events & workshops archive

Sorry! We're full, BUT call to get on the waiting list!

We're going to have some sweet fun tonight! Honey, cheese, fruit, wine, plant-based organic cosmetics and maybe even a hand massage.

If you haven't heard of Patty Madzin and "From the Garden", you'll be introduced tonight! From the Garden has over 200 hives that produce raw LOCAL honey. They are honey experts. Patty will "bee" at this gathering offering a honey tasting and sharing her knowledge of the health benefits of bee pollen. She and amazing personal Chef Heidi Schulz will collaborate on recipes using From the Garden's honey. And they will demonstrate how to creatively serve honey comb paired with fruit and cheese. Of course, we'll have the requisite wine!

Bonus! Ariana from Olivia Rose plant-based organic cosmetics will be here to answer questions about her fabulous cosmetics...she will be happy to treat you to a relaxing hand massage.

We will have SWEET FUN!!!!!!!
Call a friend(s) and register today! Bee here!!

We will be making rustic planters from a material called Hypertufa. Hypertufa is a very porous material, great for plant growth. These planters are lightweight (although they don't look it), easy to transport and ideal for plants that need good drainage. They have a wonderfully rustic look. No two will be alike.

*BYOG—Please bring a pair of heavy rubber gloves. We will teach you how to create your own rustic garden planter by mixing the materials (peat, cement, and and perlite) and placing them in a mold. You will take your mold home with detailed instructions: how long to dry and how to remove the mold. Every pot has potential to surprise!

An assortment of hardy succulents will be available for purchase.

It's kind of a messy workshop, but it will be fun!

Raise it to the level!

Create a lush and vibrant vertical garden using a wooden pallet as a base. Calgo will supply a mini pallet, liner and soil. Your amazing finished project can be hung either vertically or horizontally to fit where you choose.

Your instructor will give you detailed planting instruction and guidance along the way. An assortment of plants will be available for purchase.

Tools: If you have them, please bring staple gun and hammer. We'll have some tools here and we'll all share if necessary.

Take a couple of hours for yourself! Enjoy Calgo Gardens' beautiful surroundings for a few fun hours.

Personal Chef Heidi Schulz and Katie Strakosch (certified health coach and yoga instructor from the Yoga Loft at Calgo Gardens) have cooked up a great evening complete with the requisite appetizers and wine!

Project: We'll be using natural foods to make masks and scrubs from herbs, fruit & vegetables. Enjoy the evening creating, tasting, sipping and laughing.

Call a friend(s) and register today!

Create an earthy, shade-loving, fern living wreath! The beauty in this wreath is twofold: the awesome assortment of ferns you will be using, and the fact that you can enjoy it year round! For Spring and Summer months it will thrive in a shady area in your garden. For Fall and Winter bring it indoors!

Fee includes: ferns, moss, wreath frame, soil and instructions.

Rustic furniture artist Janice Shields leads a second workshop this weekend!…this time guiding you to construct a rustic wall shelf.

These wall shelves use vines, twigs and branches that result in a decorative yet practical item. Depending on the materials you choose, your shelf can end up as a graphic or an ethereal wall sculpture. Populate the shelf with antique bottles, shells, or other collectibles!

With Janice's artistic and practical guidance, your work will result in a truly one-of-a-kind item.

Pre-cut materials and connecting hardware will be provided.

Janice, through her business Cut it Out in Stockbridge, MA, designs and builds sculptural furniture for home & garden. She teaches workshops all over the Northeast.

*Space is limited…Please register early!

Take a couple of hours for yourself! Enjoy Calgo Gardens' beautiful surroundings for a few fun hours. Personal Chef Heidi Schulz has cooked up an evening of creating, tasting, sipping and laughing. Project: Create your own Herbal Lip Balm.

Call a friend(s) and register today!

Spring has arrived!

Let's celebrate by creating a beautiful centerpiece with instruction by Melanie Staniero, owner of Flowers by Melanie.

Spring back into the season with this stunning project. We will start with a gorgeous pastel basket and fill it by artfully arranging warm pastel colored flowers—lavender tulips, blue hyacinth, light pink lilies, pale yellow cala lilies—and many more varieties.

Bonus: You will receive a surprise keepsake you can enjoy for years to come!

Fee includes all tools and supplies.

Sunshine Katie leads this demo in the Calgo Gardens' farmhouse kitchen! Join us as we explore the world of gluten-free baking—it's much easier than you think!

Learn some easy tips & recipes to add a little healthy to your holiday season.The class will cover the basics of how to incorporate gluten-free grains, unrefined sweeteners and non-dairy options into your favorite dishes, AND Katie will conduct a hands-on demo of an easy and tasty holiday treat.

Enjoy samples to taste, and leave with recipes and ideas to experiment with your own holiday traditions.

RSVP at info@theyogaloftnj.com or call Katie at 732-267-6343.
Registration is required through the contact information above.

*your choice of round or square wreath frame OR we also have a limited quantity of peace sign frames for $80. if interested reserve your peace sign early!

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—such as magnolia, incense and coned cedar, noble fir, berried juniper, white pine, boxwood, pine cone, twigs, berries and ribbons.

When the compliments flow, you can say…I made it at Calgo!

We invite you to enjoy a calming day at Calgo—a day of Free opportunities to give thanks & contemplate gratitude.

We have worked together to help our neighbors during a time of trauma and tragedy, and although our work is still not done, we believe to be effective we must stop, rest, refuel and rejuvenate.

Complimentary Comfort Food from the nurturing hands & souls of chefs Heidi and Karen
•
Guided Gratitude Meditation
11:45am–12:30pm, with Tammy Geric. Tammy will guide you through a relaxation exercise designed to help release fear & anxiety and then continue the meditation to help embrace gratitude. Tammy is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Master /Teacher who has opened a private office in Calgo’s farm house**…the warm, healing environment of our newly formed wellness center.
 •
From The Yoga Loft at Calgo Gardens
Restorative Yoga 1–2pm. Restore, breathe, rejuvenate your body, mind & spirit

Self Care Rejuvenation Workshop
2:15-3pm. Connect with your inner being to keep your body and mind in a state of wellness.

———————————————————————
**BONUS: In gratitude, Tammy is offering a 20% discount on your first paid appointment with her at Calgo when you mention this posting on the website, or the recent egram from Calgo. For appointments and her services price list, contact Tammy directly at
732-535-3565 or by email at tammyg33@ymail.com.

Space is limited! Register now!

Our good friend and talented rustic furniture artist, Janice Shields will be making the trek from her studio in Stockbridge, MA to conduct two separate workshops for us—both on Saturday November 3.

At 10:00 a.m. Janice will employ her artistry and guidance to help each workshop participant construct an obelisk using native eastern woods.

At 11:00 a.m. she will do the same for those signed up to build a rustic Planterbox with Trellis Back.***

Pre-cut materials and connecting hardware will be provided.These classes are designed for all skill levels. It’s hard work, but you will love your creation.

The design of these obelisks and planters make them unique for your garden, AND, you can also string some lights on them for fall and winter decorating!

***Please note we will need at least 10 people in each workshop or it may be canceled. Space is limited so please register asap.

Start the day with a 9:30 am bike ride!

Meet up at Calgo and ride through beautiful Colts Neck, taking in the view of some great farms and gorgeous Autumn scenery.

Follow-up with our same day craft beer tasting, music and food at our CalgoFest. See next listing.

Introduce autumn to your door, porch or patio by creating one of these lush and colorful wreaths. We'll gather a few simple elements—moss, cabbage, kale, violas— and aesthetically arrange them on a living wreath form. It's easy!

This wreath will beautifully transition your home and will thrive through the first frost. Instruction and materials included.

*your choice of round or square wreath frame OR we also have a limited quantity of peace sign frames for $80. if interested reserve your peace sign early!

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—such as magnolia, incense and coned cedar, noble fir, berried juniper, white pine and boxwood, pine cones, twigs, berries and ribbons. When the compliments flow, you can say…I made it at Calgo!

What better place to learn the art of flower arranging than in the beautiful surroundings of Calgo Gardens?

We are so fortunate and excited to have Melanie Staniero, owner of Flowers by Melanie*, here to share from her repertoire of techniques, acquired through her 38 years in the floral design industry.

All tools and flowers will be supplied
BYOV: bring your own vase—8 to 9” tall with a 4” opening
Class size limited

Unscented lilies, orchids, gerbera daisies, snapdragons, iris, delphinium, stock and filler greens are some of the inspiring, stunning beauties you will be working with.

* Learn more about Melanie in "Resources."

September 9th is National Grandparents Day…be prepared with a one-of-a-kind a precious keepsake. We're offering this workshop two times to make sure you can make it!

We'll guide you through the process to make a stepping stone with a foot print or hand print as its focal point. We provide the materials. You provide the foot or hand—i.e. you need to bring a little body! we have some mosaic tiles you can decorate with, and feel free to bring any of your own meaningful trinkets!

Registration is required!

Succulents are a natural choice for vertical gardening. They have shallow root systems and low water requirements. With their rich hues and texture they make a perfect focal point for a picture frame. 

In this workshop, we will guide you through constructing the box and frame base, and in planting your vertical garden. This is a semi-challenging, but basically easy project—especially with Calgo's expert (and patient) instructors.

Hang your vertical garden on an outside wall (a porch, poolside, barn door) and this unique creation will become an instant conversation piece! And you made it yourself!

Fee includes: Assorted hardy sedums, hens and chicks, and reclaimed wood materials for frame. Tools: Once you register, we will email you more details including a few common tools you will need. We ask that you bring what you can…and we'll all share what shows up. Thank you!

Enjoy a summer evening at Calgo Gardens.

Personal Chef Heidi Schulz of The Food Pharmacy* has prepared some of her absolutely delicious, healthy and elegant appetizers which, of course, we will talk about and taste! And, she will graciously share her recipes!

Heidi will also lead our workshop on making your own natural facial and body scrubs!

Accompanied by wine and Penny's famous Sangria, it will be an evening of creating, tasting, sipping, and laughing. Bring friends!

* Heidi Schulz's and Frances Bleuet's The Food Pharmacy offers education, nutritional counseling, and wellness programming to help you meet your individual nutrition goals, make permanent lifestyle changes, and improve overall health.

Create a one-of-a-kind terrarium! Fee includes the basic planting medium (soil, charcoal & rocks), and supportive, expert instruction. Containers, plants and other embellishments can be purchased at Calgo. Choose from our selection of large, unique glass containers (starting at $59.95) OR bring your own! We also have a selection of shells, rocks, birds, nests, etc. for purchase.

Celebrate Lavendar: Saturday AND Sunday from 10-2.

Lavendar is in the mint family and produces over 39 species. It has historically gained many uses from ornamental to medicinal, culinary, beauty, cleanliness and more.

This will be a day to see lavendar in action, discovering the plant, its beauty and its uses.

In the language of flowers, lavender flowers denote purity, silence, devotion and caution.

A day for fathers, men, boys & anyone who loves beer and cars! (for the beer see the listing below!)

Awesome cool vintage cars and trucks will adorn Calgo grounds. Sponsored by the Fossils Car Club of South Jersey.

Do you have a vintage car you'd like to show? Just pull up and park—for an hour or the entire day!

The Fossils Car Club is dedicated to preserving the way of life its members enjoyed as youngsters growing up in the 50's & 60's. They are a charitable organization. All members give their time & effort to help raise funds and items that are donated to local charities and community organizations. Every dollar collected at Fossil Car Club cruise nights goes to charities. Visit their website to see fun pictures and to see where the money goes: fossilscarclub.com.

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!!!!)

6 week beginner/gentle yoga class with Dee Duncan.* (no class July 4) Learn yoga in Cago Gardens' tranquil, peaceful space surrounded by nature’s beauty.

If you have never taken a yoga class, have little experience with yoga or simply want to enjoy a gentle practice, this class is perfect for you! Drop ins welcome!

1 hour class, includes yogic breathing, meditation, asanas (yoga postures) and relaxation. Please arrive minutes before class wearing comfort exercise attire, bring a mat and a bottle of water, relax and enjoy.

***Call Calgo at 732.919.7770 to register. Payment will be made directly to Dee by cash or check due at the beginning of the 6 week cycle. (sorry no credit cards)

*Dee Duncan, RYT/Reiki II Practitioner. Learn more about Dee on our Resources page.

Rustic furniture artist Janice Shields will revisit Calgo Gardens to lead this perennially favorite workshop. With Janice's artistic and practical guidance you will build your own unique rustic garden trellis. Trellises add organic lines and give a vertical plane to your garden design.

This class is designed for all skill levels. Each workshop participant will construct a trellis using native eastern woods. Pre-cut materials and connecting hardware will be provided.

Janice, through her business Cut it Out in Stockbridge, MA, designs and builds sculptural furniture for home & garden. She teaches workshops all over the Northeast.

*Space is limited…Please register early!

We are so fortunate to have John Stella, Ornamental Horticulture Horticulturalist and Sales Representative Stella Nursery visit Calgo today. With 25 years of experience in the nursery industry (and with his own garden), he is passionate about horticulture and sharing his knowledge with you.

John will unveil some of the new, exciting roses now being introduced to the nursery and garden center world. And, he will re-acquaint you to some tried-and-true roses, along with some tips about how to get a little more out of them. As a bonus, he will explore the wonderful world of flowering shrubs.

John will share techniques you need to know to be successful with roses and flowering shrubs in your own gardens.

We know how many of you love, love, love Desert Heart Jewelry! So we decided to give you a treat and host a trunk show of artist Deborah Sparshott's Spring designs. Bring a friend(s) and introduce her (them) to Desert Heart!

These pieces have lovely color and design, and a range of materials that contribute to their unique effect, using Austrian crystal, vintage beads, semi-precious stones and beads, metal stampings, charms and chains, and freshwater pearls. Most metals feature an antique finish for a timeworn elegance. 

Desert Heart is proudly handcrafted in America by a small company of artisans producing Deborah's designs

This is a clever home construction idea offers our feathered friends a naturally insulated living environment.

Calgo's Master Gardener Extaordinare, Karen will help you create this eco-friendly project using a wide selection of succulents. We will supply the birdhouse (handmade by Urbano) and you will choose your plantings and cultivate your green roof.

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 favorites. 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!

*While this event is free, the Avian Care and Wildlife Bird Rehabilitation center welcomes donations to support their work.

Join our crafty staffers for fun crafts that will teach kids to recycle, reuse and reclaim. Join Karen Calgo's Master Gardener and seed start a "grow your own pizza garden"! Yum!

Are your kids high energy? Jean and Pat will lead a hands-on good time making flower pounded bookmarks. This spirited (and very loud) art activity, can be followed at home by some quiet book reading!

• 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)

Rain gardens are specifically designed to manage storm water runoff from rooftops, driveways, lawns, roads, and parking lots. They look like regular perennial gardens, but they are much more. During a storm, a rain garden fills with water, and the water slowly filters into the ground to recharge the aquifer where our drinking water is stored, rather than running into storm sewers which pollutes our streams and rivers.

By capturing storm water, rain gardens help to reduce non-point source pollution (i.e., road sediment/salt, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria from pet waste, eroded soil, grass clippings, litter, etc.) and help to protect local waterways. In addition, rain gardens add beauty to neighborhoods and provide wildlife habitat.

Instructed by Pat Eisenman, this workshop will give you the tools you need to turn your property into an oasis for storm water management.

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)

Join our crafty staffers for fun crafts that will teach kids to recycle, reuse and reclaim. Join Karen Calgo's Master Gardener and seed start a "grow your own pizza garden"! Yum!

Are your kids high energy? Jean and Pat will lead a hands-on good time making flower pounded bookmarks. This spirited (and very loud) art activity, can be followed at home by some quiet book reading!

• 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)

Yoga for children ages 6-11. Katie Strakosch, RYT will lead this fun children’s yoga class. Gather in Calgo's Farmhouse for this 45 minute session You will practice yoga poses and breathing exercises in a playful, upbeat 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)

Heuchera is an easy care, shade loving, long lasting plant that produces vibrantly colored leaves. A quick grower, it will entwine and fill out a wreath form for an amazing living display. Calgo's creative horticulturist Kelly, will instruct this workshop where you will create your living wreath to enjoy through spring, summer and fall!

Tammy Geric is offering private Reiki, Cranioscral Massage and other Energy Work sessions in Calgo Garden's tranquil, calming setting.

Tammy is a Reiki Master-Teacher, Ordained Minister and Spiritual Healer.

Weekday, evening and weekend sessions are offered.

***TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, call Tammy at 732-535-3565 or email her at tammyg33@ymail.com. Payment will be made directly to Tammy.

P.S. Calgo will be open Wednesday nights from 6-7:30pm.

Robin Elizabeth will be at Calgo to 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.

Robin will also offer readings on December 20th

Her last appearance at Calgo was totally booked, so she's back by popular demand! 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.

Robin will also offer readings on December 13th and December 20th

Dr. Brooks Susman, Rabbi of Congregation Kol Am facilitates another session in our series of lunch time conversations. Bring your lunch and become part of the discussion!

Topic: December celebrations of Chanukah and Christmas. What we believe, how we celebrate and what these observances mean to us and tell us about ourselves.

Dr. Susman is the rabbi of Congregation Kol Am in Freehold and an adjunct professor at Brookdale Community College.

Calgo Gardens' gift shop, The Barn, will be open before and after the program. Calgo makes a sincere effort to offer a majority of American-made and Fair Trade goods featuring functional art by our favorite artisans. Natural materials/ many recycled…Everywhere you look, you'll smile!

Have you seen our display of holiday decorated doors? We mustered our imaginations to create a wonderful array of holiday doors, which are the first face of the holidays your neighbors and guests will see!

The "Doors of Calgo" are now open on a holiday season filled with warm, woodland charm; brilliant winter whites; and fresh aromatic greens (some very unusual varities!). 

And literally, our DOORS ARE OPEN to you for questions and advice. Wander and explore the nooks and crannies of Calgo—find us as we are working, creating, decorating, making seasonal treats. We invite you to watch us, ask us questions, have a nosh…. 

Don't be shy…we're here to help you enrich your lives and homes with all the beauty, peace and harmony nature has to offer. We'll do all we can help. Welcome! you're part of the Calgo family.