Programs for May 2024 through April 2025 Fiscal Year

The Garden Club of Johnstown meetings are usually held the 2nd Monday of the month at the Westmont Presbyterian Church, 601 Luzerne Street in Johnstown, 15905, unless otherwise noted. They begin at 10 am with a light refreshment followed by a program on a garden topic. Our programs for each fiscal year begin in May. Business meeting usually follows the program.

Monday, May 13-Annual Plant Sale

It’s time to divide your overgrown perennials and repot your extra plants to share at our Annual Plant Sale, hosted by the Horticulture committee.  Please label all plants with the name (common and botanical, if known) and their growing conditions. Please arrive early with plants and plan to make purchases for gifts or to plant in home garden spaces.

Monday, June 17—Trees in the Landscape 101- Sandyvale Memorial Gardens at 6 pm. (Note different time and location.) Refreshments begin at 5:45 pm.

Discover how trees can improve home landscapes related to street appeal, soil erosion, shade, a food and nesting source for insects, birds and other fauna.  Tim Shawley, STS Arborist will instruct us on the right site, right depth, and proper maintenance for trees and shrubs.

Monday, July 8—- Joint Luncheon with Somerset Garden Club at Chidren’s Aid Home, 1476 N. Centr Avenue, Somerset, PA 15501 at 12pm Noon. (Note different time and location.)

Join in the fellowship and meet new garden friends as we share a summer afternoon with the Somerset Garden Club. We will meet at the Children’s Aid Home at noon.  More details and directions can be found in The Seeder.

Monday, August 12——Flower Show Design & Horticulture Workshop

The countdown is on for our “Ode to Summer” Flower Show on August 23rd. Take this opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from the masters on how to best showcase your horticulture specimens and fine-tune your design entries. Bring your questions and your schedule.

Monday, September 9——Storybook Gardening

Leah Johncola, Cambria County Library Youth Services Director, will share new public programming that incorporates horticulture and literature by using a “storybook” theme.  She will provide a guided tour of Johnstown’s premier garden and patio space that includes sustainable garden beds for all ages.

Monday, October 14—-Down and Dirty with Composting

Joyce Long, Penn State University Master Gardener, will share the most current composting practices.  GCJ member, Linda McCaulley will demonstrate how the Lomi Countertop Composter produces “black gold!”

No Meeting in November because of Welcome the Holidays

Monday, December 9—-Covered Dish Luncheon —12pm Noon

Special Events:  We will gather with fellow club members for a covered dish luncheon.  GCJ members whose last names begin with A-H should bring an appetizer.  Those whose last names begin with J-S, please bring a salad, vegetable dish or casserole. Members with last names T-Z should bring a dessert to share.

Donations:  As we celebrate this season of giving, please consider participating in our annual collection of supplies, gift cards, and monetary donations for Victim Services and the Women’s Help Center.  A listing of the needed supplies can be found on their websites.  Your generosity is most appreciated!

Program:  After a brief business meeting, we will share holiday traditions, customs, and decorations as we celebrate this magical season of celebrations.

No meeting in January, 2025. See you in February!

Monday, February 10——-Program: Nighttime Bloomers

Melissa Reckner, Program Manager of Penguin Court, a Preserve of Brandywine Conservancy in Laughlintown, PA encourages us to discover nightlife in the garden.  She will introduce us to host and nectar plants that attract active moths to plantings.

Monday, March 10—-Garden Voices That Go Hum and Tweet

Marcy Cunkleman of Evergreen Garden Club in Indiana, PA will discuss native trees and shrubs that provide habitat and food sources for our Pennsylvania birds.

Monday, April 14—-Program: British Afternoon Tea

Program:  Installation of 2025-2026 Officers by GCFP District VI Director, Mary Lou Colussy                          

As a new Garden Club year is about to begin, we thank those members who have volunteered to lead us into our next season.

Program: British Afternoon Tea

Enjoy afternoon tea and refreshments prepared by GCJ member, Lisa Wagerer and Joshua Way, Lisa’s son-in-law and partner in teas. Please invite a friend to celebrate with us!