The Garden Club Federation
Of Massachusetts, Inc

All meetings are at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

unless otherwise specified

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Monday, September 14, 2026 — 9:00 AM
Topic: Intersection of Plants and Wildlife
Speaker: Lisey Good
Lisey Good is the founder of South Shore-based environmental charity Wild Cohasset, which
works to support New England’s native plants and the wildlife that depend upon them for
survival. She is the former Editor in Chief for the Garden Club of America’s national magazine,
The Real Dirt, and a frequent lecturer on biodiversity and wildlife. Lisey’s topic today is the
Intersection of Plants and Wildlife in our gardens.
● Head Hostess: Sheila Connors
● Hostesses: Dawn Vercollone, Penny Curran, Martha McCarthy, Linda Hughes
 

Monday, October 5, 2026 — 9:00 AM
Topic: Pruning, Planning, and Tools (Demonstration — Bring branch samples!)
Speaker: Christie Dustman
Christie will give us a demonstration on Pruning and the thinking around pruning, and a tool
overview. Please bring samples (branches from your garden ). 
Christie is the owner of Christie Dustman & Company Inc., a landscape design/build and
maintenance company. She has won design awards, teaches at multiple venues including the
MA Garden Federation, for Master Gardeners, garden clubs, and on the national stage. Her
personal garden has been showcased on national tours. Currently there is a video of Christie
in her garden on the Fine Gardening website. She is a Certified Landscape Designer with a
passion for conifers and design that is meaningful and functional.
● Head Hostess: Susie MacPherson
● Hostesses: Eileen Sheehan, Gail Catalano, Carol Keaveny, Carolyn Kennedy

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Monday, November 9, 2026 — 9:00 AM
Topic: Ecological Garden Design
Speaker: Demetra Tseckares
Gardens by Demetra owner Demetra Tseckares, is a native plant forward landscape designer
with 20 years of experience who focuses on building ecological habitats. A stunning gallery of
her work can be viewed at gardensbydemetra.com. Demetra will speak to us about design,
touching on scale, reflecting yourself in your garden, what and why to plant under those large
trees, plant combinations and environmental awareness in the process. It will be an eye
opening and fun talk with plenty of time for questions and conversation.
● Head Hostess: Susan Sylvester
● Hostesses: Deb Lehman, Krista Blair, Marcia Joyce, Janet Clark

Holiday Greens Sale (Date & Time TBD)

Monday, December 14, 2026 — 9:00 AM
Topic: Annual Holiday Workshop
Presenters: Susie MacPherson and Eileen Sheehan
Hands-on holiday arrangement workshop led by GCFM President Susie MacPherson and Eileen
Sheehan. (Members should bring floral shears/pruners).
● Head Hostess: Janice Brown
● Hostesses: Cindy Barry, Linda Curran, Josephine Bonaffini

 

~2027~

 

January, Date and Time TBD
Event: Annual Winter Luncheon & Social Gathering

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Monday, February 8, 2027 — 9:00 AM
Topic: Extending the Season: The Garden in Winter
Speaker: Joan Butler
Joan Butler is an avid gardener and plant collector, who believes gardens should invite you to
linger in the world outside your door. She has presented programs to botanic gardens,
horticultural societies, flower shows, garden clubs and libraries. Joan holds a degree in
Geology from UMass Amherst and a Certificate in Landscape Management from UMass
Green School. She is a Master Gardener, a retired Horticulturalist and a backyard birder. She
is a former Chairman of the Massachusetts Landscape Design Council, a member of the
Garden Consultants Council and is an Accredited Life Flower Show Judge. Joan is a past
president of the Holliston Garden Club. She will speak today on Extending the Season in your
garden, or The Garden in Winter
● Head Hostess: Carolyn Durfey
● Hostesses: Polly Washa, Lorraine Weeden, Marie Dowling, Regina Mortland

Monday, March 8, 2027 — 9:00 AM
Topic: Low-Maintenance Gardens and Ground Covers
Speaker: Leisha Johnson
Leisha Johnson is a garden and landscape designer who, for over 20 years, has helped
homeowners transform challenging properties into vibrant gardens that bring lasting
enjoyment. With a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, formal training in design,
more than 200 completed projects, and 20 industry awards, Leisha combines design expertise
with long-term, hands-on experience. Returning to observe how plants respond, compete,
spread, and sometimes fail, Leisha continually tests and refines her approach. She will speak
today on Lower Maintenance Gardens and Ground Covers.
● Head Hostess: Eileen Aten
● Hostesses: Debbie Gill, Barbara Engstrom, Pam Snyder

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Monday, April 12, 2027 — 9:00 AM
Topic: Harnessing Plants to Solve Problems
Speaker: Tovah Martin
Tovah Martin is a published author of multiple books on plants, has authored freelance articles
in many garden focused magazines, and shared her garden knowledge on Public Radio
broadcasts. She has lectured widely, believing that the dialogue between gardeners and
garden clubs is her lifeblood. She has been honored by many awards including the GCA’s
award for outstanding literary achievement. Today Tovah will speak about Harnessing Plants to
Solve Problems.
● Head Hostess: Alida Alberts
● Hostesses: Roberta Campbell, Andrea Sterling, Dana Tiberi

Monday, May 10, 2027 — 9:00 AM (Working Meeting) Wear gardening attire. 
Bring gloves, trowels, rakes, pruners, and yard waste containers.
Location: Historic Winslow House
Event: Annual Business Meeting, Leadership Elections, & Garden Work Party
Members will conduct annual elections, sign up for 2027–2028 assignments, and perform weed/trim
maintenance at Winslow House gardens and Summer Street Island.
● Gear Needed: Gardening attire, gloves, trowels, rakes, pruners, and yard waste containers.
● Head Hostess: Sue Barber
● Hostesses: Roberta Fairbanks, Peg Davis, Ellie Hoehn, Jaclyn Robinson

Saturday, May 22, 2027 — 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Marshfield Town Hall Green
Event: ANNUAL PLANT SALE FUNDRAISER
Members are required to donate a minimum of 10 healthy, labeled plants, assist with setup, volunteer
for sales shifts and breaks, and help breakdown at the end of the event. This is an all hands on
event!!​

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