Past Programs
We offer a variety of year-round DIY workshops, lectures and programs.
Below is what we have been offering during the current fiscal year. To see what we have done in the past, read our annual reports.
Bemis Farms Nursery - Holiday Wreath Workshop 2024
What's Wrong with my Houseplant with Bonnie Powers, Lifetime Master Gardener - 2024
Cooks Pond, Worcester MA Tour.
Special thanks to PMAGC Members Patti & Peter for hosting the club. - 2024
Printmaking Series 1 & 2 with Artist Jen Swan
2024 Summer Garden Tour Series
Community Teaching Garden Literacy Project 7/21/24
Preparing the Soil for Gardening with Greta Anspach, Lifetime Master Gardener - 2024
Watering Wisdom with Carol Rego, Lifetime Master Gardener - 2024
What's All the Buzz About?
Beekeeping in Paxton with Glenn & Becky Sullivan
Beekeeping in Paxton with Glenn & Becky Sullivan
On Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, PMAGC members Glenn & Becky Sullivan hosted members of the garden club to visit their Carniolan Honey Bee (a docile Italian breed) hives. In their 5th year of beekeeping, Glenn explained what it takes to raise a hive in Paxton.
We learned about how he received the bees from Georgia and introduces them to their new environment as well as the different types of roles the bees have throughout their lifecycle (worker bees live approx. 5-7 weeks, while a queen lives approx. 5 years).
Some fun facts:
His bees travel up to 5 miles from their home on Richards Ave.
Honey varies in taste and color from Spring (lighter, clear) to Fall (dark)
Weather conditions affect nectar production (no surprise) which impacts the amount of honey produced each year. This year he collected 34 lbs, last year he collected 65 lbs
No Mow May (yes it's a real thing) is very key for the bees each Spring. The Dandelions that grow in our grass are a key food source for them until the plants start blooming
Golden Rod and Bee Balm (hence the name!) are favorite plants for Glenn's honey bees
Ingesting honey collected in the season you have an allergy will help "cure" the allergies. Eg. if you have Spring seasonal allergies eating Spring collected honey will help reduce/cure them for the Spring.
View the entire album from the event here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EMPretsGK3Kb5KEb6
Garden Tour: June 18, 2022
Saturday, June 18th, was such a cool day (weather pun intended LOL) for PMAGC! A small group of club members came out to enjoy our first garden tour gathering.
We started on the Town Common to learn all about the wonderful new perennial beds installed by Paxton resident and master gardener, Roger McGaughey. (Fun Fact: all the plant material came from Roger's garden in town!) Roger talked about his gardening roots as a child in the UK and his professional background in horticulture working in England, PA, Michigan, and MA, sharing his knowledge, tips, and tricks - especially on proper watering.
After exploring the Common, we then walked up to Richards Memorial Library where Children's Librarian, Kristin Steinmetz, gave a fabulous presentation on her butterfly/pollinator garden that she created as part of her educational programs for children. Also on hand, was RML Trustee Aimee Brunelle, who shared her talents and wisdom behind the spectacular perennial gardens she has made on the grounds of the library.
Once we concluded our visit at RML, we then carpooled over to Roger's home to see his personal gardens, which were just magical! Roger and his wife Ellen greeted us with warmth, a few treats, and color! In just 6 short years, Roger turned his yard (which was barren) into a peaceful oasis of color with unique perennials for sun and shade. It was completely awe-inspiring!
PMAGC is extremely grateful to Roger (& his wife Ellen), as well as Kristin and Aimee for taking the time to share their talents.
View the entire album (thank you, club members, Chuck Putney, Cecelia Thurber, & R. Tasca) from the tour here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MBhwu9feN6Ld9CkHA
Bemis Farms Nursery Fall Workshop - 2021
Bemis Farms Nursery Wreath Workshop - 2021