Moonflower Garden Club Events

September 3, 2025 

The Natural Lands Meadow - Tour

     The Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek (UUSMC) has approximately 5 acres of managed natural lands.   Much of the land is open meadow, composed of a wide variety of wildflowers and grasses. The meadows provide habitat for many animals, includinginsects (e.g., Monarch butterfly and native bee species), birds (e.g., Easten Bluebird and American Goldfinch) and mammals (e.g., Meadow Vole, Groundhog, Eastern Cottontail, Red Fox, and White-tailed Deer).  Eastern Gartersnake, Black Ratsnake, and Northern Brownsnake have also been observed.

     The church community has added over 150 new native trees since 2018, expanding the wooded edge and beginning a “Woods for the Wild” area.  A wide variety of native trees and shrubs, including berry- and nut-producing varieties, have been planted.  These wooded areas are especially utilized by birds such as Carolina Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Red-shouldered Hawk, and many migrating songbirds. “We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” Our 7th UU Principle.

October 1, 2025

Plight of the Monarch Butterfly, a Miraculous and Spiritual Journey

     This presentation will discuss why Monarchs are a miracle of nature, the battle: Monarch vs. Milkweed, why Monarchs are at such risk, and the magnificent spiritual migration to Mexico.

November 5, 2025

Orchids 

     Julian Oliver, past president of the Delaware Orchid Society, will have a slide presentation on orchids, including how to care for them, how and when to repot, and how to get them to bloom. He will also review several different types of orchids. Be sure to bring all your orchid-related questions.

December 3, 2025

Holiday Party

     Mix and mingle Pot Luck. Join us for cocktails, wine and nibbles. Then share main dishes dinner-style and sweet endings. Bring your favorite holiday hors d’oeuvres, main dish or desserts and beverage.  After a quick business check-in, we’ll play a holiday gift exchange game.

January 7, 2026    

Grasses

    This presentation will look at the diversity and ecological connections of the Grass Family (Poaceae). We’ll have a brief overview of the floral, stem, and root characteristics of all Grasses.  Some pressed specimens will be used to view these traits and to highlight how unusual grasses can be.  The extraordinary importance of these plants in the envirnoment will be explained as well as the role of grasses as primary producers in local foodchains.

February 4, 2026    

Recycled Ikebana:  Use What you Have

     Ikebana containers can be expensive and works of art by themselves.  Ann will be using recycled horticulture and repurposed common household items in ways that make Ikebana for everybody.  Member participation is welcome.

March 4, 2026

Deer Resistant Plants

     Is there such a thing as a deer-resistant plant?  Melody Kasprzak will explore that question and give us some useful tips on plants that deer tend to avoid.

April 1, 2026 

Hands-On Flower Arranging

     Ever need to make a floral centerpiece or hostess gift and you don’t have any oasis?  Learn how to make interesting unique designs using what you have on hand.  Christopher will share his expertise with us, so we can have the confidence we need to throw it all together bringing delight for all to see. Bring scissors or floral clippers and a special container if you have one.

May 6, 2026

Meeting at Acadian Winery  553 S. Guernsey Rd., West Grove, PA 19310

     Kyle Jones, owner, has recently taken over this decades old vineyard and winery. Experience the beauty of this burgeoning wine region in southeastern Pennsylvania. Wines will be available for tasting as well as purchasing. Kyle will talk about the history of the estate as well as winemaking in general. All members are welcome to bring snacks. Red Clay, Silver Pines, and Countryside garden clubs will be invited to join us for this meeting.  The winery is located adjacent to Styer’s peony fields. If weather permits and the flowers are in bloom, we can also take a short walk to see the peonies.

    Dues collected

June 3, 2026

     Year End Summer Picnic      Time to catch up with everybody's garden, our "roses" and our "thorns." Bring your favorite summer dish to share. We will discuss ideas for future programs and sign up for meeting hosts and summer Hockessin Village sign maintenance dates (2 week intervals)