The Town & Country Garden Club of Newtown has two public programs scheduled this month.

The first is a presentation by Michele MacKinnon, on Wednesday, March 13, at 7 pm, at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street.

MacKinnon will present “Pollinator Perfect Garden.”

MacKinnon found her love of growing things and having her hands in the earth came from her father, a lifelong farmer who cherished tending the land. On their farm they grew vegetables (and some flowers too), raised beef cattle and sometimes pigs, cut and burned their own firewood, cultivated and sold strawberries for a few years, and kept a sizable flock of chickens.

Off and on they enjoyed snow white raw milk and rich cream the color of the palest egg yolks, favors of a benevolent dairy cow. The vegetables fed their family and those flowers fed her soul.

After decades of a corporate career, MacKinnon craved a life with more connection to the natural world. She now gardens in a pollinator friendly setting in Sherman. Every garden has taught her something. She is eager to share those lessons with everyone.

MacKinnon is a UConn certified Advanced Master Gardener, a CT NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) Accredited Organic Land Care Professional, and a member of Sherman Conservation Commission.

MacKinnon’s programs are informative and engaging. Guests walk away with a wealth of information and ready to dig.

The March 13 presentation is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested and available through email to Denise Rod at denisemarierod@yahoo.com.

Easter/Passover Holiday Table

On Wednesday, March 27, Town & Country Garden Club will host a demonstration by member Arline Shanley, who will show how to create an arrangement for a “dining room table arrangement” for an Easter/Passover holiday table.

Guests will receive a container, oasis, and flowers to finish their arrangement.

Shanley will answer questions to help attendees finish their arrangements, and fellow club members will be walking around the room to help with challenges.

This program will be in the lower meeting room of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street. It will begin at 6 pm.

Cost is $30 per person. Space is limited and registration is required. Contact Josie Schmidt at 203-770-5643 (text or call) for details and registration.

The Town & Country Garden Club is a small energetic club that has been a staple of Newtown for almost 60 years. In addition to offering similar monthly programs, members design and maintain three of Newtown’s main traffic islands, are involved in many community and volunteer events, actively support the protection of Newtown’s environment, and offer scholarships to local students, and so much more.

New members are welcome. To learn more contact Denise Rod at denisemarierod@yahoo.com or visit tcgardenclub.org.