We have the educational lecture programs throughout the year. Most of them are held at the monthly general meeting. These lectures are covered wide range of subjects and interests. All the members are encouraged to attend and have been very well received. Below are the scheduled programs for the season of 2021-2022 year.
September, 2021
History of Antioch Village Gardens. Holly Markwart Swehla, our horticulture committee chair, will give a presentation on three perennial gardens in Antioch that we care: The Mini Park Garden, The Berm Garden and the Seven Sons Garden.
OCTOBER, 2021
Tour and history of Tim Osmond Park Sports Complex. Osmond Park is a 78 acre park in Antioch which is being spear-headed by Tom Shaughnessy Supervisor of Antioch township. There are several local organizations that are involved as well. Our club is assisting in the area of adding native flowers and trees. Native flowers around the disc golf greens, native trees in the wooded area. We have already started a butterfly way station. The history of the park will be presented by a member of Tom Shaughnessy's team.
NOVEMBER, 2021
Incredible Bats. Since 1996 Sharon and Daniel Peterson have been promoting bat education through these presentations. Sharing her experiences, Sharon will teach and inform her audience about the many benefits of this misunderstood and feared creature. Sharon Peterson, M.S. Ed.., is an elementary school teacher/librarian and has been trained by Bat Conservation International in the conservation of bats. Daniel is a bat naturalist. The couple have traveled to 10 states across the Midwest and Canada with their program.
DECEMBER, 2021
Holiday Plants. Present by Floral Acres. Plant breeders have created a gorgeous selection of over 100 varieties of cultivated Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettias) in various shades. And Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus), a small genus of cacti with six to nine species found in the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil. They are now everywhere during the holiday season. Find out what you should know about these Beautiful holiday plants.
MARCH, 2022
All about the seeds. Let's welcome the Spring by getting our seeds started! We will be having a seed exchange at our March meeting. There will be a display of seed-starting materials, tools, and DIY information. Be sure to bring in any seeds you don't need to swap for those you do! Seeds must be clean, whether from purchased packages or your own garden. Be able to provide as much information as you can about them. Share any tips you have as well as your successes or failures. Seed exchanges promote biodiversity in our gardens and offer an opportunity to try something new!
APRIL, 2022
Dividing Perennials. Our fellow AGC member Cindy Cartner will give a presentation on dividing perennials. She is going to discuss the dos and Dons of dividing our prized plants, mean while showing her video of “Transplanting 101”. Invasive Plants of Illinois. Presented by another AGC member Jane Buck, a master gardener and flower show judge. She will do a PowerPoint presentation of invasive plants of Illinois.
JUNE, 2022
Potluck Luncheon. To celebrate the end of another fiscal year of gardening, we will have our spring potluck luncheon. Bring a dish to share. We will review our accomplishments of the previous year and explore new business for our upcoming year. An installation ceremony of new officers will be conducted. Scholarship winner and awards will be presented.
JULY, 2022
Summer Outing. Whether viewing members’ gardens or having a picnic at one of our members’ homes, that’s the fun we have had in the past! Over the several years, members have graciously offered to host a summer outing at their homes. We again look forward to another fun gathering in 2022. The detailed information will be determined by early 2022.