Monthly Programs
Upcoming Programs
Our monthly program season runs from September through May each year.
The central mission of NSHS is to share in the knowledge of how to garden well. It is quite a broad subject, and NSHS is made up of everyone from novices to master gardeners. What is common among all is a desire to learn the answers to the questions, "What makes my garden grow?" and, "What can I learn about other gardens and from other gardeners?" Each year, our nine monthly meetings seek to answer these questions (and to have a little fun at the same time!)
We look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces soon when we will again share our own unique garden stories and enjoy making new memories together.
Should you have any questions, please call 978-238-8773 for more information.
Our Program Calendar: 2023-2024
Please note: NSHS meets on Thursday evenings at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 62 School Street, Manchester. Social time from 7:00 – 7:30 PM. Meeting begins at 7:30 PM.
September 28, 2023: Gardening with a New Landscape Ethic
Ruth Loetterle discusses the abundance of new ongoing research that confirms that we humans are members of a complex ecosystem, with every piece linked to the others in countless amazing ways. What we humans do in our ecosystems makes a difference, and this provides an exciting opportunity for gardeners—to plant our outdoor spaces by applying a new landscape ethic. An ethic that not only meets our human need for beauty and joy, but also meets the needs of the countless other species that comprise our local ecosystem.
October 26, 2023: Gardens in the Graveyard
They are places of final rest that are also places of serenity and beauty. Cemeteries began their standing in our society as burying grounds and came to include park-like features, such as ornamental plantings and pathways. The “cemetery as park” idea originated in a late 19th century rural cemetery movement and is highlighted by Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. Our travel through the history of this landscape will be led by Dennis Collins, the horticultural curator for Mount Auburn Cemetery.
November 16, 2023: Local Trees and What You Can Do to Support Their Resiliency
Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture for Native Plant Trust, will introduce us to some lesserknown native tree species and describe some of the disease and pest pressures our local trees are experiencing. He will also discuss overall forest health in the face of climate change and what we, as gardeners, can do in support of resiliency.
December 8, 2023: Holiday Arrangements Demo and Workshop
NSHS president Carol Batdorf will demonstrate how to create several festive floral table arrangements. She will inspire you to create your own arrangement that you can bring home for the holidays! Sign up ahead of time so that we can plan for the supplies that we need.
January 25, 2024: Virtual Garden Tour and Pot Luck Supper
Our Annual Virtual Garden Tour and Potluck Dinner will start off our 2024 calendar. 6 pm slideshow and dinner. The slideshow showcases members’ gardens as well as photos from members’ travels. Please bring a dish to share and a serving utensil. Guests are always welcome and there is no charge for them to attend the January meeting. Bring a neighbor or a gardening friend or both! See the Special Events page for details.
February 22, 2024: The Spirit of Stone - Practical and Creative Stonescaping Ideas (Zoom presenter)
Award-winning landscape designer Jan Johnsen shares creative and practical ways that you can use natural stone in the garden: from rock gardens to dry streams, and as benches, paths, and more. Stone’s durability and sustainability make it appealing to both homeowners and designers. By the end of this popular talk, you will never look at natural stone the same again. This is our first virtual speaker meeting. Jan will be presenting via Zoom. You can join us at the Parish Hall or from your home.
March 28, 2024: Our Favorite Garden Tools
Having access to a proper set of gardening tools is essential to helping your plants blossom, bloom, thrive, and flourish. Owning or renting these tools can increase your garden’s productivity by streamlining processes, minimizing effort, and reducing the time required to complete gardening tasks. All of this means more time to enjoy the fruits of your labors.
April 25, 2024: Rake, Shovel, Sweep and Lift: An Ergonomic Workshop for Gardeners
In this workshop, Diana Glenn and Larry Young, teachers of the Alexander Technique, will show you how to bring more conscious awareness to what you are doing while you are doing it. The Alexander Technique helps you use and direct the optimal amount of effort for any task, giving you more energy and less fatigue and pain for all your activities.
May 23, 2024: Annual Plant Sale and Auction with Jo Goodwin Rogers
June 27, 2024: Annual Picnic
Guests
We invite all non-members to consider joining North Shore Horticultural. For more information on joining, please click on and visit our Membership page.