MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Meetings are the first Thursday from October to May

Presbyterian Church , 400 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY 

Programs follow our 9:15 business meeting,  Refreshments are served.    

OCTOBER 1st. - GENERAL MEETING 

Program: “Residential Landscape – Perfection Reimagined: 

Embracing the New Garden Ethos” 

Speaker: Leslie Needham 

What makes a garden beautiful? This eternal question is evoking new answers as gardeners everywhere deal with shifting realities: extreme weather, declining pollinators, birds, and changing horticultural zones. It can be overwhelming. Yet, embracing these challenges can allow us all to be active agents of positive change. The speaker will share her garden practices and design principles, including lessons such as “less can be more,” with photos of her River Hills garden and other gardens she has worked on.   

NOVEMBER 5 th -  GENERAL MEETING 

Program: “Seasonal and Nutritional Plant-Based Fare” 

Speaker:   Jyoti R. Tewani 

Enjoy a Chili cooking demonstration by local chef Jyoti Tewani of Root2Rise. Jyoti will explain how to prepare flavorful plant-based Chili using seasonal ingredients. Guided by her philosophy, “Food that Fits You – Nourishment that respects your body and your needs”, Jyoti combines wholesome nutrition with great flavor.  Participants will be treated to a tasting and receive a recipe. 

DECEMBER 3rd - GENERAL MEETING

Holiday wreath decorating and luncheon.

JANUARY 7, 2027 - GENERAL MEETING

Program: “Adapting to Changing Climate Conditions Pertaining 

to our Gardens and Local Habitats” 

Speaker:  John Hannan 

John Hannan from the Bedford Audubon Society will discuss climate trends and what it means to Westchester residents and how we can make our gardens and local communities more resilient to climate change. He will discuss specific native plants to use in our landscapes to help reduce any negative trends and to keep our environment safe. 

FEBRUARY 7, 2027 - GENERAL MEETING

Program: “Lindhurst Renewed: Restoring a Historic Landscape” 

Speaker:  Eugena Swart 

Eugena Swart, Director of Horticulture, will explore the history of Lyndhurst’s landscape designs under its three owners, with a special focus on Helen Gould, daughter of Jay Gould, and her love of roses. Eugenia will discuss the restored rose gardens, now adapted to today’s environment, and provide an overview of the 67-acre property. In June 2027, we are planning a visit to the rose gardens.  

MARCH 4, 2027 - GENERAL MEETING

Program: “Cultivating Sustainable Flowers and Design” 

Speaker: Xenia D’Ambrosi 

Xenia D’Ambrosi is a sustainable farmer-florist, garden coach, and the founder of Sweet Earth Co. She will discuss how to combine floral design with eco-friendly gardening. Through two foam-free floral design demonstrations using seasonal blooms, participants will learn sustainable design mechanics and the fundamentals of creating a cutting garden that supports beautiful, locally grown arrangements.  Members will receive a downloadable handout.

APRIL 1, 2027 - GENERAL MEETING

Program: “Preventing Injury While Gardening” 

Speakers:  Kaelyn Ragonese and Bettina Brutus

Kaelyn and Bettina are both physical therapists with ProActive Physical Therapy in Valhalla. They will offer a wide range of exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance for gardening  activities. Through demonstration and participation, attendees will learn proper body mechanics and safe movement techniques to help educe strain and prevent injury before, during and after gardening.

MAY 6, 2027 - GENERAL MEETING

The SWAP-A-PLANT TRADITION continues. A great way to add a new plant to your garden…if you bring a plant, you get a plant! 

Plus, a PLANT AUCTION of a variety of specialty plants. 

SATURDAY, MAY 8TH, 2027 - ANNUAL PLANT SALE 

8AM - NOON. Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville

JUNE 3 - ANNUAL MEMBERS LUNCHEON 

                     INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS