"Sowing the Seeds of Harmony through Nature"
Our program will be a power point presentation by Monica Yurconic-Groff and Keitha Pavolko.
Celebrate the easy, relaxed beauty of nature in this fun and inspiring flower arranging presentation all about designing with wildflowers. Embracing the Wildflower Look shows how to capture that fresh-from-the-meadow feeling with arrangements that are airy, loose, and full of natural charm.
Attendees will learn how wildflowers naturally lend themselves to free-flowing designs that highlight movement, open space, and soft, organic lines. Key concepts covered will include creating balance in asymmetrical arrangements, mixing heights for rhythm, layering textures for depth, and letting stems curve and wander in a way that feels effortless but still intentional.
Monica Yurconic-Groff, the owner at Ross Plants, Flowers & Gifts, entered the floral industry 20 years ago after a career as a reading specialist, bringing creativity and attention to detail to her designs. Keitha Pavolko, her lead florist, has more than 40 years of experience in the floral industry and is known for her artistic talent and distinctive arrangements. Together, they combine expertise, passion, and artistry to create beautiful and inspiring floral designs. They look forward to sharing their knowledge and creativity with the garden club.
PGC members and their families attended the annual picnic and plant exchange at Grange Park in Allentown. Awards were handed out to the recipients. Many thanks to Gina Costello and Deb Pinto for making the arrangements!
Hospitality team for the evening arranged the New Member Tea with treats for all to enjoy. Many thanks to Wilma Krause Brucker, Chloe Urland, Deb Pinto, Maria Dax and Karly Lazo!
Our June meeting featured a powerpoint presentation and slideshow by Lisa Walton. We learned her simple mnemonic to help grow the best roses ever.
Lisa Walton is an active member of the Lehigh Valley Rose Society and the American Rose Society. She has been tending roses since she was a child in her father’s garden and now grows roses from miniatures to climbers, Knock Outs to David Austin in her home garden. She also helps tend the roses at the Hopewell Park Rose Garden in Center Valley.
New PGC Members - Welcome!
Our program chairperson, Nancy Smith, led a fun demonstration on how to decorate a terra cotta flower pot with designs from a decorative napkin and Mod Podge. Thank you Nancy!
The new slate of officers for the 2026 to 2028 club term was installed at the meeting by Parliamentarian Sue Weber. Visit here for all the details and pictures: Member News
Our Hospitality team for the evening provided a delicious assortment of patriotic themed refreshments for all to enjoy. Thank you to Donna Wagner, Christine Tietjen, Ann Kirka and Ann Mikus!
"The Elements of Spring” was a demonstration presented by Renee Tucci.
Her presentation did a deep-dive into the Elements of Design, and how they can be amplified to create a unified and harmonious composition.
Renee has more than 20 years of design and leadership experience in the industry. She was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 2016, Professional Floral Communicators Int'l in 2018 and the American Academy of Floriculture in 2022. She is an educator at an AIFD Education Partner in Bucks County PA. Renee actively gives back to the industry by holding volunteer positions on both the Regional and National AIFD Board of Directors.
Renee has participated in the Philadelphia Flower Show for the past 16 years, including 2020 when she was honored to be asked to produce The Princess Grace Rose Garden exhibit on behalf of the Embassy of Monaco. Her first book, Framing Floral Techniques, was published in October 2021. Connecting with fellow designers and bringing the floral community together is one of her truest passions.
Our beautiful "Spring" themed table of refreshments was brought by Tom, Ann, Megan, Mary and Marie. Thank You!
“Cocktails from Your Garden” was the demonstration presented by Lori Metz at our March meeting.
Stir things up with delicious cocktails (or mocktails) from herbs, fruit, vegetables, and flowers that you are already growing in your garden. From easy infusions to gorgeous garnishes, discover new ways to enjoy your garden’s bounty!
Lori Metz is a horticulturist, landscape designer, owner of Carriage House Landscape Design and a Penn State Master Gardener since 1999. She has been working in the horticultural and landscape industry for more than 20 years. Lori writes gardening and horticultural-related articles for various local papers and newsletters. She is a past president of the Coplay Garden Club and judges for local garden clubs and flower shows. You may have seen her at her many seminars and speaking engagements at garden clubs, local nurseries and the Lehigh Valley Flower and Garden Show. She has a special interest in plant health and stays up to date on insects, diseases, weeds and cultural practices that may affect landscapes.
A delicious assortment of St. Patrick's Day themed treats were provided by the Hospitality group for the evening. Many thanks to Marsha Chowdhury, Naser Chowdhury, Vicki Sorg, Candy Chorney and Cynthia Dunton!
“Natural Wildlife Habitats” is a Power Point Presentation by Matt Worthington
Matt gave a presentation on how to create a natural habitat for your local birds, including nesting preferences, food and water options and how to certify our own gardens through the National Wildlife Federation.
Matt is currently the manager of Wild Birds Unlimited Allentown and is passionate about helping save the songbirds!
Valentine's Day was our hospitality theme of the evening! Thank you to Nancy Schrader, Gewn White, Lorraine Kunkel, Pat Crincoli and Suzan Azara for the fabulous treats!
