2013-2014 Program
Tuesday, September 10, 2013: Tour and Lunch at Plumline Nursery
Please join the Blackridge Garden Club as we take a field trip and enjoy lunch together on Tuesday, September 10. We will meet in the BCA parking lot at 10:00 AM to form carpools and travel together to Plumline Nursery in Murrysville. Remember that Plumline is a discount partner to the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, so if you are a PBC member (and why wouldn’t you be?), you’ll enjoy a 10 percent discount on purchases. Please contact Adrienne O’Toole at 412-244-1864 or adrienneot@aol.com if you would like to attend or if you’d like more information.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013:
Doug Oster--My Tour of the Chelsea Flower Show and English Gardens
We Love Doug Oster and He Loves Blackridge !
That is our story and we are sticking to it, because Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Backyard Gardener, and KDKA-AM’s co-host of The Organic Gardeners will be presenting a program at the BCA on his trips to the Chelsea Flower Show and English gardens. On Tuesday, October 1 at 7:00 PM, the BGC will be hosting Mr Oster at the BCA, and we hope all of our gardening neighbors and friends will attend this event. We’ll be serving English-style refreshments. Vicki Rodia (412-241-2829, vfrodia@verizon.net) looks forward to hearing from you if you require additional information or if you would like to attend the program.
That is our story and we are sticking to it, because Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Backyard Gardener, and KDKA-AM’s co-host of The Organic Gardeners will be presenting a program at the BCA on his trips to the Chelsea Flower Show and English gardens. On Tuesday, October 1 at 7:00 PM, the BGC will be hosting Mr Oster at the BCA, and we hope all of our gardening neighbors and friends will attend this event. We’ll be serving English-style refreshments. Vicki Rodia (412-241-2829, vfrodia@verizon.net) looks forward to hearing from you if you require additional information or if you would like to attend the program.
Saturday, October 5, 2013: EJ's Army Fall Spruce-Up
Many hands make light work.
EJ’s Army was at it again in our semi-annual service project spearheaded by BGC Environmental Chair EJ Foster. Volunteers met on Saturday, October 5 at 8:30 AM at the BCA parking lot.
EJ reminded volunteers to wear appropriate work shoes, to bring garden gloves and trimmers if possible, and to be sure to dress for the weather. Orange cones, heavy work gloves, and safety vests, along with plastic garbage bags, were provided. To ensure she had enough safety equipment for the morning, EJ asked volunteers planning to participate to contact her at 412-241-5955.
Thank you to Anne Messner, Diane Law, Diana Yankes, Jeanette Trauth, Adele Butterfield, Rose Guerrieri, EJ Foster, and Wanda and Peter Hughes for helping. Coffee and treats were provided by EJ and by Anne. The clean-up was efficient, and volunteers were happy that the rain held off until the very last picture!
Photos of the service project may be viewed here.
EJ’s Army was at it again in our semi-annual service project spearheaded by BGC Environmental Chair EJ Foster. Volunteers met on Saturday, October 5 at 8:30 AM at the BCA parking lot.
EJ reminded volunteers to wear appropriate work shoes, to bring garden gloves and trimmers if possible, and to be sure to dress for the weather. Orange cones, heavy work gloves, and safety vests, along with plastic garbage bags, were provided. To ensure she had enough safety equipment for the morning, EJ asked volunteers planning to participate to contact her at 412-241-5955.
Thank you to Anne Messner, Diane Law, Diana Yankes, Jeanette Trauth, Adele Butterfield, Rose Guerrieri, EJ Foster, and Wanda and Peter Hughes for helping. Coffee and treats were provided by EJ and by Anne. The clean-up was efficient, and volunteers were happy that the rain held off until the very last picture!
Photos of the service project may be viewed here.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013: Ikebana
Heaven, Earth, and Humanity---All Brought to Blackridge by the BGC
Ikebana (“live flowers” in Japanese) is the centuries-old Japanese art of floral arranging. Reiko Nakajima will teach and demonstrate this minimalist approach at the Blackridge Civic Association clubhouse on Wednesday, November 6, 2013. As part of the Blackridge Garden Club meeting, beginning at 11:30 AM that day, participants will enjoy both the Ikebana presentation and lunch. Guests are welcome, but please let coordinator Margie Darbut know of you intention to attend by Friday, November 1. Margie may be reached at 412-244-9995.
Ikebana (“live flowers” in Japanese) is the centuries-old Japanese art of floral arranging. Reiko Nakajima will teach and demonstrate this minimalist approach at the Blackridge Civic Association clubhouse on Wednesday, November 6, 2013. As part of the Blackridge Garden Club meeting, beginning at 11:30 AM that day, participants will enjoy both the Ikebana presentation and lunch. Guests are welcome, but please let coordinator Margie Darbut know of you intention to attend by Friday, November 1. Margie may be reached at 412-244-9995.
Sunday, December 15, 2013: BGC Holiday House Tour
New this year!!
IT’S HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!
In what could be the start of a new tradition, the Blackridge Garden Club is sponsoring a “Homes for the Holidays” tour of neighborhood homes decorated for Christmas.
For admiration and/or inspiration seven houses with rooms decorated for the season will be open on Sunday, December 15 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. for this special tour.
“Homes for the Holiday” tickets will be available in advance or may be purchased at any of the houses on the day of the tour. Advance purchase tickets will be $12.00 and must be ordered by December 5, 2013. Tickets purchased on the day of the tour will be $15.00. Orders for tickets should be sent to Adrienne O’Toole, 1648 Georgetown Place, and must be accompanied by a check made to the Blackridge Garden Club. Because tickets will be mailed to the purchaser the name and address should be clearly indicated. Ticket requests should be received by December 7 to insure delivery.
Tour-goers must be age 12 or over.
“Homes for the Holidays” is a self-guided tour. Houses may be visited in any order and at any time between 3 in the afternoon and 7 in the evening. The Garden Club is not publicizing the event outside the community but participation is not limited to Blackridge residents and anyone interested is welcome.
On the tour:
Nancy and Peter Del Presto, 1051 Blackridge Road
Wanda and Peter Hughes, 1054 Black Forest Road
David Holm and Michael Kelly, 2509 Creekedge Drive
Jody and Ron Kotun, 1035 Blackridge Road
Bill Miller, 2724 Orlando Place
Amanda Veoni and Dan McNamara, 2701 Orlando Place
Andrea Shields, 1047 Old Gate Road
IT’S HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!
In what could be the start of a new tradition, the Blackridge Garden Club is sponsoring a “Homes for the Holidays” tour of neighborhood homes decorated for Christmas.
For admiration and/or inspiration seven houses with rooms decorated for the season will be open on Sunday, December 15 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. for this special tour.
“Homes for the Holiday” tickets will be available in advance or may be purchased at any of the houses on the day of the tour. Advance purchase tickets will be $12.00 and must be ordered by December 5, 2013. Tickets purchased on the day of the tour will be $15.00. Orders for tickets should be sent to Adrienne O’Toole, 1648 Georgetown Place, and must be accompanied by a check made to the Blackridge Garden Club. Because tickets will be mailed to the purchaser the name and address should be clearly indicated. Ticket requests should be received by December 7 to insure delivery.
Tour-goers must be age 12 or over.
“Homes for the Holidays” is a self-guided tour. Houses may be visited in any order and at any time between 3 in the afternoon and 7 in the evening. The Garden Club is not publicizing the event outside the community but participation is not limited to Blackridge residents and anyone interested is welcome.
On the tour:
Nancy and Peter Del Presto, 1051 Blackridge Road
Wanda and Peter Hughes, 1054 Black Forest Road
David Holm and Michael Kelly, 2509 Creekedge Drive
Jody and Ron Kotun, 1035 Blackridge Road
Bill Miller, 2724 Orlando Place
Amanda Veoni and Dan McNamara, 2701 Orlando Place
Andrea Shields, 1047 Old Gate Road
Tuesday, February 4, 2014: Designing Your Garden
7:00 PM, BCA
Refreshments Provided
Martha Swiss, Penn State Master Gardener, will present principles for turning your garden into a beautiful landscape that meets your needs. She'll include basics professionals use to create pleasing outdoor spaces, and no, we could not fit more cliches into these two sentences.
Refreshments Provided
Martha Swiss, Penn State Master Gardener, will present principles for turning your garden into a beautiful landscape that meets your needs. She'll include basics professionals use to create pleasing outdoor spaces, and no, we could not fit more cliches into these two sentences.
Friday, March 14, 2014: Bloomin' Corners Benefit
Save the Date!
Evening Garden Party
7:00 PM, Longue Vue Club
Watch your mailboxes this winter for an invitation!
Evening Garden Party
7:00 PM, Longue Vue Club
Watch your mailboxes this winter for an invitation!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014: Containers by Design
11:30 AM, BCA
Gerri Barnes, Penn State Master Gardener, will teach us how to select plants and will offer techniques for maintaining healthy plants throughout the season.
Gerri Barnes, Penn State Master Gardener, will teach us how to select plants and will offer techniques for maintaining healthy plants throughout the season.
Saturday, April 5, 2014: EJ's Army Spring Spruce-Up
Many hands make light work.
EJ’s Army will be at it again in our semi-annual service project spearheaded by BGC Environmental Chair EJ Foster. Please meet on Saturday, April 5 at 8:30 AM at the BCA parking lot. Rain date will be Saturday, April 12, 2014.
EJ reminds volunteers to wear appropriate work shoes, and to bring garden gloves and trimmers if you can, plus be sure to dress for the weather. Orange cones, heavy work gloves, and safety vests, along with plastic garbage bags, will be provided.
To ensure she has enough safety equipment for the morning, EJ asks volunteers planning to participate to contact her at 412-241-5955. Coffee and treats provided by EJ and by Anne and Bob Messner.
EJ’s Army will be at it again in our semi-annual service project spearheaded by BGC Environmental Chair EJ Foster. Please meet on Saturday, April 5 at 8:30 AM at the BCA parking lot. Rain date will be Saturday, April 12, 2014.
EJ reminds volunteers to wear appropriate work shoes, and to bring garden gloves and trimmers if you can, plus be sure to dress for the weather. Orange cones, heavy work gloves, and safety vests, along with plastic garbage bags, will be provided.
To ensure she has enough safety equipment for the morning, EJ asks volunteers planning to participate to contact her at 412-241-5955. Coffee and treats provided by EJ and by Anne and Bob Messner.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014: Annual, Not-To-Be-Missed, Plant Auction
Do. Not. Miss. It.
The Blackridge Garden Club will present its Annual Not-To-Be-Missed Plant Auction on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the BCA. Auctioneer Ceil Greber, will be collecting plant donations at the BCA at 6:00 PM, or you may drop off contributions to Ceil (412-247-5828) in advance of the date, if that is more convenient for you. Any and all contributions are much appreciated. When possible, please identify plant material and indicate special needs such as sun or shade and approximate height.
This wild and wooly Blackridge event rolls around every May with neighbors sharing wealth with neighbors. Spreading perennials, rooted clippings, shrub sprouts, and seedlings are auctioned off in a gleeful spree. Bring your friends and relatives, and, of course, donations from your garden, if you can. Come with dimes and dollars—or a check if you prefer to keep a running tally of your purchases and pay only once. It’s also suggested that you bring a basket, box, or empty flat in which to carry your purchases. If you have any questions, please give Ceil a call.
To make things even more fun this year, we are continuing a to offer a snack bar with treats and beverages, so bring a few extra dimes and dollars for that, too! Amanda Veoni is coordinating the food and drinks.
The Blackridge Garden Club will present its Annual Not-To-Be-Missed Plant Auction on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the BCA. Auctioneer Ceil Greber, will be collecting plant donations at the BCA at 6:00 PM, or you may drop off contributions to Ceil (412-247-5828) in advance of the date, if that is more convenient for you. Any and all contributions are much appreciated. When possible, please identify plant material and indicate special needs such as sun or shade and approximate height.
This wild and wooly Blackridge event rolls around every May with neighbors sharing wealth with neighbors. Spreading perennials, rooted clippings, shrub sprouts, and seedlings are auctioned off in a gleeful spree. Bring your friends and relatives, and, of course, donations from your garden, if you can. Come with dimes and dollars—or a check if you prefer to keep a running tally of your purchases and pay only once. It’s also suggested that you bring a basket, box, or empty flat in which to carry your purchases. If you have any questions, please give Ceil a call.
To make things even more fun this year, we are continuing a to offer a snack bar with treats and beverages, so bring a few extra dimes and dollars for that, too! Amanda Veoni is coordinating the food and drinks.
CANCELLED--Sunday, May 18, 2014: Gardening 101
PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014: President's Luncheon, Longue Vue Club
We'll meet to honor our president and install our new officers.
Blackridge Garden Tour
Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 6:30
On Wednesday, June 25, 2014, from 6:30 PM until dark, we’ll present a Blackridge classic, the Blackridge Garden Tour. The walking tour will highlight 5 gardens and one of our corners. Many thanks to our hosts! Start your tour at any of the following locations and receive a tour booklet:
1. 2356 Orlando Place, Host Eileen Milcic
2. 2329 McNary Boulevard, Hosts Deb and Mark Denovich
3. 1520 Williamsburg Place, Hosts Ceil Greber and Jerry Hayes
4. 1523 Williamsburg Place, Hosts Ronni and Dan Slain
5. 1054 Black Forest Road, Hosts Wanda and Peter Hughes
6. Corner of Collins and Graham, Tour Info and Prize Display
A tour shuttle will be available to transport tourists from the cluster of gardens at the bottom of the hill to the garden on Orlando and the Collins corners.
Grab your whole family and take to the road to gardens and neighbors at this special community event. The tour is free and open to all, but there will be an opportunity for you to make a donation along the way and, of course, there will be nifty garden prizes for those who win our "passport" drawings.
We'll also have a large raffle prize of a fairy fountain, a large potted arrangement, books, and other gardening supplies! Raffle tickets will be sold for $5.00 apiece.
Blackridge native Don Esplen, owner of 5 Dog Designs Custom Replica Birdhouses will be displaying some of his creations at Garden #1. He will offer items for sale and take orders for custom work. For each birdhouse sold during the tour, Don will donate $5.00 to the BGC.
1. 2356 Orlando Place, Host Eileen Milcic
2. 2329 McNary Boulevard, Hosts Deb and Mark Denovich
3. 1520 Williamsburg Place, Hosts Ceil Greber and Jerry Hayes
4. 1523 Williamsburg Place, Hosts Ronni and Dan Slain
5. 1054 Black Forest Road, Hosts Wanda and Peter Hughes
6. Corner of Collins and Graham, Tour Info and Prize Display
A tour shuttle will be available to transport tourists from the cluster of gardens at the bottom of the hill to the garden on Orlando and the Collins corners.
Grab your whole family and take to the road to gardens and neighbors at this special community event. The tour is free and open to all, but there will be an opportunity for you to make a donation along the way and, of course, there will be nifty garden prizes for those who win our "passport" drawings.
We'll also have a large raffle prize of a fairy fountain, a large potted arrangement, books, and other gardening supplies! Raffle tickets will be sold for $5.00 apiece.
Blackridge native Don Esplen, owner of 5 Dog Designs Custom Replica Birdhouses will be displaying some of his creations at Garden #1. He will offer items for sale and take orders for custom work. For each birdhouse sold during the tour, Don will donate $5.00 to the BGC.
Members of the Blackridge Garden Club are asked to sign up to assist with the preparation and serving of food/snacks, drinks and flowers at one of the monthly meetings. Please note the month and the task you signed up for and if something arises and you are unable to attend that meeting, please see if you can trade with someone from another month's program. If you are unable to switch, please notify one of your co-hosts and/or Nancy Del Presto.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Keep checking this page for more deets, and if you have a good idea for a program, trip, or service project, please let us know! Our membership drive is ongoing, so please consider joining us, even if you don't have a lot of extra time to spend. We welcome your support!
