Speaker Topic: Galls: Let’s Get Curiously Addicted

Galls are fascinating plant growths caused by insects, mites, fungi, and bacteria. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—and some are downright amazing! Join us as Kimberlie Sasan explores the incredible diversity of galls, shows how to identify their makers, and shares tips for spotting even undescribed species.

About the Speaker
Kimberlie Sasan, a Cross Timbers Texas Master Naturalist, is an entomology enthusiast with 35,000+ iNaturalist observations. She discovered a gall new to science, Druon laceyi, and contributes to Gallformers.org. Kimberlie also works at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and continues her passion for bluebird monitoring and Texas flora and fauna research.

Get ready for a wildly fun presentation! Our March guest speaker, Sam Kieschnick, Urban Wildlife Biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (DFW region), will present “Wild Bugs of DFW.”

Sam will introduce us to the good, the bad, and the downright quirky insects that call North Texas home. Are some of them even charming? We’ll find out—hopefully they’re cute, too!

With a background as rich and varied as the local ecosystem, Sam has served as a nature educator for the City of Mansfield’s Oliver Nature Park, a naturalist at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, a science interpreter at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and a botanist with BRIT. He also taught at Weatherford College and holds a master’s degree from Tarleton State University, where he studied the genetics of pocket gophers.

As an Urban Wildlife Biologist, Sam focuses on what he calls the three A’s: Awareness, Appreciation, and Action. His engaging, science-based approach makes learning about nature not only informative—but fun!

Don’t miss this lively and fascinating program celebrating the tiny creatures that make a big impact right here in DFW!

Speaker Topic: Rain, Runoff, and Responsibility: What Homeowners Can Do

Ever wonder where all that rainwater goes? Join us in February as we welcome speaker Hannah Smith, Environmental Services Specialist for City of Keller. Hannah will share how cities manage stormwater and why it matters for our neighborhoods, creeks, and local wildlife. You’ll also learn simple steps you can take in your own yard to keep lawns healthy, reduce runoff, and protect our ecosystem. A timely and practical talk you won’t want to miss!

Speaker: Jim Marshall, Founder of Project Bluebird

Topic: Bluebirds in Our Gardens: Building Safe and Lasting Homes

Jim Marshall of Fort Worth founded Project Bluebird in 2007 to conserve the local bluebird population by installing and monitoring nest boxes. What began with five boxes along the Trinity Trails has grown into a volunteer-supported effort across Tarrant County and beyond, with notable concentrations near Benbrook Lake, Clearfork, Keller, and Southlake. His work with the Fort Worth Audubon Society has made him a recognized leader in bluebird conservation. Jim will share the natural history of bluebirds, their ecological importance, and practical tips for building and maintaining nesting boxes to help these cherished birds thrive.

Celebrate the season with the Keller Garden Club! Our Holiday Party will be a warm and festive gathering over an informal lunch, filled with laughter, friendship, and holiday cheer. It’s the perfect time to relax, enjoy good food, and share the joy of the season with fellow members. Location will be announced—but mark your calendar and get ready for a merry afternoon together!

Speaker: Chris Geisel and Jude Dainton

Topic: Garden to Table: Herbs That Inspire Recipes

This engaging Master Gardener duo brings together gardening expertise and culinary creativity. One will introduce a variety of herbs, sharing tips for growing and caring for them, while the other—a professional chef—will demonstrate how to use these herbs to elevate everyday cooking. You’ll leave with both gardening insights and delicious recipe ideas to try at home.

Celebrate Texas Arbor Day with us in Keller, a proud Tree City USA! Join our community as we plant a beautiful desert willow near the Pollinator Garden adjacent to Keller Pointe, helping to support local wildlife and enhance our shared green spaces. Trees are vital for clean air, shade, and overall community well-being, and in Texas, Arbor Day is celebrated in November to coincide with the ideal planting season for our climate. Individuals can make a meaningful contribution to this special day by participating in the planting or supporting tree care efforts—every tree planted makes a lasting impact!

Keller: Proud Tree City USA

Keller is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community, a designation awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to cities that demonstrate a strong commitment to urban forestry. This honor reflects Keller’s dedication to maintaining a healthy and sustainable urban forest for the benefit of its residents.

To achieve and maintain Tree City USA status, Keller meets the four core standards:

1. Tree Board or Department – Keller has an active tree board that guides and supports the city’s urban forestry efforts.

2. Tree Care Ordinance – The city enforces ordinances that protect trees and promote responsible tree management.

3. Community Forestry Program with Annual Budget – Keller invests in a structured program to maintain and enhance the urban canopy.

4. Annual Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation – Each year, the mayor or city council issues a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day and the importance of trees.

This year, the Keller Garden Club will be on hand Tuesday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m. to receive the proclamation in recognition of the city’s ongoing commitment to its trees.

The celebration continues on Wednesday, November 5th at 9:30 a.m. at the Pollinator Garden behind the playground at Keller Pointe, where the Keller Garden Club and the City of Keller will plant a desert willow tree to mark Texas Arbor Day. All are invited to join in celebrating our community’s trees and the many benefits they provide.

Join us for a magical Fairy Wand Workshop, where you’ll craft your own decorative garden stake using sparkling beads and crystal toppers. Perfect for adding a whimsical, imaginative touch to your garden, flower beds, or courtyard, these wands also make delightful holiday gifts. Let your creativity shine as you design a unique piece that brings a little enchantment to any outdoor space!

The City of Keller Library, in partnership with the Keller History Museum, is hosting a special lecture and tour exploring the fascinating history of Mt. Gilead Cemetery.

The evening begins with a lecture at the Library (640 Johnson Rd, Keller, TX), followed by a guided tour of Mt. Gilead Cemetery (1351 Bancroft Rd, Keller, TX).

Since the Keller Garden Club maintains several garden beds at the cemetery, this event offers members and the community alike a chance to appreciate both the historical and natural significance of this landmark.

Come join us for an engaging and educational evening celebrating Keller’s history!

Speaker: Tia Wasik, Owner of Flowers by Tia

Topic: From Stem to Stunning: Art of Floral Arranging

Discover the art of creating beautiful floral arrangements for a variety of occasions and settings using color, texture, and design principles. Whether you’re a beginner or simply looking for fresh inspiration, this presentation, by Tia Wasik, owner of Flowers by Tia, will help you turn simple blooms into stunning centerpieces. Tia, discovered her passion for floral design while studying horticulture in Buffalo, New York. She earned a scholarship for Floriculture Merchandising at Alfred State College and finished her degree in Virginia Beach, VA while serving in the U.S. Navy. 

Speaker: Cody Maberry, Director of Community Services, City of Keller

Topic: Growing Keller: Parks and Recreation in Bloom

The City of Keller features more than 300 acres of developed park land, 11 park sites and more than 26 miles of hike and bike trails. Join us for an update from Cody Maberry, Director of Community Services, to hear about current and upcoming projects that will shape our community spaces. Learn about new park developments, enhancements to recreational facilities, and long-term plans for green spaces. This presentation will highlight how these improvements support quality of life and create opportunities for residents to connect with nature.

Join us this summer for Brews and Blooms, a casual coffee date starting at 10:00 AM, designed to keep the Keller Garden Club spirit blooming all summer long! These simple gatherings are a chance to get better acquainted, chat about local gardening questions, or just enjoy some relaxed conversation. With no formal meetings in June, July, or August, we hope Brews and Blooms helps everyone stay connected — especially our new members who are eager to grow their friendships!

Please note: The coffeehouse location for Brews and Blooms will vary each month, so keep an eye on your email for updates on where we’ll be meeting next.

Join us this summer for Brews and Blooms, a casual coffee date starting at 10:00 AM, designed to keep the Keller Garden Club spirit blooming all summer long! These simple gatherings are a chance to get better acquainted, chat about local gardening questions, or just enjoy some relaxed conversation. With no formal meetings in June, July, or August, we hope Brews and Blooms helps everyone stay connected — especially our new members who are eager to grow their friendships!

Please note: The coffeehouse location for Brews and Blooms will vary each month, so keep an eye on your email for updates on where we’ll be meeting next.

Join us this summer for Brews and Blooms, a casual coffee date starting at 10:00 AM, designed to keep the Keller Garden Club spirit blooming all summer long! These simple gatherings are a chance to get better acquainted, chat about local gardening questions, or just enjoy some relaxed conversation. With no formal meetings in June, July, or August, we hope Brews and Blooms helps everyone stay connected — especially our new members who are eager to grow their friendships!

Please note: The coffeehouse location for Brews and Blooms will vary each month, so keep an eye on your email for updates on where we’ll be meeting next.

Join us this summer for Brews and Blooms, a casual coffee date starting at 10:00 AM, designed to keep the Keller Garden Club spirit blooming all summer long! These simple gatherings are a chance to get better acquainted, chat about local gardening questions, or just enjoy some relaxed conversation. With no formal meetings in June, July, or August, we hope Brews and Blooms helps everyone stay connected — especially our new members who are eager to grow their friendships!

Please note: The coffeehouse location for Brews and Blooms will vary each month, so keep an eye on your email for updates on where we’ll be meeting next.

For May, we’ll be gathering at:
Kindred Coffee
8700 N. Tarrant Parkway, Suite 109
North Richland Hills, TX

For our final business meeting of the year, the Keller Garden Club will visit the serene escape of color and texture at the Perennial Gardens at Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Carpooling arrangements will be available. After the tour we will have lunch at the Blue Goose in University Park Village. Detailed information about times will be sent via email to membership prior to tour.