January 18, Wednesday                                          Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Hampstead Public Library

Topic: HGC Program Presentation & Budget for 2023
We'll unveil the 2023 program activities based on the theme "Helping Hands for Nature." We'll also vote on the annual budget.

 

February 15, Wednesday                                          Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Hampstead Public Library
Topic: Take a Walk Down Memory Lane
HGC founders will share the history of the club, including old photos and scrapbooks. We'll also distribute the 2023 HGC Yearbooks.

 

March 15, Wednesday - Open to Public!                Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Hampstead Public Library
Topic: Successful Gardening from the Ground Up - Building and Nurturing Healthy Soil
Nick Geary from Geary Farms will introduce us to basic soil essentials and show us how healthy soil is a key ingredient for successful gardening.  

 

April 19, Wednesday - Open to Public!                   Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Hampstead Public Library

Topic: What’s the Buzz About the Bees

Michelle Mensinger – the “bee lady” – will discuss the importance of bees and other native pollinators and how planting native host and nectar plants can help nourish them. Michelle is active in the NH Federation of Garden Clubs and a well-known champion for our state's wildlife, birds, and butterflies.

 

May 17, Wednesday - Open to Public!                    Time: 6:30 pm

Location: Hampstead Public Library

Topic:  Conserving our Precious Rainwater 

In her talk "Soak up the Rain", Lisa Loosigian, Program Coordinator of the NH Watershed Management Bureau, will discuss water conservation techniques such as rain gardens and using drought resistant plants. See how small changes at home can have big payoffs for NH water supplies. 

 

June 21, Wednesday                                                  Time: 6:00 pm (note early start time)

Location: Marie Somer's farm, Chester, NH

Topic: Introduction to Nature-Friendly Farming

We'll visit HGC member Marie Somers’ charming old-fashioned farm in Chester and learn how she uses organic farming practices and aquaponics to grow fresh produce, raise livestock, and produce homeopathic essential oils. 

 

July 19, Wednesday                                                  Time: 6:00 pm (note early start time)
Location: D&P Garden Designs, Hampstead, NH
Topic: Inspiring Accessories for Your Garden
Trained sculptor and avid gardener Paula Lorigan of D&P Garden Designs will conduct a 1-hour demonstration on creating flower pots and other garden decorations from hypertufa, a popular material that's lighter and more durable than cement. Finished hypertufa items will be available for sale. 

 

August 16, Wednesday - Open to Public!            Time: 7:00 pm 
Location: Hadley Hall, Congregational Church, Hampstead, NH
Topic: Preserving Nature's Beauty
Professional flower farmer Beth Carver of Food & Blooms Farm shares her secrets to drying and preserving flowers.  In this hands-on demonstration, she will show us the basics of flower handling, preservation and display. 

 

September 20, Wednesday - Open to Public!      Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Hampstead Public Library
Topic: Sustainable Ways to Put Your Garden to Bed
When putting your gardens to bed in the fall, there are specific things you can do to help nurture wildlife during the cold winter months. Master gardener Lisa Aquizap of Fiacre Design, LLC will discuss how to protect native pollinators and wildlife with sustainable gardening practices. 

 

October 18, Wednesday - Open to Public!            Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Hampstead Public Library
Topic: The Heirloom Gardener-Traditional Plants and Skills 

This meeting features a very special guest speaker, the nationally recognized garden preservationist and lecturer Mr. John Forti. Currently executive director of Bedrock Gardens, Mr. Forti is also a historical horticulturalist and published author of The Heirloom Gardener. Mr. Forti will share his extensive knowledge on the techniques behind heirloom gardening and preservation, as well as the importance of biodiversity. 

 

November 18, Saturday                                       Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Hampstead Meeting House
Topic: Deck the Halls
“All hands on deck” as we gather to make and hang holiday decorations around the town based on the creative design from the Deck the Halls Club members will assemble the decorations, then hang them outside. Dress warmly for this fun indoor/outdoor event.

 

December 1, Friday                                  Time: 7:00 pm
Location:  Atkinson Congregational Church, 101 Main St, Atkinson, NH
Topic: Holiday Party - Share the Love of Nature
Let's round off the year and rock around the tree at our annual Holiday Party. Join fellow club members at this not-to-be-missed event for food, wine and lots of fun with our HGC friends.