Garden Club of Inverness 2026-2027 Programs

McKenzie Sweno, daughter of member Janet Sweno, is an archaeology assistant with a BA in Anthropology and an MSc in Archaeology. She has worked for various archaeological companies in the UK for 2 years and currently works for a small Cultural Resource Management company in Crystal Lake.

Archaeology is an important part of any construction project, large or small, as the federal government passed laws to protect archaeologically significant sites through the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Individual states are required to regulate archaeology at a state and local level as well, through State Historic Preservation Offices and county archaeologists. Her talk will focus on how archaeology is regulated and enforced within both federal and state policies, and what she does as an archaeology assistant on projects, including pictures of artifacts she’s found and sites worked. She will also discuss how current federal changes have put major archaeological sites at risk of development and mining, which would destroy very important indigenous cultural sites across the country. friend Nancy Stevens in Scotland. 

Established in 1959, Little City was founded by a group of parents who dreamed of a revolutionary environment for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, grow, and reach their full, unique potential. Where others saw empty farmland, these visionary families saw a Little City full of big potential.

Today, that Little City is a vital, vibrant community offering a comprehensive scope of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Homepage - Little City

Theresa Fifarek is the Director of Development at Little City. During her presentation, Theresa will provide an overview of Little City’s mission, programs, and services before highlighting the organization’s horticulture program and the meaningful role gardening plays in building vocational skills, confidence, and independence for the individuals it serves.

Fleur + Form, specializes in one-of-a-kind, high-end floral arrangements that push the boundaries of traditional design. Whether for your home, a thoughtful gift, or for an occasion, every piece is crafted with intention, artistry, and utmost care. https://Fleurandform.com

Founder and floral artist, Promiti Prosun, will go through her design process live and share trade secrets.  Offering high-end floral arrangements for businesses, home, gifting, and more, Fleur + Form design studio is redefining how we experience flowers.

Promiti has always had a deep love for flowers. After moving to Barrington three years ago, she decided to leave her corporate career in brand management and pursue her passion for floral design.

With her branding expertise, Promiti excels at translating the essence of brands through floral design. Flowers are sourced from local farms and trusted wholesalers, with each arrangement carefully crafted in her private studio.

Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, garden designer, key notes peaker, freelance writer, backyard consultant, author and shop-owner based in suburban Chicago. With 25years of experience as a professional horticulturist, land scape designer, and project manager, Amanda is dedicated to infusing fun, creativity, and humor into an industry often perceived as traditional and rule bound. She speaks at events of all sizes across the United States, inspiring audiences to embrace a more playful approach to gardening. She occasionally shows up in Fine Gardening magazine and her first book, Kiss My Aster, is getting a reboot and re-release in February 2027. Her shop, Aster Gardens located in Lemont, started its 4th year in May 2026. 

Houseplants 101 This is a presentation that will transform a gardener that says, “I can grow anything outside, but inside is a Go To Die Zone” into a believer of growing houseplants. Amanda will bring lots of plants and plant care materials to discuss. If you see some thing you like, many items will be available for purchase and Amanda will appreciate not having to lug as many things home.  

Kathi has a degree in horticulture from the University of Illinois and is a Certified Landscape Architect. As owner of Kaleidoscope of Floral Design for 31 years, she is also gifted in floral technique and design. She has a wonderful floral design presentation and is versed on any topic regarding landscape design. Kathi has taught several subjects for GCI’s Landscape Design School, Garden Studies School and has given floral presentations for many clubs. She loves to teach and her enthusiastic presentations are fun and educational.

This symposium is a combination of actual container garden designs along with their walls, to more effective uses in the landscape. Creative container construction will be discussed and demonstrated. Kathi will construct a container planting from beginning to end.

Tim is a retired avid gardener, orchardist and beekeeper. He is the past President of the Racine Kenosha Beekeepers Association, past president of Midwest fruit tree explorers, a backyard orchard society as well as a beekeeper for the last 15 years.  

Formed Hamilton Honey LLC with a focus on teaching and mentoring beekeepers along with producing honey. Currently working with a dozen beekeepers, each having 2-8 hives, helping them have success with their colonies. His personal business is selling honey and bees and has grown to over 80 hives in peak summer and produces over 3000 lbs. of honey.  Hamilton Honey LLC has 3 apiaries in Gurnee, Libertyville and Antioch. 

Heather Prince has been a part of the green industry for more than 20 years in numerous facets, from public to private gardens and retail to wholesale nurseries. She is a professional garden writer and trained horticulturist specializing in trees, shrubs, and natives with a passion for connecting people with plants

Heather will present “Big, Bold Perennials” In corporate height and drama in to your garden with big, bold, bodacious perennials. The secret to a stunning garden design is a variety of plant layers that draw the eye up, yet many gardeners shy away from plants that grow over three feet tall. Embrace tall plants and successfully incorporate them into your garden design for a full and balanced look.