2025 Meetings and Events

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Sunday, January 19, 2:00 p.m., HUB in West View

Spread the Night: Why Artificial Light is Harmful in the Garden

Phyllis will share examples of the detrimental effects of light pollution on plants and animals. She will also discuss ways homeowners can assess their impact on the local environment and implement better outdoor lighting.   

Speaker: Phyllis Gricus, landscape designer

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Sunday, February 16, 2:00 p.m., HUB in West View

Appalachian Forests: Cultivating Place

Stretching over 2000 miles from Newfoundland to Alabama, the Appalachian Mountain chain is  one of the longest, oldest and most botanically diverse on Earth. These botanical riches have  been sought after for centuries by plant explorers and including them in your woodland garden can add excitement and a sense of place.   

Speakers: Linda Kramer and John Totten, co-owners of a landscape gardening firm and native plant nursery

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Sunday, March 16, 2:00 p.m., HUB in West View

Super Sempervivums!

Also called houseleeks, live forever, or hens and chicks. These colorful perennial succulents are surging in popularity. Sempervivums and close relatives grow rosettes of fat leaves that store water enabling them to live in arid/drought conditions. They are easy to grow and can be used in containers, baskets, living wreaths, and simply planted in the garden.  ​

Speaker:  Martha Smith, Retired horticultural Educator, University of Illinois Extension

 

Tuesday, March 18, 11 a.m., Repotting Workshop 

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Sunday, April 6, 2 p.m., National Aviary

Botanic Garden and Wildflowers of Iceland

NARGS member, Amanda Haney visited Iceland in September 2024 and discovered that Reykjavik has a large botanic garden that is mostly rock gardens. Even though it was mid-September, there were many plants in bloom. The garden, which is cared for by city employees, has a huge alpine collection from seed exchanges around the world (but not the Americas). Iceland also has many alpine plants. This talk will include photos and information about the garden plus many plants from the countryside. 

Speaker - Amanda Haney, NARGS member 

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Sunday, May 4, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Soergel Orchards and Garden Center

NARGS Allegheny Chapter's Annual Rock Garden Plant Show, Plant Sale and Photo Show

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Saturday, May 10, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., O'Hara Township Community Park

Allegheny NARGS Plant Sale at Gardenfest

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Sunday, June 8, 9:30 a.m., DJ's Greenhouse & Gardens

Breakfast Social

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Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m., Tour of Leslie Kaplan's Garden

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Saturday, August 16, 2:00 p.m., Sue Colaizzi's Garden

Members-only picnic, including raffle, trough show and plant sale

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Sunday, September 21, 2:00 p.m., HUB in West View

Creating a Crevice Garden

Crevice gardening is an exciting new trend in rock gardens. Kevin will describe the step-by-step process he used to create a crevice garden in his front yard. The same techniques can be used to create a crevice garden in a container. He will also discuss ideal beginner plants for this type of garden. ​

Speaker:  Kevin Kelly, Penn State Master Gardener 

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Sunday, October 19, 2:00 p.m., Beechwood Farms

Alpines from Around the World 

Gardens of Scotland

Speaker: Julia Corden, U.K. horticultural consultant and botanical and garden tour guide, NARGS Traveling Speaker

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Sunday, November 9, 2:00 p.m., 

Annual Awards Banquet and Highlights from Members' Gardens

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December

NARGS Seed Exchange packaging workshop