events & workshops archive

Begin your Mother’s Day by experiencing a customized meditation for mom. This meditation will truly honor the greatest love of all.

It will be guided by Tammy Geric—Reiki Master-Teacher and Ordained Minister and Spiritual Healer—who will first guide you through a relaxation exercise designed to help release fear and anxiety and then continue the meditation to help handle stressful situations with joy and love.

This is a meditation to specifically honor the energy of being a Mom. Please feel free to bring your Mom or daughter.

You will also receive a special gift to keep with you and reinforce the energy infused through this meditation.

Also, please feel free to bring your own Zafu, pillow and/or blanket. Dress comfortably and bring your own bottle of water.

***Class size will be limited so please register.

We look forward to starting this very special day with you!
Namaste

Join us for a healthy dose of wellness experiences! Browse, learn and experience a variety of displays and offerings from our community's best practitioners. Bring mom for a wonderful day leading up to your Mother's Day celebration!

• Enjoy a free mini yoga class (20 minutes) with the yoga instructors from Sacred Om Yoga Studio.

• Melt away stress with a chair massage and/or discover the energy of crystals with Tammy Geric.

• Experience sandtray therapy and “play” in the sand to work through unconscious feelings with Susan Estomin, LCSW.

• Satisfy your inner hunger with delicious HEALTHY treats from Sunshine Kate’s.

• Experience the healing energy of Reiki, with Reiki Master, Ann Mort

• Meet Ariana D'Agostino creator of Olivia Rose Skin Care and discover her 100% plant-based and up to 95% organic products.

• De-stress with a lavender hand massage using nature’s best products by Sonoma Lavender.

• Explore ways to meet your individual nutrition goals, make permanent lifestyle changes, and improve overall health through Heidi Schulz's and Frances Bleuet's The Food Pharmacy offering education, nutritional counseling, and wellness programming.

• Discover Frances Bleuet's book "EveryBODY can Heal", a personal story of her own daughter's journey through a cancer diagnosis, using healthy, life-saving nutrition as a supportive therapy.

Stay well!

We're dazzled by this year’s assortment of unique and even outrageous annuals for containers! They're simply awesome.

Calgo horticulturalist Kelly will guide you through designing and planting a container. You'll choose the flowers and plants that work to make your idea a season long spectacle. Use old favorites and cutting edge cultivars from the fabulous assortment of plants that will be available for purchase.

Class includes instructions, potting soil and 10 inch clay pot.

Check back for details!

Everybody gather 'round the tulip tree where today's Official Earth Day Storyteller Kelly will read from The Earth Book by Todd Parr.

Healthy refreshments will be served.

• Share Earth's Bounty: *Your voluntary donation (in any amount) will go to Farmers Against Hunger. A $1 donation will fund 10 pounds of FRESH PRODUCE for our neighbors in need. (www.njagsociety.org)

Let us introduce you to our talented, knowledgeable staffers. Have a question in their area of expertise? Just ask for:

• Karen / Vegetable Gardening / Cut Flower Gardens

• Kelly about Perennial Gardens, Cut Flower Gardens, Container Gardens

•Drew about Landscaping

• Mark about Landscaping

• Miguel or Gene about Pavers

• Share Earth's Bounty: Your voluntary donation (in any amount) will go to Farmers Against Hunger. A $1 donation will fund 10 pounds of FRESH PRODUCE for our neighbors in need. (www.njagsociety.org)

Everybody gather 'round the tulip tree where today's Official Earth Day Storyteller Pat will read from The Earth Book by Todd Parr.

Healthy refreshments will be served.

• Share Earth's Bounty: *Your voluntary donation (in any amount) will go to Farmers Against Hunger. A $1 donation will fund 10 pounds of FRESH PRODUCE for our neighbors in need. (www.njagsociety.org)

Lets celebrate the Earth's Birthday Saturday AND Sunday, 11am to 3pm. There will be a world of activity at Calgo throughout the weekend for children and adults. Here's an overview, but be sure to check the listings below for individual workshops and opportunities. Join us both days—appreciate nature and learn ways to protect our environment.

• Share Earth's Bounty: *Your voluntary donation (in any amount) will go to Farmers Against Hunger. A $1 donation will fund 10 pounds of FRESH PRODUCE for our neighbors in need. (www.njagsociety.org)

• Meet Calgo's Garden Specialists. Our talented staff will answer your questions about vegetable, perennial and container gardening; cut flowers and, of course, landscaping. See each day to see the who and the what!

• Children's Yoga!!

• Earthy, fun, take home craft projects for kids.

• Story time for kids—Earth day related tales.

Let us introduce you to our talented, knowledgeable staffers. Have a question in their area of expertise? Just ask for:

• Karen about Vegetable Gardening or Cut Flower Gardens

• Pat about Flowers and Container Gardening

• Jean about Flowers and Container Gardening

• David about Landscaping and Perennial Gardens

•Mark about Landscaping

• Miguel or Gene about Pavers

• Share Earth's Bounty: *Your voluntary donation (in any amount) will go to Farmers Against Hunger. A $1 donation will fund 10 pounds of FRESH PRODUCE for our neighbors in need. (www.njagsociety.org)

Have unprecedented access to our extraordinary landscape and design team. We're at your service to talk about your Spring landscaping dreams with a complimentary consultation and on-the-spot ideas that will transform the beauty and enjoyment of your home. Bring pictures to share with us.

Calgo Gardens has an established reputation for excellence—creating signature landscapes since 1950. Imaginative, harmonious with nature, meticulously installed, and rooted in our knowledge of native plants and horticulture—it's ”Nature, but better!”

Proud Announcement: Calgo Gardens’ mastery of hardscape design…walkways, driveways, patios, terraces, walls, steps and lighting…has earned us a feature in Techo-Bloc Magazine!! Techo-Bloc is North America's premier manufacturer of landscape and masonry paving stones. A free copy of the magazine is yours today only—a must-see, it will inspire you!

Robin Elizabeth will offer individual, spiritual tarot card readings. Robin is an experienced psychic, bringing clarity to her private clients. She has read at corporate, charitable and home-based events, and can be heard every other week on WJRZ. Her clients describe her as gifted, loving, and highly intuitive. "Life can be a joyous experience when we are on the path; hard and complicated when we stray. Many of us need signposts to bring harmony, meaning, hope and joy back into our lives. Tarot and Medicine cards are the tools I use to assist you on your journey."

TO REGISTER: Please CALL Calgo at (732) 919-7770 to book your reading. Sessions are limited and will be scheduled at 15 minute intervals—call now…slots will go fast! You will pay Robin directly at your reading.

Newbies: Recycle your broken chair giving it new purpose and life. You supply your old chair (with seat removed)—we supply a wonderful assortment of greens and seasonal decorations, and all other materials to complete this project.

Autumn Chair Refreshers: Welcome back to “Green Up” your blooming chair with seasonally appropriate fresh aromatic greens and berries.

We're celebrating the holidays!…And you're the honored guests! It's Open House in the shop and farmhouse to have some Calgo style fun..that means food, wine and of course, our valued friends and customers!

Bonus! We'll be hosting a trunk show featuring the beautiful jewelry of Israeli artist Ayala Bar. There will be an amazing assortment of her jewelry including limited edition pieces. (Jewelry is the gift that always fits!)

Visit, nosh and leisurely wander through our happy, sparkling gift shop and the Holiday Farmhouse—where we've had an artistic epiphany creating a holiday, wonderland of rooms full of holiday decor, ornaments and gift items displayed in a warm, homey atmosphere.

The guest list is unlimited—Bring some friends!

What could be a better personal touch to the holiday than this traditional symbol hand-made by you! We will guide you through designing and producing your own hand-tied natural wreath, incorporating beautiful and aromatic seasonal elements including fresh greens, twigs, berries and ribbons. When the compliments flow, you can say…I made it at Calgo!

Holi-frazzled? Calgo is offering a respite this holiday season…the gift of yoga. Try a free gentle yoga class led by Dee Duncan, RYT. What could re-energize you more than a bit of renewal in this beautiful setting? Bring your mat and wear comfortable clothes.

There's no cost, but please register so we have a count! Thank you!

Robin Elizabeth will be at Calgo offering individual, spiritual tarot card readings. Robin is an experienced psychic, bringing clarity to her private clients. She has read at corporate, charitable and home-based events, and can be heard every other week on WJRZ. Her clients describe her as gifted, loving, and highly intuitive. "Life can be a joyous experience when we are on the path; hard and complicated when we stray. Many of us need signposts to bring harmony, meaning, hope and joy back into our lives. Tarot and Medicine cards are the tools I use to assist you on your journey."

TO REGISTER: Please CALL Calgo at (732) 919-7770 to book your reading. Sessions are limited and will be scheduled at 15 minute intervals—call now…slots will go fast! You will pay Robin directly at your reading.

…and for spirits of a different sort, Calgo has engaged the services of Wine Brokers Unlimited, a new on-line wine distributor for our first ever wine-tasting in the Farmhouse. See the next event/workshop above.

Explore the "spirit" world with one or both of these intriguing events!

We've had some interest in a Sunday session for this workshop. If we get a minimum of 8 people registered—it's a go! Register now! We'll notify you if it isn't going to happen.

Janice Shields is back, by popular demand, for a second time this season! She will be sharing her artistry and guidance to help you build your own individual obelisk. Each workshop participant will construct an obelisk using native eastern woods. Pre-cut materials and connecting hardware will be provided.

Step into Calgo Gardens and create your own fanciful flower stepping stone. An assortment of colorful glass, tile and china pieces will be available. Feel free to bring your own pieces and memorabilia to add your personalized touch. This project takes two days to complete.
Day 1—Saturday, October 15 • 11am…Set the Tiles
Day 2…Sunday, October 16 • 11am…Grout the Project

Facilitated by Dr. Brooks Susman, Rabbi of Congregation Kol Am.

The first in a series of lunch time community “learning/sharing” opportunities at Calgo Gardens to discuss timely issues, philosophies, dilemmas, books and more.

This week's topic: “Since I know I am right, then you must be wrong” We will consider the challenges and choices we face in modern times. How do we choose in a century of options? This discussion will examine considerations and values we take for granted.

Part of this first meeting, will include participants deciding how to continue the series, including frequency of the meetings, topics, lunch, etc.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, this workshop is postponed until the Spring. Keep checking our listings for new workshops!

Don and Karen Bonica, of Toms River Avian Care and Wildlife Bird Rehabilitation, will share their years of experience backyard birding.

They will discuss the types of birds we live among and the correct bird feeders and seeds that will best attract your favorite birds. They will also talk about particular shrubs, trees and water features that serve to supply food and shelter from larger birds of prey.

Please bring your questions comments and even pictures that you may want to share.

BONUS! Don and Karen are hoping to release a wildlife bird that has completed the rehabilitation process for all of us to watch and admire!!!
 

Join Calgo Gardens and Personal Chef ~ Heidi Schulz for an
evening of creating, tasting, sipping, and laughing.

Create your own herb infused oils and vinegars while sampling savory tapas and sipping sangria.

$25.00 cost includes instructions, sangria and tapas appetizers

Fee includes oil bottle, sangria, and appetizers

Read the book (see below) at home before this event. Then join us to play games involving questions about the book(s) you read and earn movie tickets! (the tickets are generic)

9:30 am
Young readers: 
       Mr. Popper’s Penguins  by Richard Atwater &
      Judy Moody’s Not a Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald
10:00 am
Advanced readers:
      The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Refreshments will be served! Please help us plan by registering asap. Thank you!

This event is brought to you and conducted by The Kumon Center of Howell, happily offering free reading events for children in the local community. Reading is not only a fun activity, it also helps build vocabulary, reduces stress and improves analytical thinking.

Join us for a garden tea party in the enchanting Calgo "potting shed". We will discuss the book* and enjoy other fun activities. Come in Alice in Wonderland costume if you would like! Refreshments served.

*Please read beforehand:
Grade 2 and lower: picture book/children’s version
Grade 5 and lower: abridged version
Grade 6 and higher: unabridged version

Please help us plan by registering asap. Thank you!

This event is brought to you and conducted by The Kumon Center of Howell, happily offering free reading events for children in the local community. Reading is not only a fun activity, it also helps build vocabulary, reduces stress and improves analytical thinking.

Observe these magical creatures in your own yard! You will create a floral habitat made to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

We have a wonderful assortment of pots to purchase or bring your own. Fee includes flowers, soil and instruction. (fee based on filling a 16" pot)

Challenge yourself and enjoy the scenery. Take part in a 30-mile bike ride through the Town and Horse Farms of Colts Neck. Meet at Calgo Gardens by 11am. After the ride, be our guest in Calgo's Farmhouse for fabulous food prepared by personal chef Heidi Schulz!

Please help us be prepared with supplies and food by registering as early as possible—now would be good!

We have added this Sunday session to accommodate the popularity of this workshop. A minimum of six paid registrants is needed for this Sunday session.

Janice Shields, rustic furniture artist & owner of Cut It Out, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Janice is back for a 9th year sharing her artistry and guidance to help you build your individual rustic bench. Each workshop participant will construct a bench using native eastern woods. Precut materials and connecting hardware will be provided.

This class is designed for all skill levels. It is hard work, but you will love your creation. Janice, through her business Cut It Out, designs and builds sculptural furniture for home & garden. She teaches workshops all over the Northeast.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

Back by Popular Demand!

led by Mark Estomin and Urbano Cortez of Calgo Gardens

This is an instructional how-to workshop outlining the skills and steps to build a one-of-a-kind fountain out of a pot! Pots and creative planting bring a myriad of colors and textures to your surroundings.

(Calgo Gardens just happens to have fabulous assortment of pots!!!!)

presented by Kevin Minton, representative from Techo- Bloc Pavers and our Talented Paver Crew, Miguel Ramos and Gene Hock.

Pavers and other forms of hardscaping have become an integral part of most landscape designs. Picking the color and design of your pavers is always exciting and fun, but just as importantly they must be installed correctly to endure so that you can appreciate them for years to come. We will use the patio we are building at Calgo as an example to discuss the details of proper installation techniques.

Kevin will be displaying all the new paver options available from Tech-Bloc.

with artist, Pat Eisemann.

Both a creative and practical, the functional art of basket weaving has been around since the beginning of civilization. We will use a twining weave to create a basket using commercial basket reed and a stripe of natural material. You will choose from a variety of collected materials such as honeysuckle, red osier dogwood, cat briar and bittersweet vine.

Weave a spring basket as the birds are weaving their nests.

Registration required.

presented by Mark Estomin • Landscape designer and owner of Calgo Gardens

The main goal of landscape design is to create a space that pleases your senses and still fulfills its intended function. No matter what size the property, there are specific techniques that can be used to capture the essence of your project. Mark will talk about combining the color and texture of natural materials and incorporating architectural elements to create a space that reflects your style and meets your needs.

Bring questions and pictures!

No holiday is complete without a traditional kissing ball. Spend an evening with us at Calgo and create your own! We will be working with fresh boxwood, pine, cranberries and beautiful ribbon.

A celebration of our first holiday season in Howell! The only way we at Calgo know how to celebrate...food, wine and of course, our valued friends and customers! We'll be hostessing a trunk show featuring the beautiful jewelry of Israeli artist Ayala Bar. There will be an amazing assortment of her jewelry including limited edition pieces!
Leisurely wander through our sparkling gift shop, our warm, cozy greenhouse and our amazing new farmhouse while enjoying the delicious appetizers freshly prepared by Heidi Schulz, personal chef. Open until 8pm!

Artist Marcie Falconetti, from "Oh My Gourd" will instruct this beginner level gourd crafting class. Participants will create a gourd bird feeder to take home and enjoy.

Combine your love of the outdoors with your appreciation for art at this very popular event. This year, Calgo Gardens’ annual happy gathering of very talented artists graces the grounds of our spacious new location. Oil, watercolor and acrylic painters, jewelers, sculptors, potters, photographers and illustrators, and others with unique creative ways of expression, will populate the Calgo Gardens landscape showcasing their accomplished work. 

Also find Mother Nature’s art—lively, lush container gardens, colorful mums & other fall plants.
 
Artists—address inquiries to Dee at 732-919-7770, or through our contact page.

Kelly Austin, Calgo Gardens' horticulturist
 
Deer are usually unwanted guests in your landscape and gardens. By planting wisely you can decrease the chances of deer stopping by. We will supply the ceramic pot, soil and an artistic and colorful assortment of perennials (and a few annuals) that are deer resistant. You will plant a container garden to be enjoyed by invited guests only!

Kelly Austin, Calgo Gardens' horticulturalist
 
Recycle your broken chair! Give it new purpose and life.You supply your old chair (if you do not have one we will find one for you). We will supply wire, coco mat and flowers. You will create a “Blooming Chair” that will give you enjoyment all season!

Kelly Austin, Calgo Gardens' horticulturalist
 
Our annual living wreath workshop is back. You will create your own Culinary Herbal Wreath including oregano, rosemary, mint, thyme and sweet alyssum. This beautiful project will spice up your life! Join us for this fun filled morning.

*Space is limited….Please register early!