On Feb. 11, under the aegis of the Adult School in a sold-out class, our president and noted designer Fran Ackerly, assisted by photographer (and noted designer) Barbara Baletti, demonstrated the step-by-step procedure to create a lovely American Traditional Galentine’s Day design with carnations, mums, veronica and ferns. The class carefully followed Fran's expert instructions and enjoyed every moment ― as was evident as they proudly and carefully carried their creations out of the Library doors.    See the beautiful results.

Workshop Chair Karen Fricke (l) and presenter Dani Scannella Soil preparation doesn't seem like the funniest topic for a workshop, but nine of us met in the club room on Feb. 20 for a hilarious workshop with Dani Scannella, our January program speaker, and owner of The Backyard Gardener . With a dizzying array of her kitchen mixing bowls, spatulas, spackling tools, toothpicks, cell trays and other bizarre instruments, Dani demonstrated how to create a enormous batch of what looked amazingly  like chocolate brownie mix! She then showed exactly how to transform this dirt into vegetable gold. We all became fans of "soil blocking" which eliminates the need for plastic pots, reduces the amount of space required, and benefits the plants by air pruning the seedlings as they grow, creating stronger, healthier root systems. There was also time for us to join in a seed swap: people brought seeds, and Dani supplied us with little envelopes to take home along with new ideas as well as the realization that winter really will end one of these days. Dani provided the following handouts to remind us of what she covered in the workshop. One thing to note is that the soil blocking document only shows the recipe for the soil mix. You can just use the Vermont Compost Company Ft. Vee Mix  instead, and follow the rest of the instructions from there.  Seed Starting Supplies Soil Blocking Procedures

Our January competetion was postponed to February due to a snowstorm, but the creations were as beautiful as ever. As usual, firsts are pictured next to the list, and all the others are shown in the slideshow, below. Flower Design Advanced Plus 1st - Fran Ackerly 2nd - Sarah Stransky 3rd - Cynthia Corhan-Aitken HM - Barbara Baletti Due to the number of entries, Advanced was divided into two sections. Advanced Section 1 1st - Olga Bequillard 2nd - Cheryl Slutzky 3rd - Michele Tomasik HM - Susan Benner Advanced Section 2 1st - Karen Fricke 2nd - Sarah Olson 90+ 3rd - Celia Radek HM - Susan Brady HM - Susan Straten Novice 1st - Lisa Schweitzer 2nd - Sue Young 3rd - Clare Kuch Provisional Sonali (Tasha) Sekhri Botanical Arts ARTISTIC CRAFTS - Getting Ready for Valentine's Day: A Decorated Purse 1st: Michele Tomasik 2nd 90+: Jacoba Coes PHOTOGRAPHY 1st - Olga Bequillard 2nd - Sheila Oakes 3rd - Michele Tomasik HM - Barbara Baletti HM - Marilyn Zaret

The Garden Club of Montclair is dedicated to sharing knowledge and practice of conservation, horticulture, and the artistic use of plant material. We beautify the Township of Montclair and sponsor and support projects in the schools of our town. And, not least, we foster fellowship and friendship through our work and our social activities. The Garden Club of Montclair proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary. See the list of planned events throughout the year. In the News Click here to see ALL "In the News" posts Galentine's Day 2026 1 day ago Suburban Farmers 1 day ago January (February) Competition Results Feb 6 Backyard Kitchen Garden Feb 6 Update on our Youth Committee Jan 31 Creating Art from Pressed and Dried Plants Jan 18

Garden Club of Montclair Awards See also national and state awards . Competition Awards The Elsie Bristol Novice Award The President's Trophy for Flower Design, Intermediate The Garden Club Award for Flower Design, Advanced The Elsie Bristol Flower Design Award, Advanced Plus The Elsie Bristol Flower Award, Advanced II The President's Award for Horticulture Botanical Arts Division Award Merit Awards The Kay Maclane Van Deusen Rose Award The Amy Hatrak Herb Award The Barbara Meyer Rose Culture Award The Estelle Leibrecht Horticulture Award Special Recognition Awards The Till Beatty Allis Award The Bauer Horticulture Award The Louise D. Mann Award Special Tributes Bloomies Standard Flower Show Awards The Betty B. Merriam Silver Bowl The Barbara Slockbower Schaeberle Award National Council of Accredited Flower Show Judges Master Gardeners The Elsie Bristol Novice Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy awarded to the member of Novice Level who, during the year, achieved the highest score, including the winning of one blue ribbon. Date Recipient 2025 Kathy Bachmann 2024 Karen Fricke 2020 Ginny Demoreuille 2019 Cheryl Slutsky 2018 Michele Reiter 2017 Susan Benner 2016 Fran Ackerly 2015 Tessie Thomas 2014 Lorrie Weeks 2013 Lillian Rockwood 2012 Elizabeth Saylor 2011 Susan Dumont 2009 Darlene Sneden 2008 Ginger Finder 2007 Fran Weedfald 2006 Nina Rue 2005 Michele Quinn 2004 Gratia Pellicotti, Celia Radek 2003 Muriel D. Smith 2002 Terri Petti 2001 Debbie Moran 2000 May Ann Renn 1999 Kathy Quinn 1998 Patrice Sommerhalter 1997 Kathy Long 1996 Barbara W. Meyer 1995 Nadiya Clark 1994 Heidi Muschick 1993 Mary Heyman 1992 Lynda Henderson 1991 Rita Berkowitz 1990 Dolores Kelly 1989 Mrs. Peter Green 1988 Ms. John Cannell 1987 Mrs. Martin McKerrow Back to list of awards Date Recipient 2025 Karen Fricke 2024 Cheryl Slutzky 2023 Sarah Olson 2019 Susan Straten 2018 Barbara Baletti 2017 Michele Tomasik 2016 Lillian Rockwood 2015 Lorrie Weeks 2014 Liz Saylor 2013 Susan Dumont 2012 Kathleen McCoy 2011 Fran Liscio 2010 Terri Breen 2009 Michele Quinn 2008 Nina Rue 2007 Trish Hill 2006 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2005 Celia Radek 2004 Muriel Smith, Lori Beitler 2003 Cathie Trider, Pat Russell 2002 Lucy Schneider 2001 Florence Leyssène 2000 Kathy Quinn 1999 Patti Riccardelli 1998 Dorothy Sachs 1997 Joan Crowther 1996 Nadiya Clark 1995 Heidi Muschick 1994 Ann Ferguson 1993 Lynda Henderson 1992 Brigitte Padberg 1991 Pat Green 1990 Chris Cowles 1989 Mrs. B. Leonardson, Mrs. M. McKerrow 1988 Mrs. Douglas F. Price 1987 Mrs. Carl Menk Back to list of awards The Garden Club Award for Flower Design, Advanced A silver plate awarded to the member of Advanced Level who received the highest number of points in a year, including two blue ribbons. Note: Prior to 2019, this award was made at the Advanced 1 Level. Year Recipient 2025 Barbara Baletti 2024 Floss O'Sullivan 2023 Barbara Baletti 2020 Fran Ackerly 2019 Michele Tomasik 2018 Fran Ackerly 2017 Sarah Stransky 2014 Fran Liscio 2011 Cynthia Corham-Aitken 2010 Celia Radek 2009 Cynthia Corham-Aitken 2008 Dolores Kelly, Lucy Schneider 2007 Florence Leyssène 2006 Firth Fabend 2005 Debbie Moran 2004 Debbie Moran 2003 Dolores Kelly 2002 Joan Crowther 1995 Sue Swick 1994 Sue Swick 1993 Mary McGeown 1990 Mary McGeown 1989 Mary McGeown 1988 Kathy Parse Back to list of awards The Elsie Bristol Flower Design Award, Advanced Plus A competetive award for those who have twice won the Garden Club Award for Flower Design, Advanced.. Year Recipient 2025 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2024 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken Back to list of awards The Elsie Bristol Flower Award, Advanced II This award, a silver plate perpetual trophy, was retired in June 2018 when the Advanced I and Advanced II levels were combined to become the Advanced Level. The members listed below achieved the highest score, including the winning of one blue ribbon. Year Recipient 2018 Michele Tomasik 2017 Lillian Rockwood 2016 Liz Saylor 2015 Liz Saylor 2014 Sarah Stransky 2013 Fran Liscio 2012 Michele Quinn 2011 Darlene Sneden 2010 Betty Ann Cannell, Pat Green 2008 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2007 Celia Radek 2006 Lori Beitler, Celia Radek 2005 Lori Beitler 2004 Firth Fabend 2003 Debbie Moran 2002 Florence Leyssène 2001 Dolores Kelly 2000 Chris Cowles 1999 Joan Crowther 1998 Lynda Henderson 1997 Chris Cowles 1996 Chris Cowles 1995 Chris Cowles 1994 Chris Cowles 1993 Susie Price 1992 Susie Price 1991 Connie Young 1990 Betty Menk 1989 Mrs. Roger Young 1988 Mrs. H. Hawkey, Mrs. C. Molitor 1987 Mrs. Theodore P. Swick Back to list of awards The President's Award for Horticulture A silver plate perpetual trophy awarded to the member who, during the year, achieved the highest score, including the winning of one blue ribbon in the Club's Horticultural Competitions. Year Recipient 2025 Denise Silverman 2024 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2023 Sarah Olson 2020 Denise Silverman 2019 Michele Trevenen 2018 Karen Whitehaus 2017 Susan Straten 2016 Fran Wong 2015 Susan Straten 2014 Fran Liscio 2013 Michele Trevenen 2012 Cynthia Corhan-Aiken 2011 Kristin Krongard 2010 Debbie Moran 2009 Kristin Krongard 2008 Cynthia Corhan-Aiken 2007 Debbie Moran 2006 Debbie Moran 2005 Gratia Pelliciotti 2004 Gratia Pelliciotti 2002 Terry Petti 2001 Lori Beitler 2000 Lynda Henderson 1999 Ellen Meriney 1998 Susie Price 1997 Barbara Meyer 1996 Barbara Meyer 1995 Heidi Muschick 1994 Barbara Meyer 1993 Peg Kaveny 1992 Peg Kaveny 1991 Susie Price 1990 Barbara Meyer 1989 Mrs. Douglas F. Price 1988 Mrs. Douglas F. Price 1987 Mrs. Douglas F. Price Back to list of awards The Botanical Arts Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy is awarded to the Garden Club member who, during the year, achieved the highest total score for participation in Botanical Arts competitions of any type, including the winning of one blue ribbon. The four types include Botanical Arts Horticulture, Botanical Arts Design, Botanical Arts Artistic Crafts, and Photography. Year Recipient 2025 Karen Fricke 2024 Karen Fricke 2023 Floss O'Sullivan Back to list of awards The Kay Maclane Van Deusen Rose Award A silver vase perpetual trophy, given in her memory by her family, awarded to the Garden Club member who, in a Competition scheduled by the Flower Design Committee, best perpetuates the love and use of roses in artistic design. The winner will be chosen by a panel of five members composed of the President, the Awards Chair, and three others appointed by the President. The presentation of this award takes place at the annual meeting. Year Recipient 2025 Cheryl Slutzky 2024 Fran Ackerly 2023 Fran Ackerly 2020 Sarah J. Olson 2019 Denise Silverman 2018 Fran Ackerly 2017 Cynthia Corhan-Aiken 2016 Celia Radek 2012 Elizabeth Saylor 2014 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2013 Susan Dumont 2012 Elizabeth Saylor 2011 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2010 Celia Radek 2009 Darlene Sneden 2008 Ginger Finder 2007 Firth Fabend 2006 Nina Rue 2005 Debbie Moran 2004 Dolores Kelly 2003 Mary Ann Renn 2002 Lucy Schneider 2001 Lynda Henderson 2000 Mary Ann Renn 1999 Kathy Quinn 1998 Kathy Long 1997 Barbara Meyer 1996 Patti Riccardelli 1995 Susie Price 1994 Chris Cowles 1993 Mary McGeown 1992 Mary McGeown 1991 Sue Swick 1990 Barbara Etherington Back to list of awards The Amy Hatrak Herb Award A silver tray perpetual trophy, given in her honor by her family, in recognition of her accomplishments in the field of herbs. To be given to the Garden Club member who, during the September or October Competition, best exemplifies and demonstrates the growing of herbs, for use and for delight, including aromatic, culinary, medicinal herbs, and scented geraniums. To be judged by a panel composed of the President, the Awards Chair, and three others appointed by the President. The Award is announced upon the judges’ decision and the trophy presented at the Annual Meeting in May. Year Recipient 2025 Karen Fricke 2024 Celia Radek 2023 Denise Silverman 2020 Denise Silverman 2019 Nancy Loo 2018 Jamie Chase 2017 Susan Straten 2016 Susan Straten 2015 Elaine Conti 2014 Karen Whitehaus 2013 Elaine Conti 2012 Elaine Conti Back to list of awards The Barbara Meyer Rose Culture Award A perpetual trophy recognizing excellence in rose culture may be awarded to the member of the Garden Club of Montclair whose single rose specimen, grown by the exhibitor, received the highest-scoring blue ribbon in a Club Horticulture Competition, Horticulture Specialty, Standard Flower or Small Standard Flower Show. Year Recipient 2025 Barbara Meyer 2024 Deborah Hirsch 2023 Denise Silverman 2019 Susan Straten 2018 Barbara Meyer Back to list of awards The Estelle Leibrecht Horticulture Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy awarded by the Horticulture Committee to the member who receives the blue ribbon for the Club project, to be judged at a fall or spring horticultural show, a Standard Flower Show, or a Small Standard Flower Show. Year Recipient 2025 Celia Radek 2024 Celia Radek 2023 Debbie Moran 2022 Denise Silverman 2017 Fran Wong 2015 Luce Battsek 2014 Fran Liscio 2008 Nancy Sweetser 2005 Gratia Pelliciotti 2004 Lori Beitler 2003 Maeve Clemens 2002 Ann Liedtka 2001 Debbie Moran 2000 Bonni Babson 1998 Rita Hochwalt 1998 Nancy Berman 1997 Barbara Meyer 1996 Sarah Stransky 1995 Heidi Muschick 1994 Nancy Berman 1993 Pat Green 1992 Barbara Meyer 1991 Jamie Chase 1990 Barbara Meyer 1989 Mrs. David K. Meriney 1987 Mrs. William F. Treene 1986 Mrs. Frank P. Marano 1985 Mrs. J. Lloyd Berrall 1982 Mrs. L. Anthony Fisher 1980 Mrs. Edward R. Eberle Back to list of awards The Till Beatty Allis Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy given in honor by her family, to be awarded by the Awards Committee to a member who has made an outstanding contribution in the area of Flower Design and Flower Design education. Year Recipient 2025 Debbie Moran, Florence Leyssène 2024 Deborah Moran 2023 Fran Ackerly 2022 Floss O'Sullivan 2021 Florence Leyssène 2019 Brenda Bingham 2018 Florence Leyssène 2017 Sarah Stransky 2015 Cynthia Corham-Aiken 2009 Debbie Moran 2008 Brenda Bingham 2007 Florence Leyssène 2006 Mary McGeown 2005 Margaret Kenrick 2004 Joan Crowther 2003 Ruth Lincoln Back to list of awards The Bauer Horticulture Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy given by the late Mrs. John Bauer may be awarded each year at the Annual Meeting for major achievement in Horticulture. The winner is chosen by decision of the Awards Committee. Individual members may make application for this award. Year Recipient 2025 Heidi Muschick 2024 Karen Whitehaus 2023 Maureen Sprong 2021 Debbie Moran 2020 Maureen Sprong 2018 Michele Trevenen 2017 Jacklyn Kling 2016 Karen Whitehaus 2014 Jaimie Chase 2010 Kristin Krongard 2009 Celia Radek 2008 Barbara Meyer 2007 Lucy Schneider 2006 Laurel Ness 2005 Lori Beitler 2004 Gratia Pelliciotti 2002 Heidi Muschick 2001 Renee Cohen 2000 Dale Birkett 1999 Margo Walter 1998 Helen Geyer 1997 Kathy Parsons 1996 Brenda Bingham 1995 Helen Breen 1994 Jamie Chase 1993 Peg Dodd 1992 Peg Kaveny 1991 Barbara Meyer 1990 Mrs. Douglas F. Price 1989 Mrs. A. Graham Ness 1988 Mrs. John T. Wooster 1987 Mrs. John H. Smith Back to list of awards The Louise D. Mann Award A silver tray perpetual trophy, given in her memory by her family, to be awarded to a member of The Garden Club of Montclair when merited, in recognition of her vision and significant accomplishments in a field that advances Garden Club objectives. The winner is chosen by the Awards Committee. Year Recipient 2025 Sarah Olson 2024 Sue Young 2023 Deborah Hirsch 2022 Sarah J. Olson 2021 Floss O'Sullivan 2020 Claire Stepleton 2019 Gretchen Prater 2018 Celia Radek, Sarah Stransky 2017 Florence Leyssène 2016 Brenda Bingham 2015 Kate Khachaturian 2014 Debbie Moran 2012 Sarah Stransky 2011 Florence Leyssene 2010 Brenda Bingham 2009 Margaret Kenrick 2008 Joan Crowther 2007 Helen Breen 2006 Bonni Babson 2005 Peg Dodd 2004 Barbara Etherington 2003 Barbara Meyer 2002 Amy Hatrak 2001 Sue Swick 2000 Brenda Bingham 1999 Chris Cowles 1998 Susie Price 1996 Aubin Ames 1995 Connie Young 1994 Peg Pendelton 1992 Julie Wilson 1991 Sarita Oliphant 1990 Till Allis 1988 Mrs. Walter J. Hunziker Jr. 1986 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Dallery 1985 Mrs. Ann Rogerson 1983 Mrs. John T. Wooster 1980 Mrs. J. Lloyd Berrall Back to list of awards The Betty B. Merriam Silver Bowl This perpetual trophy silver bowl may be awarded at a Standard Flower Show or Small Standard Flower Show for any decorative use of plant material having distinctive beauty. Only members of the Garden Club of Montclair are eligible for this trophy, which shall remain in the Garden Club Room. A special panel of judges shall be invited to make the award. A small version of the award shall be presented to the winner. Names of the winners are inscribed on a wall plaque in the Garden Club Room.
 Year Recipient 2023 Debbie Moran 2018 Janice Benton, Jamie Chase, Deborah Hirsch, Debbie Moran 2009 Jamie Chase, Margaret Kenrick, Florence Leyssène 2009 Debbie Moran 2006 Brenda Bingham 2004 Joan Crowther 1995 Barbara Meyer 1994 Brenda Bingham 1993 Brenda Bingham 1992 Mary McGeown 1991 Rita Berkowitz 1990 Gladys Hunziker Back to list of awards The Barbara Slockbower Schaeberle Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy given in her memory by her family, to be awarded at a Standard Flower Show or Small Standard Flower Show to the member of the Garden Club of Montclair who wins the Designer's choice Award. Year Recipient 2023 Tova Narrett 2018 Barbara Baletti 2006 Debbie Moran 2004 Joan Crowther 2000 Brenda Bingham 1998 Joan Crowther 1996 Brenda Bingham 1993 Brenda Bingham 1990 Mary McGeown 1986 Mary McGeown Back to list of awards Special Tributes Year Recipient 2011 Helen Steinbrueck, Karen Whitehaus 2025 Karen DeLuca 2023 Susan Benner, Marilyn & Peter Zaret 2022 Sue Young 2021 Cynthia Corhan-Aiken, Sandy Sorkin, Karen Whitehaus, Fran Wong 2020 Sarah J. Olson, Floss O'Sullivan 2019 Larry Whitehaus, Marilyn Zaret 2018 The Montclair Foundation's Van Vleck House & Gardens 2016 Rene Cohen 2015 Firth Fabend, Gretchen Prater, Lorrie Weeks 2014 Maryetta Bartlett, Nancy Bartlett 2013 Sanford Sorkin, Darlene Sneden 2012 Celia Radek, Karen Whitehaus 2011 Betty Lambourn, Odile L'hertier, Lillian Rockwood 2010 Jamie Chase, Fran Liscio 2008 Connie Young 2007 Brenda Bingham, Kate Khachaturian, Janel Oscar, Pat Russell, Sarah Stransky 2006 Firth Fabend, Sue Swick, David Nial 2002 Symon Cowles 2001 Eileen Sheehan 2000 Bonni Babson 1999 Barbara Malcom 1998 Rita Hochwalt 1995 Rita Berkowitz, Elaine Conti, Betty Lamborn 1994 Sue Swick 1991 Susan Marano 1990 Betty Bell, Ruth Lincoln 1989 Kathy Parsons 1988 Mrs. David Meriney 1987 Mrs. William Breen Back to list of awards Bloomies Bloomies Award shows are famous for recognizing individual accomplishments, but what about the people in the Club who also make important contributions that we sometimes forget to celebrate? Hence the new BLOOMIES Awards. See details of the 2025 2024 winners. Year Recipients 2025 Valerie Slamka (Rookie), Tova Narrett (Pinch Hitter), Marilyn Zaret (Susan Lucci), Barbara Baletti (Trailblazer), Jacoba Coes (Comeback Kid), Karen Kadus (Comeback Kid), Ana Zalles Moore (Rising Star), Betty Murphy and Cynthia Corhan-Aitken (Visioneers), Tracy Reilly and Amy South (Shorty's). 2024 Susan Benner, Melody Brown, Bob Chapman, Cynthia Corhan-Aitken, Karen DeLuca, Karen Fricke, Barbara Meyer, Betty Murphy, Tova Narrett, Sarah Olson, Maggie Rothman, Cheryl Slutzky, Maureen Sprong, Wendy Stahl, Nancy Stroud, Pam Turre, Karen Whitehaus, Fran Wong, Susan Yu, Marilyn Zaret, Lauren Zodel. Back to list of awards Judges National Council of Accredited Flower Show Judges Master Judges: Brenda Bingham, Florence Leyssène, Mary McGeown, Debbie Moran, Heidi Muschick Master Gardeners Master Gardeners Members who have completed the Essex County Master Gardener Course and volunteer requirements for Master Gardener designation. Brenda Bingham, Jamie Chase, Jacoba Coes, Karen Fricke, Donna Wright, Back to list of awards

Church Street Gardens Church Street Gardens Committee Reports Triangle Gardens are the raised planting beds along Church Street and at the corner of Fullerton Avenue. Members and provisionals plant in the spring and maintain through the summer and fall, turning downtown Montclair into an oasis taken for granted by residents and visitors. The Business Improvement District partners with the club, supplying funds and maintenance assistance during the growing season. November 8, 2022 Ten Garden Club members, including several enthusiastic provisionals "elected" to meet and quickly plant hundreds of tulip bulbs in the Church Street Planters on Election Day morning. A huge round of applause for Jamie Chase for preparing each planter with the patterned placement of tulip bulbs so that the actual planting was a breeze! Betty Murphy, Co-Chair Summer 2021