Mill Creek Towne Garden Club

Planters for Spring - Tue, April 25, 7pm ET
2023-04-25 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
7 pm – 8 pm
Provided by: Mill Creek Towne Garden Club
Location:
Mill Creek Parish United Methodist
7101 Horizon Terrace
Derwood, MD 20855
Guest Speaker: Julie Friedman

Free

Light Refreshments

Join Mill Creek Towne Garden Club on Tuesday, April 25th and learn about making “Planters for Spring” from our guest speaker, Julie Friedman, Landscape Designer.
Julie Friedman is a landscape and garden designer with Exteriors Outdoor Styling by Great American Landscapes specializing in container garden design and exterior styling. After graduating from George Washington University with a Graduate Certificate in Landscape Design in 2013, Julie founded Exteriors Landscape Design and soon after began focusing exclusively on container garden design. After a decade creating seasonal container plantings, Exteriors portfolio features ornamental perennials, colorful annuals, edibles and evergreens that are integrated and planted within beautifully designed, high quality planters. Creating beautiful first impressions using unique plants, flowers and other natural materials, Julie works closely with her clients to fulfill their vision for the space and aesthetic of their landscape. Her passion for seasonal container plantings has grown as her seasonal container work has broadened across all seasons of the year, enhancing both residential and commercial landscapes with custom container gardens. Exteriors ‘Jewel Box Collection’ uses the most vibrant plant material each season and provides immediate results in the garden, outdoor rooms and public spaces across all seasons of the year. Julie creates close relationships with clients to help each of them individually discover and refine their personal outdoor aesthetic preferences resulting in beautiful outdoor rooms that are decorated with planters, furniture and decor. One of Julie’s projects have recently been awarded the Association of Professional Landscape Designers 2022 gold medal for Specialty Projects and she is regularly asked to collaborate for newsletters, magazine articles, social media and digital industry publications.
RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org
Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.
This event is FREE. Donations of $10 or whatever you can afford are appreciated. Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.
NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

Private Gardens of the Potomac and Chesapeake
2023-10-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
7 pm – 8 pm
Guest Speaker: Claudia Kousoulas
Provided by: Mill Creek Towne Garden Club
Location:
Mill Creek Parish United Methodist
7101 Horizon Terrace
Derwood, MD 20855

Free

Light Refreshments

Join Mill Creek Towne Garden Club on Tuesday, October 24th and learn about “Private Gardens of the Potomac and Chesapeake” from our guest speaker, Claudia Kousoulas, a freelance writer and editor whose work focuses on design, architecture, urban planning, and culinary history. She is the author of Contemporary Architecture in Washington, DC; Bread & Beauty: A Year in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve; and A Culinary History of Montgomery County, Maryland. She lives in Washington, DC.

Book Summary:

Embark on a captivating journey spanning the vast expanse from the vibrant Washington, DC, Metro Area to the serene Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Delve into the enchanting realm of 15 exquisite gardens, carefully crafted by renowned designers, as they unveil the captivating landscape style of the Capital region.
The book includes urban, suburban, and estate gardens, from the DC to the Eastern Shore. And while it’s fun to get a peek into these private Edens, the book also includes good information about design, plant materials, and sustainability.

RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org

Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.

THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.

NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

Getting Ready for Spring
2024-03-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Provided by: Mill Creek Towne Garden Club
Location:
Mill Creek Parish United Methodist
7101 Horizon Terrace
Derwood, MD 20855

Free
Light Refreshments

Join us for a gardening presentation with Betsy Kingery, a master gardener with the Montgomery County Master Gardener Program.
This talk addresses getting ready for the Spring landscape gardening season. You will learn what to do at the end of Winter and early Spring and how to plan for later in the year. There is an overview on climate conscious gardening and diverse planting with native and non-native/non-invasive plants.
Please be advised that all Montgomery County Master Gardener talks are the property of the University of Maryland Extension, and that recording of the talks is not permitted.
RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org
Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.
NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

FREE Native Tree & Shrub Giveaway - Fri, April 12, 2024
2024-04-12 16:00 - 18:00 | C. Randall’s Home, 7617 Warbler Lane, Derwood, MD, 20855, United States
Friday, April 12, 2024, 4-6pm
Pick Up Location: 7617 Warbler Lane, Derwood, MD 20855
The Mill Creek Towne Garden Club is pleased to offer FREE native trees and shrubs provided to us by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
We are giving away 100 native trees and shrubs starting at 4pm and ending at 6pm on Friday, April 12, 2024. First come, first serve.
For questions, please use the contact form below. Thank you!
Mill Creek Towne Garden Club - Free Native Tree & Shrub Giveaway Name:*FirstLast Phone* E-mail:* Message:This event is Free. Event dates/times are subject to change. Notifications will be sent to registered attendees if events need to be rescheduled. Donations to the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club are appreciated. For details on how to donate, please visit our Donations Page. reCAPTCHASubmitReset
Trees/Shrubs:

Pin Oak
Serviceberry
Redbud
River Birch
Hazelnut
Black Cherry
Indigo Bush
Silky Dogwood
American Sycamore

The trees and shrubs will be available for pick up at 7617 Warbler Lane, Derwood, MD 20855. Please limit your selection to two plants per household. If you want more than two, please provide your name and contact information so we can contact you. The trees come bareroot – they need to be planted as soon as possible and you will need to provide deer protection unless they are inside a fenced area that the deer do not frequent. Please bring damp newspaper to wrap the roots up until they are ready for planting.
For more detailed guidance on planting and caring for bare root trees visit: https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Documents/Planting-Guide-Brochure.pdf
Dealing with deer…Deer management and Tree cages: Watch for the presence of deer. Use repellents during installations and cage ALL trees and shrubs to prevent deer browsing and rubbing. I cannot emphasize this enough – cage immediately upon planting to avoid catastrophe! For guidance on caging see this handy guide: https://mywoodlot.com/images/supporting_information/installing_tree_cages.pdfDeer fencing material: I have had excellent success using Tenax brand deer fencing. This material is UV stable and sturdier than the usual flimsy mesh typically available at Home Depot and Lowes. The flimsy stuff will tear more easily and I have repeatedly found snakes stuck in this mesh. To avoid the snake problem and for a sturdy product, be sure to purchase Tenax with 1-¾” by 2” mesh size. Zip ties work well to secure the Tenax to a stake and to itself.
Donations
These plants are free to the public, but we do welcome donations to the Club to help us continue to beautify our neighborhood and provide quality programming. To donate and consider joining the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club, please visit:
Donate Today!
Resources

Planting Guide Installing Tree Cages

Pin Oak
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris): Growing up to 80 feet tall, the Pin Oak is a majestic addition to any landscape. Its deeply lobed leaves turn a fiery red in fall, while its tolerance for various soil conditions makes it an adaptable choice.
Photo Credit: Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 2.5

Serviceberry
Eastern Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis): This charming small tree, reaching heights of 15-25 feet, is a showstopper in spring with delicate white flowers. Edible berries follow in summer, attracting a variety of birds and pollinators, making it a favorite for wildlife gardens.
Photo Credit: Walter Siegmund, CC BY-SA 3.0

Eastern Redbud
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): A fast-growing delight, the Eastern Redbud bursts with vibrant pink blossoms in early spring before its heart-shaped leaves unfurl. This 20-30 foot tall tree is a guaranteed conversation starter and adds a pop of color to any yard.
Photo Credit: Downspec, CC BY-SA 4.0

River Birch
River Birch (Betula nigra): This fast-growing favorite can reach heights of 70-100 feet. Its most striking feature is the cinnamon-colored bark that peels in papery layers, adding year-round interest. Thriving in moist areas and tolerating occasional flooding, it’s a perfect choice for wetter landscapes.
Photo Credit: By Jgwil2 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89413687

American Hazelnut
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana): A shade-tolerant understory hero, the American Hazelnut grows 8-15 feet tall. Not only does it provide delicious nuts for wildlife and people in fall, but its contorted branches add a unique charm to your yard.
By Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78618200

Black Cherry
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina): Reaching heights of 60-80 feet, the Black Cherry is a haven for pollinators. Fragrant white flowers erupt in spring, followed by clusters of dark, sweet cherries enjoyed by birds and people alike. This fast-growing tree offers both beauty and delicious treats.
Katrin Schneider, korina.info – CC-BY-SA-4.0, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Indigo Bush
Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa): This low-maintenance gem grows 8-12 feet tall. A true pollinator magnet, it explodes with vibrant indigo flower spikes in summer, adding a burst of color and attracting butterflies. Easy to care for, the indigo bush offers season-long visual interest.
Photo Credit: Аимаина хикари, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Silky Dogwood
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum): A delicate shade-lover, the Silky Dogwood reaches 6-8 feet tall. Clusters of white flowers grace the branches in spring, followed by attractive red berries in fall. Its reddish stems add a touch of winter beauty, making it a captivating addition to shady areas.
Photo Credit: Douglas Goldman, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

American Sycamore
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): A true giant of the forest, the American Sycamore can reach heights of 100-130 feet. Providing ample shade with its massive leaves, it’s a perfect choice for large landscapes. The distinctive bark adds a dramatic touch, making it a statement tree for any yard.
Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Resources

Planting Guide Installing Tree Cages

Friday, April 19th Mill Creek Extreme Cleanup
2024-04-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Mill Creek Towne Local Park, 17401 Shady Grove Rd, Derwood, MD, 20855, United States
Please join the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club, Rock Creek Conservancy, and Montgomery Parks for our 2024 EXTREME CLEANUP of Mill Creek Stream on Friday, April 19, 2024 for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Trash is the visible form of stormwater pollution, a major threat to water quality and park health and its removal makes the parklands cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for all. Event location, directions, and information will be sent prior to the event. This annual event is a watershed-wide cleanup movement with the goal of total trash removal throughout Rock Creek, its tributaries, and surrounding neighborhoods and parklands. Information is included in this link:

https://www.rockcreekconservancy.org/extreme-cleanup

We will update you the week of April 14, 2024 with instruction and locations of where you can pick up supplies and leave your trash. It’s a campaign clean up event, so go with your children, family or friends, pick out a point in the creek area where you can pick up trash, and spend as much time as you want. Every little bit helps.

We hope you’ll join us!

Registration required. See below for registration link for this event.

Fri_19Apr_Mill Creek Extreme Clean Up 2024 Registration

Mill Creek Stream Extreme Clean Up
2024-04-20 09:00 - 11:00 | MD
Please join the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club, Rock Creek Conservancy, and Montgomery Parks for our 2024 EXTREME CLEANUP of Mill Creek Stream on Saturday, April 20, 2024 for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Trash is the visible form of stormwater pollution, a major threat to water quality and park health and its removal makes the parklands cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for all. Event location, directions, and information will be sent prior to the event. This annual event is a watershed-wide cleanup movement with the goal of total trash removal throughout Rock Creek, its tributaries, and surrounding neighborhoods and parklands. Information is included in this link:

https://www.rockcreekconservancy.org/extreme-cleanup

We will update you the week of April 14, 2024 with instruction and locations of where you can pick up supplies and leave your trash. It’s a campaign clean up event, so go with your children, family or friends, pick out a point in the creek area where you can pick up trash, and spend as much time as you want. Every little bit helps.

We hope you’ll join us!

Registration required. See below for registration link for this event.

Mill Creek Extreme Clean Up 2024 Registration

Easy to Grow Houseplants
2024-04-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Provided by: Mill Creek Towne Garden Club
Location:
Mill Creek Parish United Methodist
7101 Horizon Terrace
Derwood, MD 20855

Free
Light Refreshments

Join us for a gardening presentation on “Easy to Grow Houseplants” with Bonita Condon, a master gardener with the Montgomery County Master Gardener Program.

This demo/talk discusses some common house plants with information on the tools required; the selection of plants, locations, and containers; the maintenance and propagation of your plants; and common pests and diseases.
Please be advised that all Montgomery County Master Gardener talks are the property of the University of Maryland Extension, and that recording of the talks is not permitted.

Bonita’s Bio:

Bonita became a Master Gardener in 2014 after retiring from the National Institutes of Health. She is an avid vegetable gardener, loves perennials, and combats non-native invasive species in our parks and grasslands. Her special interests include working with individuals with mobility limitations, raised garden beds, and tools that accommodate special needs. She is a certified Weed Warrior, and an advisor on the Town of Kensington GreenScape committee.
RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org

Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.

THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.

NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

Mill Creek Towne Garden Club Plant & Yard Sale
2024-04-27 08:00 - 12:00 | 17805 Vinyard Lane, 17805 Vinyard Lane, Derwood, MD, 20855, United States
Saturday
April 27, 2024
8:00AM – 12:00PM
17805 Vinyard Lane
Derwood, MD 20855
Come and check out our amazing selection of plants and yard sale items including:

Plants and Seedlings
Potting Containers/Vases
Notecards
Kitchen play set for kids, toys
Assorted household items
and more!

Please help support the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club by participating in our Spring Plant & Yard Sale. Proceeds from sales and donations will help defray the costs for landscaping and maintenance of Mill Creek Towne’s main entrances and garden-related educational programs for the Derwood community! Thank you for all your help and contributions!
About the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club

Established in 1968, the objective of the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club is to stimulate and increase knowledge and interest in all facets of gardening among amateurs, establish an active community beautification program and to encourage civic beautification, and foster group activities for the benefit of the members and the community. The garden club also landscapes and maintains the Mill Creek Towne entrances and common areas.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Program
2024-10-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
Join us for a presentation on Montgomery County’s Recycling Program with guest speaker Barbara Fonseca, a program specialist in Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection Recycling and Resource Management Division. In this presentation, we will learn about the latest information and programs aimed to reduce waste in our county.
We invite you to join us and learn more about this program and hopefully be inspired to help make our county a little more GREEN!

FREE
Light Refreshments provided

RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org
Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.
NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

Make a Spectacle in the Garden!
2025-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
Join us for a special presentation on how to “Make a Spectacle in the Garden”, by guest speaker, Marie Rojas, Master Gardener on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 7pm.

FREE
Light Refreshments provided

Learn about the best natives, newest nativars, and guilt-free non-natives for our region that will add spice and interest to your garden. Marie will also touch on basic plant healthcare to help you grow a garden that will thrive without a lot of ongoing maintenance from you.
Marie Rojas has been providing Integrated Pest Management services for homeowners, nursery growers and property managers through her company, Borders and Butterflies, for nearly 30 years. She serves on several green industry boards, including the Professional Grounds Management Society D.C. Branch, the Environmental Program Advisory Committee for Montgomery County Public Schools, and the University of Maryland Montgomery County Extension Advisory Committee. Marie has been a Montgomery County Master Gardener since 1994. She also keeps bees and heritage chickens with her husband on their historic 92-acre farm in the Agricultural Reserve of Montgomery County.
RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org
Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.
NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

Mill Creek Extreme Clean Up - Saturday, April 19
2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | MD
Please join the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club, Rock Creek Conservancy, and Montgomery Parks for our 2025 EXTREME CLEANUP of Mill Creek Stream on Saturday, April 19, 2025 for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Trash is the visible form of stormwater pollution, a major threat to water quality and park health and its removal makes the parklands cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for all. Event location, directions, and information will be sent prior to the event. This annual event is a watershed-wide cleanup movement with the goal of total trash removal throughout Rock Creek, its tributaries, and surrounding neighborhoods and parklands. Information is included in this link:

https://www.rockcreekconservancy.org/extreme-cleanup

We will update you the week of April 13, 2025 with instruction and locations of where you can pick up supplies and leave your trash. It’s a campaign clean up event, so go with your children, family or friends, pick out a point in the creek area where you can pick up trash, and spend as much time as you want. Every little bit helps.

We hope you’ll join us!

Registration required. See below for registration link for this event.

Sign Up for Mill Creek Stream Cleanup

Mill Creek Towne Garden Club Plant & Yard Sale - Sat May 3
2025-05-03 08:00 - 12:00 | 17805 Vinyard Lane, 17805 Vinyard Lane, Derwood, MD, 20855, United States
YARD SALE HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY, MAY 3
Saturday
May 3, 2025
8:00AM – 12:00PM
17805 Vinyard Lane
Derwood, MD 20855
Come and check out our amazing selection of plants and yard sale items including:

Plants and Seedlings
Potting Containers/Vases
Kitchen play set for kids, toys
Assorted household items
and more!

Please help support the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club by participating in our Spring Plant & Yard Sale. Proceeds from sales and donations will help defray the costs for landscaping and maintenance of Mill Creek Towne’s main entrances and garden-related educational programs for the Derwood community! Thank you for all your help and contributions!
About the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club
Established in 1968, the objective of the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club is to stimulate and increase knowledge and interest in all facets of gardening among amateurs, establish an active community beautification program and encourage civic beautification, and foster group activities for the benefit of the members and the community. The garden club also landscapes and maintains the Mill Creek Towne entrances and common areas.

Introduction to the World of Herbs
2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
October 28, 2025
7pm
Mill Creek Parish United Methodist
7101 Horizon Terrace
Derwood, MD 20855
Join us for a special presentation on an “Introduction to the World of Herbs”, by guest speaker, Pat Kenny, Master Gardener on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 7pm.

FREE
Light Refreshments provided

Learn about the care, maintenance, and uses of the different types of herbs, a popular and interesting aspect of gardening.
Pat’s Bio
A Master Gardener for over 25 years, Pat is a well known speaker on the topic of herbs. She has been a member of the Herb Society of America for 40+ years and a medical and biological illustrator at NIH for 30 years. Pat was also the caretaker of the National Library of Medicine Herb Garden at NIH. Over several decades, she has taught about herbs and herbcraft for the USDA Graduate School – Evening Programs, the Montgomery County Recreation Department, and the University of Maryland – Extension Master Gardener Program. She adds more herbs to her vegetable garden every year!
RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org
Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.
NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

All About Chiles
2026-02-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
7pm
Mill Creek Parish United Methodist
7101 Horizon Terrace
Derwood, MD 20855
Join us for a special presentation on an “All About Chiles”, by guest speaker, Betty Cichy, Master Gardener on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7pm.

FREE
Light Refreshments provided

Master Gardener Betty Cichy will cover topics in this talk related to how to choose, grow, cook, preserve and enjoy hot peppers and Chiles. Learn about how to garden and take care of your Chiles, hot peppers, and how to incorporate them into your cooking.
Betty Cichy Bio:
A master gardener since 2020, Betty Cichy was a reporter and features writer for the Bucks County Courier Times and the Doylestown Intelligencer newspapers in Pennsylvania for 20 years, eventually serving as Food Editor. She also covered gardening for the papers, and became a Master Gardener after retirement. She has had home vegetable gardens for most of her life, and those gardens have always included chile peppers – a special interest. She now writes a column, “The Seasonal Kitchen,” for The Seed, the monthly newsletter of the Montgomery County Master Gardener organization.
RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org
Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.
NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

Why You Need to Add Water to Your Garden
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
7pm
Mill Creek Parish United Methodist
7101 Horizon Terrace
Derwood, MD 20855
Join us for a special presentation on an “Why You Need to Add Water to Your Garden”, by guest speaker, Mike Coan, Oasis Water Gardens, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7pm.

FREE
Light Refreshments provided

Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about plants, color, and structure in our gardens — but water is often the piece that’s missing.
In this talk, we take a practical look at what water actually brings to a garden. Not just how it looks, but how it changes the way a space feels and how people use it every day.
We’ll talk about why ponds and waterfalls naturally become focal points, how they create movement and sound, and why so many people find themselves drawn to sit near water without even realizing it.
We’ll also spend time on the ecological side of things. Even small water features can make a big difference for birds, pollinators, frogs, and other local wildlife. Adding water often turns a garden into a living, active ecosystem rather than something that’s just nice to look at.
We’ll wrap up by walking through the core principles behind building a water feature, starting with small, simple waterfalls and then showing how those same ideas carry through to larger ponds and more complex designs. The goal is to help people understand how water features work at a fundamental level and to demystify some of the questions we hear all the time.
RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org
Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.
NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.

FREE Native Tree & Shrub Giveaway - Sunday, March 29
2026-03-29 15:30 - 17:30 | MD
The Mill Creek Towne Garden Club is pleased to offer our community FREE native trees and shrubs!!!!
Sunday, March 29th
3:30 pm-5:30 pm
7617 Warbler Ln, Derwood, MD 20855
First come first serve, limit 4 plants per household. The trees and shrubs come bareroot – they need to be planted as soon as possible, and you will need to provide deer protection unless they are inside a fenced area that the deer do not frequent. Please use some damp newspaper to wrap the roots up until they are ready for planting.
Deer management and Tree cages: Watch for the presence of deer. Use repellents during installations and cage ALL trees and shrubs to prevent deer browsing and rubbing. Cage immediately upon planting to avoid catastrophe! For guidance on caging see this handy guide: https://mywoodlot.com/images/supporting_information/installing_tree_cages.pdf
Deer fencing material: Tenax brand deer fencing is recommended. This material is UV stable and sturdier than the usual flimsy mesh typically available at Home Depot and Lowes. The flimsy stuff will tear more easily and is know to ensnare and kill both birds and snakes. To avoid the bird and snake problem and for a sturdy product, be sure to purchase Tenax with 1-¾” by 2” mesh size. Zip ties work well to secure the Tenax to a stake and to itself.
For more detailed guidance on planting and caring for bare root trees and shrubs visit: https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Documents/Planting-Guide-Brochure.pdf
These plants are free to the public, but we do welcome donations to the Club to help us continue to beautify our neighborhood and provide quality programming. To donate please visit www.mctgardenclub.org/donations/ and consider joining the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club!
Donate Today!
2026 Mill Creek Towne Garden Club Tree Giveaway Species List

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
A shrub or small tree that tolerates shade, pawpaw produces a fruit that is readily eaten by wildlife and humans. It has a height 15 to 30 feet, a spread of 15 to 30 feet, and prefers full sun to part shade and moist fertile soils. Often spreads by root suckers to form colonies or thickets.

American hazelnut (Corylus americana)
This fast growing, nut producing, multi-stemmed shrub can reach heights of 8 to 15 feet with a spread usually slightly greater than the height. Hazelnut prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained loamy soil. Fruit matures in September, is edible, and benefits turkey, deer and other wildlife. This Maryland native displays a copper-red color in the fall.

American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
This native shrub quickly grows 5 to 8 feet tall and almost as wide with drooping branches. It prefers moist well drained soils and will tolerate light shade, but is intolerant of deep shade. Clusters of purple berries that form on the stems in the fall are an important food source for more than forty species of songbirds.

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
A deciduous shrub that grows only on wet sites, buttonbush is usually 3 to 12 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 8 feet. The seed is consumed by small birds and ducks. Buttonbush must be planted at the water’s edge. Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Mill Creek Extreme Cleanup, Saturday, April 18
2026-04-18 09:00 - 12:00 | MD
Please join the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club, Rock Creek Conservancy, and Montgomery Parks for our 2026 EXTREME CLEANUP of Mill Creek Stream on Saturday, April 18, 2026 for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Trash is the visible form of stormwater pollution, a major threat to water quality and park health and its removal makes the parklands cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for all. Event location, directions, and information will be sent prior to the event. This annual event is a watershed-wide cleanup movement with the goal of total trash removal throughout Rock Creek, its tributaries, and surrounding neighborhoods and parklands. Information is included in this link:

https://www.rockcreekconservancy.org/extreme-cleanup

Additional information will be sent from the event leader one business day before the event. It’s a campaign clean up event, so go with your family or friends, pick out a point in the creek area where you can pick up trash, and spend as much time as you want. Every little bit helps.

We hope you’ll join us!

Registration required. See below for registration link for this event.

Mill Creek Stream Cleanup Registration

Mill Creek Towne Garden Club Plant & Yard Sale - Sat. April 25
2026-04-25 08:00 - 12:00 | 17805 Vinyard Lane, 17805 Vinyard Lane, Derwood, MD, 20855, United States
8:00AM – 12:00PM
17805 Vinyard Lane
Derwood, MD 20855
Come and check out our amazing selection of plants and yard sale items including:

Plants and Seedlings
Potting Containers/Vases
Kitchen play set for kids, toys
Assorted household items
and more!

Please help support the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club by participating in our Spring Plant & Yard Sale. Proceeds from sales and donations will help defray the costs for landscaping and maintenance of Mill Creek Towne’s main entrances and garden-related educational programs for the Derwood community! Thank you for all your help and contributions!
About the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club
Established in 1968, the objective of the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club is to stimulate and increase knowledge and interest in all facets of gardening among amateurs, establish an active community beautification program and encourage civic beautification, and foster group activities for the benefit of the members and the community. The garden club also landscapes and maintains the Mill Creek Towne entrances and common areas.

Get the Biggest Bang for Your Sweat with Smart Garden Practices
2026-10-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Mill Creek Parish United Methodist, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood, MD, 20855
Monday, October 26
7:00 pm
Mill Creek Parish United Methodist Church
7101 Horizon Terrace
Derwood, MD 20855
Guest Speaker: Meipo Martin, Master Gardener
Join us for a special presentation on an “Get the Biggest Bang for Your Sweat with Smart Garden Practices”, by guest speaker, Meipo Martin, Master Gardener on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7pm.

FREE
Light Refreshments provided

Ever wonder why your garden is not looking its best despite all the effort and resources you have poured in? Maybe it is time to rethink the way you garden. Come learn better ways to improve your soil, suppress weed, help your plants grow stronger and healthier with less water, less garden products and, most importantly, less work!
Meipo Martin bio:
Meipo Martin was born in Hong Kong, where she started growing houseplants and herbs on the apartment windowsill. In 1998, she moved to the United States. In her new garden, her love for plants came into full bloom and she became a Montgomery County Master Gardener in 2015. Meipo believes gardening should be accessible to all, and it does not have to be expensive or hard. To share her knowledge, Meipo gives a variety of presentations on gardening methods for the master gardener organization. When she is not gardening, Meipo is a wife, an Aikido instructor, a woodcarver, a blogger and a sewist.
RSVP: info@mctgardenclub.org
Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Donations pay for landscaping, repair and maintenance of the Mill Creek Towne Entrances, and our garden-related programs at our community meetings.
NOTE: If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Garden Club meeting will be cancelled.
