Monthly Meetings

Bocchino Community Center
2369 NE Dixie Hwy, Jensen Beach
Meetings start at 11:00 AM

October 18

Propagation: Make and Take

Guest Speaker: Gail Rounds and Laurie Hoot-Capon

Master Gardeners, Co-President JBGC and 2^nd Vice President

Topic: Our own resident experts will teach us how to propagate. As a special treat, we will be starting a new plant to take home!

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November 15

Environmental Issues Impacting Martin County and Florida

Guest Speaker: Paul Laura, Environmentalist.

Paul provides research project support for the Florida Oceanographic Society and Smithsonian Marine Station to restore the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River.

Topic: Paul will update us on the current status of work to reduce the Lake Okeechobee discharges and will discuss environmental initiatives on solar energy, fracking and liquid natural gas in Florida.

 
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December 7

Holiday Luncheon and Meeting

The Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House
1401 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach
(details to be announced)

Join us to celebrate the season with an afternoon of fun, food and friendship.
Program: Pamela Crawford’s
Container Gardening in Florida
Be inspired and enjoy this informative and fun DVD!

 
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January 17

White Fly: Oh my!!

Guest Speaker: Cindy McKenzie, Ph.D.

Research Entomologist, U S Horticultural Research Laboratory, ARS-USDA

Topic: Cindy will discuss the history, importance, and current status of the sweet potato whitefly as well as numerous exotic whitefly that have recently invaded the state.  Banker plant systems, a type of biological control will be discussed as well as three other invasive species of insects that have established in Florida over the past decade and are causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage and major ecological disruptions to native ecosystems.

 
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February 21

The Birds of Florida and How to Attract Them

Guest Speaker: John Nelson

President, Audubon of Martin County, Certified Florida Master Naturalist

Topic: Florida has a very diverse population of birds, especially during the late fall, winter and early spring months.  At least 200 different bird species can be found on the Treasure Coast during this time, and many of them can be attracted to a well-designed back-yard bird habitat.  Learn about our local birds while also discovering how to create a backyard bird habitat that will truly benefit our migrating birds.

 
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February 28    Fundraiser

*Blingo Fundraiser*

Jensen Beach Garden Club presents its
2^nd Annual Bingo Luncheon and Fundraiser at the Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge #1870
1001 S. Kanner Hwy, Stuart, FL

Bring your spouses and friends for a fun-filled event!
And don’t forget your “Bling”.
Proceeds benefit student scholarships

Tickets $30.00 Time: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Includes lunch and 6 games of bingo with cash prizes!
There will be door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, Raffle Prizes and of course, BINGO!!!

 
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March 21

Use of Caladiums by Homeowners

Guest Speaker: James D. (Don) Bates

Bates Sons & Daughters,
Family Caladium Bulb Growers Since 1946

Topic: Topic: Don will discuss the history of the caladium industry, caladium use and applications.  He will offer brochures, show samples of different bulb sizes, and will bring several caladiums in pots.

Following Don’s presentation, we will have bulbs for sale and instructions for planting at home.

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April 8    Fundraiser

8th Annual JBGC Plant Sale

1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach

Our annual plant sale will again be held at Indian Riverside Park. This has become a very popular fundraiser in Jensen Beach. We have many returning customers that depend on us for advice and a variety of plants. To make this the best sale ever, please support your club and the scholarships we provide by donating 6 plants that you lovingly raised for scholarships for area students.

 
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April 18

Small Scale Urban Farming in South Florida

Guest Speaker: Michael Meier

Co-owner, Ground Floor Farm, Stuart FL

Topic: Mike will explore the role of urban agriculture which can change the food we eat, and he will contrast small scale farming with large agribusiness and its impact on the environment. Ground Floor Farm grows vegetables, fruit, and herbs for sale directly to our local community.  Their agriculture follows small-plot-intensive and permaculture techniques.  They adhere to organic and sustainable practices, focusing on building rather than depleting soil.  They prioritize heirloom, native and ecologically appropriate varieties of crops.