HARRINGTON PARK—The Garden Club of Harrington Park (GCHP) holds its next meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Harrington Park Library, at 10 Herring St. The event features guest speaker John Beirne, curatorial director of horticulture and facilities at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit.
Beirne will present an engaging program, Tropical Gardening in N.J. — Yes, It Can Be Done! Attendees will learn how to incorporate indoor plants into outdoor gardens, with a focus on tropical and subtropical shrubs and bulbs. This approach can add a bold, unexpected touch to the landscape.
Known for his passion for tropical plants, Beirne will share tips on transforming everyday indoor plants into striking outdoor annuals. He promises to inspire even the most traditional gardeners to embrace equatorial species as an autumnal alternative to familiar choices like mums and kale. While other gardens close down for the season, tropical plants continue to thrive, glowing until November’s first frost.
Beirne brings a wealth of experience to the evening, having previously served as Superintendent of Horticulture at Willowwood Arboretum and Bamboo Brook Nature Center. His diverse career includes two decades as the developer of a horticultural therapy program at NewBridge Services and roles at The Children’s Institute in Verona and the New York Botanical Garden’s Continuing Education Program. He also teaches horticulture at Sussex Community College and resides in Sussex County with his family.
A Q & A session will follow the presentation, along with refreshments. The evening’s hostess is GCHP President Gerri Gibney. The club welcomes gardeners of all skill levels, from beginner to expert, and from all towns.
For more information, call Gerri Gibney at (201) 768-2615 or visit www.gardenclubofharringtonpark.com.