All of Our 2025 Speaker Series Events will take place during our monthly members' meetings which take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month

January to May and September to October 

(there are no speaker events in June, July, August or December)

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Doors open at 6:00pm, and the meetings start promptly at 6:30pm

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(NOT A MEMBER - BUT WISH TO ATTEND - NOT A PROBLEM!  THERE IS A NOMINAL FEE OF $5. AT THE DOOR TO ATTEND A SPEAKER EVENT. BUT WHY NOT JOIN US FOR ONLY $15 ANNUALLY FOR A MEMBERSHIP AND ATTEND ALL OUR SPEAKER EVENTS)

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  Niagara on the Lake Community Centre

  14 Anderson Lane

  Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

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THE 2025 "HOW TO" GUEST SPEAKERS SERIES

 

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January 28 - Carl Hasting

 

A Bright Addition to Your Gardening Toolkit

 

Join us for an illuminating evening at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society's January meeting, featuring lighting expert and industry veteran, Carl Hastings. With over 30 years of experience in horticulture and 25 years specializing in landscape lighting, Carl will reveal how strategic illumination can transform your outdoor spaces.

 

As a principal of Moonstruck Lighting Ltd., Carl brings a wealth of knowledge on the latest lighting technologies and design principles. He will discuss lighting solutions suitable for both large and small gardens, ensuring there's something for every property and budget. 

 

Whether you're a seasoned horticulturalist or a budding enthusiast, this presentation will shed light on the new possibilities for your landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to make your garden shine - day and night!

 

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February 25 - Hilda Ellard

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Planting Possibilities: Unlocking the Secrets of Seeds

 

Hilda Ellard, a NOTL Horticultural Society member, passionate horticulturalist, and third generation gardener will guide members through the essential techniques and best practices for starting seeds and collecting seeds. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning your horticultural journey, this presentation will equip you with valuable insights to enhance your gardening skills.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Hilda and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Mark your calendars and prepare to dig into the world of seed starting and collecting!

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March 25 - Paul Oliver

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Attracting Our Feathered Friends Into Your Garden

 

Join us for an exciting evening with Paul Oliver at our upcoming Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society meeting! Paul will share his expertise on attracting wild birds to your backyard, focusing on some of the most beloved avian visitors like cardinals, hummingbirds, and orioles.

 

What You’ll Discover:

 

• Feeder Variety: Learn about the different types of feeders and seeds that will entice a diverse range of birds to your garden.

• Bird-Friendly Gardening: Paul will offer creative gardening ideas that enhance your outdoor space, making it a welcoming haven for our feathered friends.

• Spring Migration Tips: With spring migration on the horizon, he’ll provide actionable steps to support returning migratory birds and care for over-wintering species, especially nurturing those busy mommy birds during the spring and early summer.

 

This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your connection with nature and enhance your gardening skills. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from Paul’s wealth of knowledge and passion for horticulture.

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April 22 - Clement Kent

 

Growing a Living Wall: Affordable Urban Gardening

 

Join us in April for an inspiring session with gardener and environmental advocate Clement Kent. In this engaging 45-minute presentation, Kent will share his expertise on transforming ordinary urban spaces into thriving vertical gardens using innovative, budget-friendly techniques. 

 

Learn how to maximize limited space by growing vegetables and herbs in containers, while utilizing recycled materials. As the author of "How to Make a Pollinator Garden" and a recipient of the Canadian Pollinator Advocate award, Kent is dedicated to revitalizing urban ecosystems and promoting biodiversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from an expert passionate about grassroots re-greening and insect conservation—your journey toward a greener urban environment starts here!

 

 

 

May 27 - Marie Decker

 

Grow Your Own: Vegetable Gardening for Every Space!

 

Join us for an inspiring talk by Marie Decker, a seasoned horticulturalist and passionate speaker, as she shares her expertise on growing vegetables. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, Marie will provide practical tips and techniques to help you cultivate a thriving vegetable garden.

 

During her presentation, Marie will cover:

• The essentials of seed selection and transplanting.

• Techniques for intercropping, crop rotation, and companion planting.

• Tips for maximizing your harvest, regardless of space constraints.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your gardening skills! Join us to learn how to grow your own vegetables successfully. 

 

Stay connected with us on our Facebook page for updates and more gardening tips!

 

Feel free to share this event with fellow gardening enthusiasts!

 

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September 23 - Michelle Karam

 

Nurturing Nature: Community Engagement in Environmental Stewardship

 

Join us for an inspiring talk at the September meeting, when Michelle Karam of Land Care Niagara (LCN) will share insights on fostering a sustainable environment! 

 

As a dedicated not-for-profit organization, LCN is passionate about empowering our community with knowledge and resources for effective land management. Discover how you can get involved in land stewardship activities and educational initiatives that benefit both rural and urban landscapes in Niagara.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts committed to a healthier, greener future. Be part of the conversation and help us cultivate a vibrant community!

 

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October 28 - Joanne Young

 

Awakening the Senses: A Journey Through the Garden with Joanne Young

 

Join us for an engaging presentation by Joanne Young on The 5 Senses of the Garden at the NOTL Horticultural Society on Tuesday, October 28.

 

All your senses are alert in the garden, taking in all that nature has to offer you.  The garden stimulates your senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.  When speaking of garden design, though, there is another set of 5 senses that are integral to the success of your garden – a sense of entry, a sense of welcome, a sense of enclosure, a sense of place and a sense of flow.

 

Join us to explore how these key elements can be put into play in your own garden to help you create that awe-inspiring space.

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