Calendar of events
Meeting Information
We invite speakers with varied perspectives and expertise to our monthly meetings. These events are typically held on the first Monday of each month.
When
Members begin gathering at 6:30 to 7:00 pm to socialize.
The program begins at 7:30 pm.
Save the following dates for FCGC meetings in 2026.
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February 2, March 2, April 13, May 4, June 6, July 20
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No meetings in August and January
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September 14, October 5, November 2, December 7
Where
We meet at The Falls Church, an Episcopal Congregation
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115 East Fairfax Street, Falls Church
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Park in the lot on Broad Street or along East Fairfax Street.
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From the parking lot off Broad Street
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Follow the pathway and stairs down to the left around the building.
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Enter the pair of doors on your right.
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The meeting room is on your left.
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From East Fairfax Street:
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Walk toward the building.
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Enter the closest pair of doors.
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The meeting room is on your left.
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Upcoming Meeting
April 13th, 2026
October 5th, 2026
Members begin gathering at 6:30 to 7:00 pm to socialize. The program begins at 7:30 pm.
In Person meeting with speaker
Topic: Chasing the Bloom in the Southern Appalachians
Speaker: Donald W. Hyatt, Retired Fairfax County Teacher, Botanical Illustrator, and Nurseryman
Have you ever hiked along the Appalachian Trail when the wildflowers are in bloom? For nearly three decades, Don Hyatt has been studying the flora of the Southern Appalachians, focusing on our nation’s many native azalea species, rhododendrons, and companion plants found in this area. In his multimedia presentation, Don will share not only his life-long love of native plants that started when he was only 3 years old, but also his appreciation for the scenic places where these treasures often grow. Expect Don to comment on problems caused by climate change as well as an update on the damage to the region caused by Hurricane Helene that struck the Southern Appalachians in September of 2024.
Don Hyatt is a retired computer science teacher whose students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology had the distinction of winning a million-dollar supercomputer for their school in 1988. For many years, Don maintained a small nursery business on the side where he specialized in rare rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants. He has been actively involved in many horticultural causes, especially the protection of native azalea stands in the Southern Appalachians. He has received the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals from the American Rhododendron Society and the Distinguished Service Award from the Azalea Society of America. He is also an accomplished botanical illustrator.
Past Events
July 20th, 2026
Designing Woodland Gardens
Speaker - Louis Ratchford, Merrifield Plant and Design Specialist
May 4th, 2026
April 13th, 2026
Gardens Without Borders: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Gardening at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Speaker - Steve Conoway, PhD, Director of Horticulture, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
GardenTool Maintenance
Speaker - John and Dona Hardi, Retired Government Employee, Retired Elementary School Teacher, and Avid Gardeners
March 2nd, 2026
February 2, 2026
Masonry and Stormwater Management: The Unsung Heroes in Your Garden
Speaker - Paige Conrad, Owner and Designer and Michele Osinski, Designer, both at Bright Shade Gardens, Alexandria VA
Speaker - Annemarie Nagle is a Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostician at Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories in Charlotte, NC
What's Troubling Your Trees?
Speaker - Annemarie Nagle is a Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostician at Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories in Charlotte, NC
December 16th, 2025
Lunch at Hill Crest in The Plains
Lunch followed by browsing the holiday market at Oak Spring in Upperville.
November 3, 2025
Garden Art and a Touch of Whimsy
Speaker - Donald W. Hyatt, Retired Teacher from Fairfax County Public Schools, Botanical Illustrator, and Nurseryman
October 16th, 2025
Green Spring Garden Afternoon Tea
Garden tour featuring the history of Green Springs while viewing the demonstration gardens. The tour was followed by a traditional British afternoon tea inside the Historic House.
October 6th, 2025
Managing Invasive Plants in Your Home Garden
Speaker - Amy Crumpton, Extension Master Gardener and Virginia Master Naturalist
September 8th, 2025
Garden Design Tips to Make Your Garden Look and Function Better
Speaker- Merrifield Garden Center Designer
September 6th, 2025
Plant Swap
FCGC members met at Roberts Park in Falls Church, 510 Lynn Place.
They brought plants from their gardens and packed lunches. Everyone went home with at least one new plant!
June 14th, 2025
Annual Plant Sale
Due to construction at the Falls Church Community Center, the plant sale, typically held on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend was held on Father's Day weekend. Members of the public browsed tables filled with plants from the gardens of Falls Church Garden Club members.
June 2nd, 2025
Tips for Attracting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects to Your Garden
Speaker - Ann M. Mason, Fairfax County Certified Master Gardener and Retired Science Policy Professional
May 5th, 2025
Gardening As We Age
Speaker - Mark Dwyer, Garden Manager of the Hospital and Health Services Healing Garden at Edgerton Hospital in Wisconsin. He is also a frequent contributor to publications such as Fine Gardening magazine.
April 27th, 2025
Virginia Historic Garden Week
FCGC members carpooled to Virginia Hunt Country fand toured three historic properties: Ellerslie, Benton, and The Pond House. The tours were followed by lunch outside at a nearby eatery.
