical gems found in Mountain Maryland. Though each species is clearly labeled with its common and scientific name, there’s much more to know! Discover their critical importance to our region’s natural heritage and sense of place.
March 21, 2023
Forest Therapy presented by Kathleen Gibbs, MLGC member. This is the practice of spending time in natural environments for their beneficial health effects. An outgrowth of the Japanese practice of "shInrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”), this presentation will outline the practice of forest therapy, describe studies that support its beneficial health effects, and suggest activities for garden clubs that align with this activity.
April 18, 2023
Barbara Sanders, Horticulture Committee Co-Chair, will demonstrate the division and potting of perennial plants that can then be donated to the MLGC annual plant sale. Barbara will bring several different clumps of perennial flowers to show us how to divide them and the best way to pot them for sale.
May 16, 2023
Ikebana Floral Demonstration presented by Anna O’Kelly, president of Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland. Ikebana is the centuries-old Japanese art of flower arranging. The practice, which roughly translated to “making flowers come alive,” uses carefully selected flowers, greenery, and other flora to convey a specific feeling or emotion to an observer, just as a painting or sculpture might.
June 10, 2023
MLGC Plant Sale 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Held in the outdoor area adjacent to the Garrett County Historical Museum, 107 South Second Street, in Oakland.
June Orientation
June 20, 2023
Monthly Meeting-Installation of officers and awards
June 24, 2023
MLGC Country Gardens Tour 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
July 18, 2023
Summer Picnic- 6:00 p.m. Location to be determined
(Member and invited guest only)
Gardening with Native Woodland Plants, presented by Ian Caton, owner/operator of Wood Thrush
Native Plant Nursery. This presentation is an introduction to gardening with native woodland plants,
which thrive in shade. Some are familiar, others are less well known but deserve attention. Ian will also review some design and installation techniques for both small-scale and large-scale woodland plantings and
thoughts on how to maintain these plantings.
Ian Caton has been the owner/operator of Wood Thrush Native Plant Nursery (formerly Enchanters Garden) since March of 2013. Wood Thrush Native Plants is a nursery specializing in native plants of the Appalachian region including West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and North Carolina. A focus of the nursery is the introduction of new and rare native plants that are little known or under-appreciated in the nursery trade. Previously Ian had been an employee of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates (a landscape firm specializing in the use and promotion of native plants in landscaping) since 2001 and has an ongoing relationship with the firm and its educational arm: “The New Directions in the Landscape (NDAL)” program.
Nov. 15, 2022
Herb Farm Development Using Permaculture Practices, presented by Alea McClintock-Donahue of
Yorkie Acres Farms in Friendsville, MD. Alea will be discussing plans for the planting of the herb farm at their newly purchased property. She will be sharing some design plans and will focus on discussing garden design practices with a permaculture focus and the benefits of this style of gardening and farming practice.
December 13, 2022
Holiday Party
(Member and invited guest only)
Zoom meetings require pre-registration. Once registered, you will receive a link to log in 15 minutes before the program starts. Please click on Contact Us for more information.
January 5, 2023
Birds of Garrett County – The Species You’re Especially Likely to See or Hear, presented by Kevin Dodge, Director of the Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology program at Garrett College. Believe it or not, over 300 species of birds have been observed in Garrett County – some commonly and others only rarely; some in the winter, some during migration, some during the summer, and some year-round. Kevin will give an introduction to some of the more frequently seen and heard species we can encounter in the forests, fields, lakes, and wetlands of our home turf. (This program will be held at Garrett College at 10:30 am, weather permitting,
otherwise it will be presented via Zoom.)
February 21, 2023
Garden Gems at New Germany, presented by Liz McDowell, Coordinator, Western Mountains
Chapter of Maryland Native Plant Society. (10:30 am Via Zoom) The native plant garden at New Germany State Park is home to many of the botanical gems found in Mountain Maryland. Though each species is clearly labeled with its common and scientific name, there’s much more to know! Discover their critical importance to our region’s natural heritage and sense of place.
March 21, 2023
Forest Therapy presented by Kathleen Gibbs, MLGC member. This is the practice of spending time in natural environments for their beneficial health effects. An outgrowth of the Japanese practice of "shInrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”), this presentation will outline the practice of forest therapy, describe studies that support its beneficial health effects, and suggest activities for garden clubs that align with this activity.
April 18, 2023
Barbara Sanders, Horticulture Committee Co-Chair, will demonstrate the division and potting of perennial plants that can then be donated to the MLGC annual plant sale. Barbara will bring several different clumps of perennial flowers to show us how to divide them and the best way to pot them for sale.
May 16, 2023
Ikebana Floral Demonstration presented by Anna O’Kelly, president of Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland. Ikebana is the centuries-old Japanese art of flower arranging. The practice, which roughly translated to “making flowers come alive,” uses carefully selected flowers, greenery, and other flora to convey a specific feeling or emotion to an observer, just as a painting or sculpture might.
June 10, 2023
MLGC Plant Sale 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Held in the outdoor area adjacent to the Garrett County Historical Museum, 107 South Second Street, in Oakland.
June Orientation
June 20, 2023
Monthly Meeting-Installation of officers and awards
June 24, 2023
MLGC Country Gardens Tour 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
July 18, 2023
Summer Picnic- 6:00 p.m. Location to be determined
(Member and invited guest only)
Programs & Activities 2021-2022
September 9, 2021 11:00
Blue Star Memorial Dedication
September 21, 2021
This is a great time of year to do the Seed Saving/Garden Clean Up talk. Mainly from flowers/native plants, etc. We will have some seeds to share and let folks make their own seed packets. Ashley Bodkins will be leading this informative and fun program. Ashley is the Senior Agent Associate- Environmental and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland Extension- Garrett County Office. She also partners with us for our garden tour and frequently helps at our youth gardening projects.
October 19, 2021
The Benefits of Plants and Herbs for Health & Wellness, presented by Alea McClintock-Donahue. Alea’s presentation will provide an introduction to Yorkie Acres Farm and Herbal Earth Apothecary at Yorkie Acres farm located in Friendsville, Maryland. This presentation will discuss Alea’s passion and focus on natural, holistic and herbal health and wellness practices. She will discuss her range of herbal products and services that are provided on the farm with some discussion of the benefits of plants and herbs for health and wellness. She hopes to share her knowledge and passion for the medicinal and healing power of plants and the Earth with you. Alea will also be bringing some of her handcrafted herbal products that will be available for viewing and purchase.
Alea McClintock-Donahue is a wife, mother of two, a doctor of nursing practice with 16 years of experience in the medical field as a nurse and nurse practitioner, the owner of Yorkie Acres Farm and Herbal Earth Apothecary at Yorkie Acres Farm located just outside of Friendsville, Md. Her passion is herbal and natural holistic health and wellness, which is the focus of their farm ventures. She has a passion for helping people, animals and the planet with a focus on holistic wellness. Her goal is to connect farm visitors and clients to nature and the Earth, as well as help them achieve physical and mental wellness and balance.
November 16, 2021 (Zoom)
Kathleen Gibbs will present “Homegrown National Park”. A survey of the work of Doug Tallamy, an Entomology professor at the University of Delaware. Dr. Tallamy has studied native plant landscaping for over twenty years and proposes new ways of looking at our landscaping and gardening habits in order to foster small, local ecological islands and link them into a nationwide park system.
November 30, 2021 10:30 am (Via Zoom)
Susie Middleton presents Williamsburg Holiday Design
Over the years the town of Williamsburg has developed a unique style of decorating for the Holidays. What
is it? Think of door toppers, wreaths, swags and roping embellished with fruits, vegetables,
dried flowers and herbs.
This presentation will explain the history and provide examples of the enormous variety of materials used. Participants will receive handouts that give directions for making two of the best known designs
(1) the apple tree and (2) the door topper. Whether you embrace this style or not you are
sure to come up with ideas to brighten your homes for the holidays.
December 14, 2021 Holiday Party
(Members and invited guest only)
January 18, 2022, 10:30 am (Via Zoom)
Kevin Dodge, director of the Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology program at Garrett College, will present Unique Amphibians and Reptiles of Western Maryland.
February 8, 2022, 10:30 am (Via Zoom)
Claire Jones, Professional Horticulturists and landscape designer, and owner of Claire Jones Landscapes, will present Trade Secrets: Tips to Great Floral Arrangements from your Garden or Grocery Store.
March 15, 2022, 10:30 am
Brian Branthoover of Halian & Associates Landscaping will present Trends in Hardscaping for Beauty and the Environment. Brian is considered an expert in his field with over 30 years of experience in the industry, an impressive education in landscape design/construction, and a strong reputation for innovative landscape design.
April 19, 2022, 10:30 am
Kathleen Gibbs, MLGC member, will present Forest Therapy, also known as "Forest Bathing" and "Nature Immersion". This is the practice of spending time in natural environments for their beneficial health effects. An outgrowth of the Japanese practice of "shInrin-yoku" (Literally: 'forest bathing'), this presentation will outline the practice of forest therapy, describe studies that support its beneficial health effects and suggest activities for garden clubs that align with this activity.
May 17, 2022 General Meeting
Floristic Disjunction. A project of West Virginia Botanic Garden
Phil Cole, site Manager of the West Virginia Botanic Gardens in Morgantown will be talking to us about how the botanic garden teamed up with the City of Morgantown to design a small park in Xuzhou, China which was Morgantown's sister city last year. They incorporated the idea of 'floristic disjunction" which is the unique phenomenon that eastern US and east china share a similar genera of plants (which only occurs in those two regions of the globe) as a theme to the overall design. Phil will have lot of photos from China of the finished project and is excited to share the theory of its design, the floristic disjunction idea driving plant selection. Phil is a graduate of the Landscape Architecture Program at WVU and practiced in a design firm in Ohio for over 10 years before moving to Morgantown. Phil splits his time between being site manager at the West Virginia Botanic Garden and Greenscapes, a design/build company in McHenry, MD.
June 4, 2022 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
MLGC Perennial Plant Sale to be held in the outdoor area adjacent to the Garrett County Historical Museum
107 South Second Street, in Oakland.
June 21, 2022 General Meeting
Nancy Lawson is the author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife, a habitat consultant, and a national speaker on garden ecology. She founded Humane Gardener to pioneer creative planting strategies and other animal-friendly landscaping methods. Lawson’s presentations at diverse venues—from national wildlife refuges to local wildflower preserves—have inspired even seasoned horticulturists and wildlife experts to look at their landscapes in a new way. Certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and master naturalist, she partners with conservation and animal advocacy organizations in central Maryland. Her book and garden have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media outlets.
Nancy’s presentation: Why do we call some insects “beneficial” while others are “pests”? Why are some plants considered “desirable” while others are “weeds”? In her myth-busting talk, learn how common growing methods divide the natural world into false dichotomies and perpetuate misperceptions about the wild species living among us. Discover practical ways to put humane gardening philosophies into action by protecting wild nurseries of animals large and small, eliminating unintended hazards to wildlife, nurturing plants that provide food and shelter, and humanely resolving conflicts with mammals and other commonly misunderstood creatures.
June 25, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
MLGC Country Gardens Tour
July 19, 2022 – 6:00 p.m.
(Members and invited guest only)
MLGC Summer Picnic at Deep Creek Yacht Club Pavilion in Turkey Neck
Blue Star Memorial Dedication
September 21, 2021
This is a great time of year to do the Seed Saving/Garden Clean Up talk. Mainly from flowers/native plants, etc. We will have some seeds to share and let folks make their own seed packets. Ashley Bodkins will be leading this informative and fun program. Ashley is the Senior Agent Associate- Environmental and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland Extension- Garrett County Office. She also partners with us for our garden tour and frequently helps at our youth gardening projects.
October 19, 2021
The Benefits of Plants and Herbs for Health & Wellness, presented by Alea McClintock-Donahue. Alea’s presentation will provide an introduction to Yorkie Acres Farm and Herbal Earth Apothecary at Yorkie Acres farm located in Friendsville, Maryland. This presentation will discuss Alea’s passion and focus on natural, holistic and herbal health and wellness practices. She will discuss her range of herbal products and services that are provided on the farm with some discussion of the benefits of plants and herbs for health and wellness. She hopes to share her knowledge and passion for the medicinal and healing power of plants and the Earth with you. Alea will also be bringing some of her handcrafted herbal products that will be available for viewing and purchase.
Alea McClintock-Donahue is a wife, mother of two, a doctor of nursing practice with 16 years of experience in the medical field as a nurse and nurse practitioner, the owner of Yorkie Acres Farm and Herbal Earth Apothecary at Yorkie Acres Farm located just outside of Friendsville, Md. Her passion is herbal and natural holistic health and wellness, which is the focus of their farm ventures. She has a passion for helping people, animals and the planet with a focus on holistic wellness. Her goal is to connect farm visitors and clients to nature and the Earth, as well as help them achieve physical and mental wellness and balance.
November 16, 2021 (Zoom)
Kathleen Gibbs will present “Homegrown National Park”. A survey of the work of Doug Tallamy, an Entomology professor at the University of Delaware. Dr. Tallamy has studied native plant landscaping for over twenty years and proposes new ways of looking at our landscaping and gardening habits in order to foster small, local ecological islands and link them into a nationwide park system.
November 30, 2021 10:30 am (Via Zoom)
Susie Middleton presents Williamsburg Holiday Design
Over the years the town of Williamsburg has developed a unique style of decorating for the Holidays. What
is it? Think of door toppers, wreaths, swags and roping embellished with fruits, vegetables,
dried flowers and herbs.
This presentation will explain the history and provide examples of the enormous variety of materials used. Participants will receive handouts that give directions for making two of the best known designs
(1) the apple tree and (2) the door topper. Whether you embrace this style or not you are
sure to come up with ideas to brighten your homes for the holidays.
December 14, 2021 Holiday Party
(Members and invited guest only)
January 18, 2022, 10:30 am (Via Zoom)
Kevin Dodge, director of the Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology program at Garrett College, will present Unique Amphibians and Reptiles of Western Maryland.
February 8, 2022, 10:30 am (Via Zoom)
Claire Jones, Professional Horticulturists and landscape designer, and owner of Claire Jones Landscapes, will present Trade Secrets: Tips to Great Floral Arrangements from your Garden or Grocery Store.
March 15, 2022, 10:30 am
Brian Branthoover of Halian & Associates Landscaping will present Trends in Hardscaping for Beauty and the Environment. Brian is considered an expert in his field with over 30 years of experience in the industry, an impressive education in landscape design/construction, and a strong reputation for innovative landscape design.
April 19, 2022, 10:30 am
Kathleen Gibbs, MLGC member, will present Forest Therapy, also known as "Forest Bathing" and "Nature Immersion". This is the practice of spending time in natural environments for their beneficial health effects. An outgrowth of the Japanese practice of "shInrin-yoku" (Literally: 'forest bathing'), this presentation will outline the practice of forest therapy, describe studies that support its beneficial health effects and suggest activities for garden clubs that align with this activity.
May 17, 2022 General Meeting
Floristic Disjunction. A project of West Virginia Botanic Garden
Phil Cole, site Manager of the West Virginia Botanic Gardens in Morgantown will be talking to us about how the botanic garden teamed up with the City of Morgantown to design a small park in Xuzhou, China which was Morgantown's sister city last year. They incorporated the idea of 'floristic disjunction" which is the unique phenomenon that eastern US and east china share a similar genera of plants (which only occurs in those two regions of the globe) as a theme to the overall design. Phil will have lot of photos from China of the finished project and is excited to share the theory of its design, the floristic disjunction idea driving plant selection. Phil is a graduate of the Landscape Architecture Program at WVU and practiced in a design firm in Ohio for over 10 years before moving to Morgantown. Phil splits his time between being site manager at the West Virginia Botanic Garden and Greenscapes, a design/build company in McHenry, MD.
June 4, 2022 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
MLGC Perennial Plant Sale to be held in the outdoor area adjacent to the Garrett County Historical Museum
107 South Second Street, in Oakland.
June 21, 2022 General Meeting
Nancy Lawson is the author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife, a habitat consultant, and a national speaker on garden ecology. She founded Humane Gardener to pioneer creative planting strategies and other animal-friendly landscaping methods. Lawson’s presentations at diverse venues—from national wildlife refuges to local wildflower preserves—have inspired even seasoned horticulturists and wildlife experts to look at their landscapes in a new way. Certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and master naturalist, she partners with conservation and animal advocacy organizations in central Maryland. Her book and garden have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media outlets.
Nancy’s presentation: Why do we call some insects “beneficial” while others are “pests”? Why are some plants considered “desirable” while others are “weeds”? In her myth-busting talk, learn how common growing methods divide the natural world into false dichotomies and perpetuate misperceptions about the wild species living among us. Discover practical ways to put humane gardening philosophies into action by protecting wild nurseries of animals large and small, eliminating unintended hazards to wildlife, nurturing plants that provide food and shelter, and humanely resolving conflicts with mammals and other commonly misunderstood creatures.
June 25, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
MLGC Country Gardens Tour
July 19, 2022 – 6:00 p.m.
(Members and invited guest only)
MLGC Summer Picnic at Deep Creek Yacht Club Pavilion in Turkey Neck
Our garden club is open to all those wishing to participate. We advertise and welcome the community to attend our monthly meeting programs. Our speakers are always highlighted in our local newspaper with an article about them and their presentation.
There are always several community members who attend, and many of them join our garden club after meeting our members and hearing about our projects. Many of our members have joined this way. Our speakers are from all parts of Maryland and adjoining states, and cover many different subjects, always providing interest to many in the community.
There are always several community members who attend, and many of them join our garden club after meeting our members and hearing about our projects. Many of our members have joined this way. Our speakers are from all parts of Maryland and adjoining states, and cover many different subjects, always providing interest to many in the community.
Luncheon Reservations Policy-In the event a member or guest makes a reservation for lunch and, at the last minute is unable to attend, she/he is required to pay for the lunch if the Club is charged by the restaurant. If a member or guest wishes to cancel her/his reservation before the reservation deadline date (Thursday) contact the Member Relations Committee Chair, not the restaurant.