March 2025 Meeting Program

“Around the World in 80 Gardens” by Dr. Richard Benfield

This globetrotting, colorful presentation by Dr.Benfield will showcase unique gardens and floral kingdoms of the world.

Our captivating virtual journey will encompass the gardens of Singapore Airport, the arid gardens of Australia, tropical gardens in the Seychelles, the Canary Islands, the beautiful English country gardens of Dr. Benfield’s homeland, finishing with a wide array of gardens in the United States and Canada… in total, 80 gardens on six continents!

Dr. Benfield is the former Chair and Professor of Geography at Central Connecticut State University. His current research interests include biogeography, garden tourism and the use of tourism as a conservation tool through the great botanic gardens of the world.

The program is open to members AND non-members – feel free to bring a friend!

Breakfast Food Drive 2025 – March 28 & March 29

The Rowayton Gardeners are sponsoring their third annual Food Drive to benefit Person to Person March 28 and 29 – last year we donated almost 1000 pounds of food plus over $1000 in gift cards to purchase groceries and this year we hope to surpass those numbers with suggested items for breakfast (cereals, granola bars, peanut butter) as well as gift cards to Shop Rite or Stop & Shop. Drop off days at the Rowayton Community Center’s Underground are Friday, March 28 from 3 to 6 pm and Saturday, March 29 from 10 am to 1 pm or simply click here to make a cash donation.

Please join in this effort to provide nourishing meals for individuals and families who are food insecure in lower Fairfield County. Thank you in advance!

February Meeting Recap

Thanks to all who joined us to ‘Think Spring’ with a mini escape from those midwinter doldrums for a program called “Design a Sunny Perennial Border” on ZOOM February 6 with Jana Millbocker, lecturer, author and owner of Enchanted Gardens. Her lectures combine horticulture, design and travel tips to educate, inspire and delight new as well as seasoned gardeners.

Jana explained how to create garden borders that will delight us with colorful blooms and flowers for cutting from spring to fall. We learned about plant layering, new and reliable perennials, companion plants and design techniques that will make your garden POP.

During the program we also had Kelle Ruden, the 2nd VP & Membership chair from The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc. attend to present three awards we received in 2024: the Luckner Youth Award for our after school educational program (ages 6-10); the Youth Award Club Citation for educational puppet shows (Kindergarteners) and the very prestigious Tribute Award to Amy Tyson for the outstanding work she does for our club.

It was a proud moment for all.

January General Meeting and Kick-off Brunch Recap

The 2025 season of Rowayton Gardeners Programs and Field Trips kicked off at our perennial favorite New Year Brunch on Thursday, January 9 at the Community Center. RG members braved the cold, blustery winter weather for the January Kick-Off Brunch and meeting!

Attendees were treated to great food plus an information packed presentation by member John Nestro, a certified Master Arborist, with Davey Tree Expert Company.

Rowayton Gardeners Annual Christmas Market Recap

The Rowayton Gardeners annual Christmas Market was the place to be on Saturday morning December 7! Thanks to all who came and shopped our festive decor plus sponsor The Fairfield County Bank as well as supporting sponsors Cross Private Client Insurance (Rand), Tammy Langalis & Katie Sparkman with William Raveis. Happy Holidays!