Rochester Events

updated on 11/3/2023

REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS

7th District Federated Garden Clubs New York State, Inc. meets the first Wednesday of the month. 7thdistrictfgcnys.org.

African Violet and Gesneriad Society of Rochester meets the first Thursday of the month September–November and March–May, 7–9pm at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4301 Mt. Read Blvd., Rochester, NY 14616. December and June meetings are social events TBD location. Contacts: Douglas Burdick, 585-313-8674, dburdick@msn.com. Barb Festenstein, 585-461-1673, barbfestenstein@aol.com. avgsr.org.

Big Springs Garden Club of Caledonia-Mumford meets the second Monday evening of the month, September–November, January–May. New members and guests welcome. 585-314-6292, mdolan3@rochester.rr.com, Facebook.

Bloomfield Garden Club meets the third Thursday of the month at 11:45am, Veterans Park, 6910 Routes 5 & 20, Bloomfield. Visitors and prospective new members welcome. Marlene Moran, 585-924-8035, Facebook. 

Bonsai Society of Upstate New York meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Brighton Town Park Lodge, Buckland Park, 1341 Westfall Road, Rochester. 585-334-2595, Facebook, bonsaisocietyofupstateny.org. 

Canandaigua Botanical Society meets for in-person botanical events. See website for event schedule. canandaiguabotanicalsociety.blogspot.com

Conesus Lake Garden Club meets the third Wednesday of the month (April–December) at 7pm, Chip Holt Nature Center, Vitale Park, Lakeville. Welcoming new members. Contact Dottie Connelly, 585-703-1748.

Country Gardeners of Webster Do you like to dig in the dirt, smell the roses, learn about the birds and bees, take a walk in the park, eat, drink, and be merry, or live in Webster? Then the Country Gardeners of Webster would love to have you join them! They meet the second Monday of the month. Contact Elaine at 585-350-8270 to try this fun-loving club out.

Creative Gardeners of Penfield meets the second Monday of the month (except July & August) at 9:15am, Penfield United Methodist Church, 1795 Baird Road, Penfield. Visitors welcome. Contact 585-385-2065 or 09green17@gmail.com if interested in attending a meeting. 

Fairport Garden Club Member club of Federated Garden Clubs of NY State. Meets 3rd Thursday evening of the month (except January & August), members’ homes. Educational topics through speakers, workshops or local tours. Accepting new members. fairportgc@gmail.com, fairportgardenclub.com.

Finger Lakes Daylily Society members garden in west-central NY, covering an area from Batavia to Syracuse and the Southern Tier. Meetings are held in Rochester or the Canandaigua area. There are generally four regular Saturday meetings held in February, March, May, and September. Visitors and prospective new members are welcome to attend. Contact Deb Lawrence for information, binxers1@yahoo.com.

Friends of Ellwanger Garden meets all season long on Tuesday mornings. To volunteer at the garden, please contact Cindy Boyer at 585-546-7029, x12 or cboyer@landmarksociety.org. 

Garden Club of Brockport meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7pm, Jubilee Church, 3565 Lake Road, Brockport. Learn gardening tips from knowledgeable speakers, make garden ornaments through our hands-on classes and explore beautiful local gardens. For more info call or email Kathy, 585-431-0509 or katyd5950@gmail.com.

Garden Club of Mendon meets the third Tuesday of the month, 10am–1pm, Mendon Community Center, 167 North Main Street, Honeoye Falls. Work on community gardens and gather new ideas in a casual, social environment. 585-624-8182, joanheaney70@gmail.com.

Garden Path of Penfield meets the third Wednesday of the month, September–May at 7pm, Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Road, Penfield. Members enjoy all aspects of gardening; new members welcome. gardenpathofpenfield@gmail.com.

Gates Garden Club meets the second Thursday of the month (except July & August) at 6:30pm, Gates Town Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester. New members and guests welcome. 585 247-1248, scece6@yahoo.com.

Genesee Region Orchid Society (GROS) meets the first Monday following the first Sunday of the month. Meetings in December, January, and February will be virtual. It is likely that meetings from March–May will be in person at the JCC. Please see the website for information, geneseeorchid.org.

Genesee Valley Hosta Society meets the second Thursday of the month, April–October, at Eli Fagan American Legion Post, 260 Middle Road, Henrietta. 585-889-7678, sebuckner@frontiernet.net, geneseevalleyhosta.com.

Greater Rochester Iris Society (GRIS) an affiliate of the American Iris Society, meets on a Sunday during the months of March, April, September and October at 2 pm. St. John’s Episcopal Church Hall, 11 Episcopal Ave. Honeoye Falls, NY. Public welcome. Plant Sales, Guest Speakers or Location Visits, Volunteer Opportunities.Honeoye Falls, NY. 585-266-0302, thehutchings@mac.com. 

Greater Rochester Perennial Society (GRPS) meets the first Thursday of each month at 7pm, Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 1200 South Winton Road, Rochester, except in summer when it tours members’ gardens. Lectures being held virtually and garden tours are being scheduled. See website or Facebook for updates. cap704@frontiernet.net, Facebook, rochesterperennial.com.

Greater Rochester Rose Society meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm on Zoom Jan., Feb., and Mar. Email j.chorder@gmail.com for meeting link. Questions: 585-694-8430. Facebook: Greater Rochester Rose Society.

Henrietta Garden Club meets the 2nd Wed, except May-August and Dec. at 6:30pm. Guests and non-residents are welcome. Handicap accessible. Call 585-781-0278. Lower level of the Henrietta Town Hall, 475 Calkins Rd, Henrietta. sites.google.com/site/henriettagardenclub. A presenter will speak on gardening related subject at 7pm.

Holley Garden Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 7pm, Holley Presbyterian Church. 585-638-6973. 

Hubbard Springs Garden Club of Chili meets the third Monday of the month at 6:30pm at the Chili Community Center, 3237 Chili Ave., Rochester. dtoogood@rochester.rr.com. 

Ikebana International Rochester Chapter 53 meets the third Thursday of each month (except December and February) at 10am, First Baptist Church, Hubbell Hall, 175 Allens Creek Road, Rochester. 585-301-6727, 585-402-1772, rochesterikebana@gmail.com, ikebanarochester.org.

Kendall Garden Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm, Kendall Town Hall. 585- 370-8964.

Klemwood Garden Club of Webster meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7pm (except January & February) in members’ homes or local libraries. Accepting new members. 585-671-1961.

Lakeview Garden Club (Greece) meets the second Wednesday of the month (except January & February) at 7pm, meeting location varies depending on activity. Meetings may include a speaker, project or visits to local garden-related sites.New members always welcome. Contact, Darlene Markham, dmarkham@rochester.rr.com. 

Newark Garden Club meets the first Friday of the month at 1pm, Park Presbyterian Church, Newark. Guests are welcome.

Pittsford Garden Club Pittsford Garden Club meets the third Tuesday of the month at 10:30am at the Spiegel Center on Lincoln Avenue in the Village of Pittsford. The club usually meets in Room 18, but ask at the desk. Masks are required at all times in the building unless requirements change. New members are always welcomed. May 21 plant sale, location TBD. Look for signs in the village.

Rochester Dahlia Society meets the second Saturday of the month (except August & September) at 12:30pm, Trinity Reformed Church, 909 Landing Road North, Rochester. Visitors welcome. See website for up-to-date information concerning meetings & shows. 585-865-2291, Facebook, rochesterdahlias.org.

Rochester Herb Society meets the first Tuesday of each month (excluding January, February & July) at Noon, Pittsford Community Center, 35 Lincoln Ave., Pittsford, NY. Summer garden tours and day trips. New members welcome. rocherbsociety.com

Rochester Permaculture Center meets monthly to discuss topics such as edible landscapes, gardening, farming, renewable energy, green building, rainwater harvesting, composting, local food, forest gardening, herbalism, green living, etc. Meeting location and details: meetup.com/rochesterpermaculture.

Seabreeze Bloomers Garden Club meets the fourth Wednesday of the month (except January) at 7pm, location varies depending on activity. Meetings may include a speaker, project or visit to local garden-related site. Monthly newsletter. New members welcome. Meetings are currently cancelled; contact Bonnie Arnold with any questions. Bonnie Arnold, 585-230-5356, bonniearnold@frontiernet.net. 

Stafford Garden Club meets the third Wednesday of the month (except December & January) at 7pm, Stafford Town Hall, 8903 Morganville Road (Route 237), Stafford. Plant auction in May. All are welcome. 585-343-4494.

Urban Agriculture Working Group (UAWG) meets via Zoom on the third Thursday of the month at 7pm. UAWG is a collection of gardeners, community gardens, and individuals who garden/farm in the city or support such activities. UAWG offers a Spring Conference each year and sponsors the Urban Gardens ROC garden crawl in the fall. In addition, the group advocates for City policies that make urban gardening more accessible for people who want to grow fresh vegetables for themselves or their neighbors. If you are interested in getting on the email list, contact Mallory Hohl, mdh286@cornell.edu. You do not have to live in the city to participate.

Victor Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of the month (except January & February) at 6:30/6:45pm. New members welcome. Meeting and location details: victorgardenclubny2.com, victorgardenclub.org.

Williamson Garden Club. On-going community projects and free monthly lectures to educate the community about gardening. Open to all. 315-524-4204, grow14589@gmail.com, grow-thewilliamsongardenclub.blogspot.com. 


FREQUENT HOSTS
CCE/MON: Cornell Cooperative Extension, Monroe County, 2449 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, NY 14617. 585-753-2550; monroe.cce.cornell.edu. 

CCE/GC: Cornell Cooperative Extension, Genesee County, 420 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 585-343-3040, ext. 132; genesee.cce.cornell.edu.

GLT: Genesee Land Trust,46 Prince Street, Suite LL005, Rochester, NY 14607. 585-256-2130; info@geneseelandtrust.org; geneseelandtrust.org.

CLASSES / EVENTS

F  Indicates activities especially appropriate for children and families.
S Indicates plant sales/swaps.
T Indicates garden tours.
O Indicates online event.

November 2: Garden Talk: Winter Seed Sowing, 12–1pm. If you would like more plants for less money, grow your own from seed. Learn the easy way plants can be grown without heating pads or grow lights. You will be surprised how many plants can be started outside during the winter months. Free. Register to attend in-person at 585-343-3040 x101 or register for your Zoom link at genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events. CCE/GC 

November 2: Do Cultivars Count as Native Plants? Talk by Ellen Folts, 7pm. Exploring the relationships between native plants and pollinators. A look at native plants vs cultivars and the differences that make the plant unlikely or impossible to be used by the pollinators. Do cultivars count as native plants? People need to make choices that are right for themselves and the pollinators they hope to attract. Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, 1200 South Winton Rd., Rochester.

November 7: Garden Talk: Garden Planning & Organization, 12–1pm. It may seem overwhelming planning your herb, flower, and vegetable garden beds. Discuss getting ready for the new growing season from planning your beds to ordering seeds and staying organized through the process. Free. Register to attend in-person at 585-343-3040 x101 or register for your Zoom link at genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events.  CCE/GC

November 9: Organic Composting!, 5:30–6:30pm. Composting may be one of the most misunderstood secrets to successful gardening. Join us to see how a few simple, organic principles can boost the health of your garden soil tremendously. CCE/MON

November 11: To Bee or Not to Bee Keep, 9–11:30pm. Join Master Gardener and Beekeeper, Barb Cummings and learn the basics of beekeeping and what it involves. CCE Wayne County, 1581 Rte. 88 N., Newark, NY 14513. ccewayne.org/events, 315-331-8415. 

November 14: House Plant Care, 5:30–6:30pm. As the weather cools, you’ll be spending a lot more time indoors. Keep some green in your life with healthy, beautiful houseplants. We’ll show you how simple it is to keep your plants thriving! CCE/MON

November 24: Opt Outside Storybook Trail, 7am–5pm. On “Black Friday” consider going outside to explore one of the beautiful places protected by Genesee Land Trust. Cornwall Preserve 3975, Lake Road, Williamson, NY, 14589. GLT

December 2: Holiday Greens Workshop, 9am–12pm. During the three-hour session, participants make a fresh wreath, an evergreen swag, and a tabletop centerpiece to take home and enjoy through the holiday season. Please bring small pruners & gloves. CCE Wayne County, 1581 Rte. 88 N., Newark, NY 14513. ccewayne.org/events, 315-331-8415.

O December 4: Succulents, 12:30–1:30pm. Learn all about succulents and how to properly care for them. Zoom. CCE/MON

December 21: Winter Solstice Walk at Wild Hill Farm, 7–9am. On the shortest day of the year, walk the rolling hills and resting fields. Wild Hill Farm, 2176 Elton Road, Bloomfield, NY, 14469. GLT

January 1: 2024 First Day Hike, 10am–12pm. Start the New Year off with a walk/roll on the Genesee Greenway Trail. Brookdale Preserve, 66 Brook Road, Rochester, NY, 14623. GLT

January 2: Landscape Technicians Training Program Registration Opens. Classes run from March 4–April 12, 2024. Classes will be held in the lower level of Olmstead Lodge in Highland Park, from 9am–2pm. Class topics range from Soil, Plant Structure, How to Read a Blueprint, and Proper Pruning. Daily contact with employers and individuals who work in the field offer opportunities for networking and job listings. For more information, please contact Mike Kincaid. mgk72@cornell.edu or 585-753-2574.


{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Jeanne April 22, 2023 at 5:32 pm

We are interested in purchasing lilacs from the Rochester Lilac Festival. I noticed that last year there appeared to be a list and people needed to preorder. Is there a list this year, and if so, would you please advise me as to the procedure? Thank you!

Reply

janem April 24, 2023 at 6:19 am

Hi Jeanne! I don’t know anything about this, but you could contact the Monroe County Master Gardeners . . . Here’s the event listing:

May 12–21: Monroe Co CCE Master Gardeners Volunteers Tent/Highland Lilac Festival, 10:30am–7pm. Located in the vicinity of the Lilac Adventure Zone children’s playground, 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY. Featuring a variety of lilacs and specialty items for sale. Plus an opportunity to “Ask a Master Gardener.”

585-753-2550; monroe.cce.cornell.edu.

Reply

William Hegeman April 20, 2023 at 9:55 am

What is the cost to be included in the event section of the journal?

Reply

janem April 20, 2023 at 10:01 am

Hi, William—
There is no cost, but our calendar is closed for this issue. We would be happy to include you in any subsequent calendar listings—just email calendar@upstategardenersjournal.com, please. Thanks!
Jane, publisher

Reply

Kathy May 19, 2021 at 8:21 am

Just double checking:
Your info for the Penfield plant sale on June 4&5 states it’s held on a Saturday and Sunday- but the calendar dates are actually a Friday and Saturday.
What are the correct days? Thanks!

Reply

cathym May 20, 2021 at 12:16 pm

Hi Kathy-
I just double checked and the sale dates are indeed Friday, June 4 and Saturday, June 5. I will update the listing.

Thanks for reading!
Cathy

Reply

Judy Conley February 29, 2016 at 11:27 am

Hello, are these current events for 2016?

Reply

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