September 2026

IN OUR GARDEN

Mark Your Calendars!

The Shell Islands Garden Club has an exciting and diverse lineup of programs planned for the 2026-27 season.  Whether your passion is digging in the dirt or nurturing plants that thrive on your porch or indoors, there is something for every type of gardener.  Mark your calendar and join us on the second Tuesday morning of each month for inspiration, learning and plenty of opportunities to grow!

Up First: October 13, 2026

Field Trip to the Food Forest at FGCU

This is a student-run garden that highlights tropical/subtropical edible species that grow well in South Florida. We’ll meet at the Food Forest at 10 a.m.  In addition to learning more about the garden, we’ll board a bus for a tour of the rest of the campus and enjoy lunch at one of the University’s dining halls. Pending class schedules, we also hope to meet the recipient of our FGCU scholarship. 

RSVP to this email by October 8. 

Directions and additional information will be sent upon your reply. Car pools can be arranged.

Dues Are Due!

If you have not yet paid your 2026-27 dues, you can mail your check for $35 made out to Shell Islands Garden Club to 9426 Yucca Ct, Sanibel 33957.

The Rest of the Year:

November 10, 2026 -  All about Forcing Bulbs 

December 8, 2026 - Poinsettias - their history and how to grow. Plus DIY paper versions

January 12, 2027 - Hands-on workshop on Propagating House Plants. Led by Heather Gonzalez, proprietor of Bloom School

February 9, 2027 - Annual luncheon with program by Shannon Gaffigan of Serenity on Sanibel

March 9, 2027 - Garden Tour #1  A visit to an extensive home vegetable garden on Sanibel

April 13, 2027 - Making jewelry from dried plant material. Presentation by Audrey Secrist, an award-winning floral designer

May 11, 2027 - Garden Tour #2  Horticulture and Art - an eclectic cornucopia in a Sanibel garden

Gardening Tips from Patti:

Cooler weather is coming!  It’s time to give our gardens a trim before October.  Many of our plants will remain at this trimmed stage until spring growth.  Trim by hand for a natural appearance and healthier plants.  Caladiums are winding down for the season.  Plants in the ground can remain in place.  Potted bulbs should be labeled before storage until next year. 

Be like a ladybug.  Sprinkle a little joy wherever you land.