In another of a season of fascinating Workshops this season, 22 Members braved the sub-freezing weather to manipulate dried leaves and flowers into their own interpretations of a hovering hummingbird.   Presenter Karen Fricke provided her expertise in this art as well as pressed leaves, petals, pine needles, grape vines, and an array of brushes, swabs, toothpicks, tweezers, textured paper, and special glue. The results were ready to take flight! What a great way to spend a dreary winter morning. See Karen's handout from the session , including instructions and patterns.   Botanical Arts is the newest addition to our competition schedule. Check out the challenges our Chairs have dreamed up for the rest of this year. aaa

Fellowship, Education, Beautification ― our Annual Awards Brunch illustrated each one. On May 22, the majority of our Members ― old and new ― met together at the Glen Ridge Golf Club to celebrate the 99th year of our thriving organization. While we shared a delicious lunch and many conversations, we watched our Members receive awards from the prestigious Louise D. Mann silver plate to our outgoing President Sarah Olson for her extraordinary leadership to the wacko Bloomies for just about anything. Most of the photos below, were taken by Sue Yu with contributions by Floss O'Sullivan, Amy Poster, and Sue Young. See the following: our Awards page listing every award, including this year's, going back to 1980. (Awards from earlier dates are listed in old Yearbooks .) Floss O’Sullivan’s explanation of why the committee came up with each Bloomie award . And, below, photos of .... The happy award winners The exquisite table arrangements created by our Members Our Members having a good time. Award Winners and Their Trophies Table Centerpieces Our Members

As we do every year, our Members got together on December 11 for a wonderful Holiday Tea where warm company, out-of-the-box creative flower designs, and good eats combine to bring the third of our three goals ― Fellowship ― to life. Thank you so much, Cynthia Corhan-Aitken and Murray Aitken, for opening your beautiful house to us all, once again. And who knew that Murray was such a gifted piano player, allowing the more musical among us to celebrate in song. Thanks are due, as always, to Betty Murphy and Florence Sinovsky for organizing the delicious food, and to Tova Narrett for coordinating the wildly beautiful designs throughout the house. Sue Yu, with contributions from Barb Baletti, Amy Poster, and Sue Young, captured the happiness of the occasion in the photos, below. (Click on each to enlarge.) If your design or your culinary creation or even your smiling face has been omitted, blame the editor of this post. Our goal was to include everyone, as our Club always aims to do. The Floral Arrangements The Food The People

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. IMPORTANT! Due to a threatened snowstorm, Monday's Program Meeting and Competitions have been rescheduled to Monday, February 2 . Same time, same place. 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 Creating Art from Pressed and Dried Plants 5 days ago End of Year Joy Dec 29, 2025 Drumthwacket Trip Dec 6, 2025 Day 2: Hanging the Greens Dec 5, 2025 Day 1: Preparing the Greens Dec 3, 2025 Honoring History at the Crane House Nov 20, 2025

Botanical Arts Schedule Open to all levels. All tables are 30" high and covered with ivory linen. See monthly schedule, below. As dates pass, they move to the bottom of this page. Check all rules for Botanical Arts - Horticulture, Design, Artistic Crafts, Photography. See also NGC Handbook for Flower Shows . Need a refresher prior to GCM's monthly competitions? We have online videos to help, featuring Florence Leyssène and Debbie Moran, NGC accredited Master Flower Show Judges. February 2, 2026 (rescheduled from January 26.) Register with Florence Leyssène by Thursday, January 29 ARTISTIC CRAFTS: Getting Ready for Valentine's Day 4 entries A Decorated Purse provided by exhibitor, no larger than 10”. Purse should be standing in an upright position, staged on table 30” high covered with off-white. Purse should be completely covered with plant material and optional components. Designer’s choice of plant material and other components. Plant material must be identified with binomial names on a 3” x 5” index card. Staged on table 30”high covered off-white; frame of reference: 18” x 18” PHOTOGRAPHY: Winter Weekend 4 entries A black and white photograph of a winter scenery. Must be 8” x !0”, matted in white, with a maximum size of 11” x 14” including the mat provided by exhibitor. Staged on a table using an easel provided by exhibitor. February 23, 2026 Register with Florence Leyssène by Thursday, February 19. DESIGN: Let Your Imagination Soar! 4 entries An Exploration Freedom of Style Design. See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.94. Stages on a table 30" high, covered in off-white; frame of reference: 24" x 24", no height restriction on what can be done to the plant material. This is the only class permitting treatment of fresh plant material such as painting, flocking, dyeing, using wash tape and wrapping fresh plant matierial. Plant material must be identified with binomial names of a 3" x 5" index card. ARTISTIC CRAFTS: Ultimate Updo 4 entries A Decorated Hair Comb , provided by exhibitor, no larger than 5” in any measurements. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Plant material must be identified with binomial names on a 3” x 5” index card. Staged on white cube 9” x 9” x 9” on table 30”high covered off-white. March 23, 2026 Register with Florence Leyssène by Thursday, March 19. DESIGN: Ides of March 4 entries A Collage, an abstract design, See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.93, created on a background panel no larger than 8” x 10” provided by exhibitor, with a dominance of components attached in a non-realistic manner. Components include plant material and other found objects. Staged in upright position on easel provided by committee. Designer’s Choice of plant material and components. Plant material must be identified with binomial names on a 3” x 5” index card. Staged on a shelf at approximate eye level. Exhibitor must provide easel for display. PHOTOGRAPHY: Through the Magnifier 4 entries Macro photograph of flower or foliage. Must be 8” x 10”, matted in white, with a maximum size of 11” x 14” including the mat provided by exhibitor. Staged on a table using an easel provided by exhibitor. April 27, 2026 Register with Florence Leyssène by Thursday, April 23 . ARTISTIC CRAFTS: Garden Stroll 4 entries Decorated Sun Glasses provided by exhibitor. Must be wearable. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Staged on white cube 9” x 9” x 9” on table 30”high covered off-white. Plant material must be identified with binomial names on a 3” x 5” index card. October 20, 2025 Register with Florence Leyssène by Thursday, October 16 . ARTISTIC CRAFTS: Breast 'In Plants' 4 entries October is Breast Cancer awareness month. A Decorated Bra or Sports Bra. Hung on a hanger provided by exhibitor, staged on metallic grid; frame of reference: 20” L x 10” H. Viewed from front. Bra or sports bra may not need to be all covered with plant material. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Plant material must be identified with binomial names on a 3” x 5” index card. November 17, 2025 Register with Florence Leyssène by Wednesday, November 13. ARTISTIC CRAFTS: Sharing With Guests 4 entries A Decorated Bottle of Wine to bring to your friends for the holidays. Label may be visible, bottle no bigger than 750 ml and must be unopened. Non plant material may be used for construction, but must not show. Designer’s Choice of plant material and components. Plant material must be identified with binomial names on a 3” x 5” index card. Staged on table 30”high covered off-white; frame of reference: 18” x 18” . Underlay optional.

Flower Design Schedule See summary chart of monthly schedules below with details underneath the chart. See Flower Design Rules for 2025-2026. Check Workshops for assistance. See also NGC Handbook for Flower Shows . No December competitions. See Flower Show 2024 . See Flower Show 2022 . See Clerking Guidelines. Need a refresher prior to GCM's monthly competitions? We have online videos to help, featuring Florence Leyssène and Debbie Moran, NGC accredited Master Flower Show Judges. Small Wonders February 2, 2026 (rescheduled from January 26.) Register with Barbara Baletti by January 29. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. No green floral foam may be used in any design. Provisional An American Traditional Vertical Line Design See Handbook for Flower Shows p.71. Frame of reference: staged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Allowable space 14”W x 12”D. No height restriction. Novice An American Traditional Petite American Design See Handbook for Flower Shows p.73. Frame of reference: staged on a black cube 9”x 9“x9“ on a table 30” high. Underlay optional Intermediate A Petite Design, Freedom of Style and Type See Handbook for Flower Shows p.73. Frame of reference: 10”H x 8”W x 8”D, staged on a black shelf approximately 42” from the floor. Exhibitor must provide staging panel and underlay. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Advanced A Petite Transparency Design See Handbook for Flower Shows p.73. Frame of reference: 12”H x 10”W x10”D staged on a table 42” high. Exhibitor must provide staging panel and matching underlay. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Advanced Plus A Petite Design, Freedom of Style and Type See Handbook for Flower Shows p.73. Frame of reference: staged in a lighted box. 58 1/2" from the floor: inside measurements 7"H x 6"D. Interior of box must be covered by exhibitor. taged on a table 30” high. Designer's choice of plant material. (Limited to 5 entries.) Romeo & Juliet February 23, 2026 Register with Barbara Baletti by February 19 Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. No green floral foam may be used in any design. Provisional An American Traditional Horizontal Line Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp.70-71 . Staged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Frame of reference: 14”W x 12”D. Novice An American Traditional Design, i n the manner of the Italian Renaissance See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.69 . Staged on a shelf 30" high. Frame of reference: 24"W x 24"D; no height restriction; two-dimentional staging panel and underlay required. Designer's choice of plant material and components. Intermediate A Parallel Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.75. S taged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D; no height restriction; two-dimensional staging panel and matching underlay required. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Advanced A Multi-Rhythmic Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.75. Staged on a dark green pedestal 42” high with a 14” square top provided by committee. Frame of reference: design may not exceed 6” beyond pedestal top in any horizontal direction; no height restriction. Underlay permitted, not to exceed pedestal top. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Advanced Plus An Assemblage Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.77. Staged on a table 42” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D; no height restriction; two-dimensional staging panel and matching underlay required. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle March 23, 2026 Register with Barbara Baletti by March 19. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. No green floral foam may be used in any design. Provisional An American Traditional Mass Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.71 . (3) Staged on a shelf 43" from the floor. Frame of reference: 14"W x 12"D. Novice An American Traditional Horizontal Line Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.71 . (b) Staged on a table 30" high. Frame of reference: 24'W x 24"D. Underlay required. Intermediate A Multi-Rhythmic Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp.73-75 Staged on a table 42” high. Frame of reference 24”W x 24”D, staged in front of a two-dimensional staging panel with matching underlay provided by exhibitor. No height restriction. Designer’s choice of plant material and components (may be recycled.) Advanced A Creative Design Using at least three floral techniques specified in the Handbook for Flower Shows, pp.81-83, staged on a dark green pedestal 42”H with a 14” square top provided by committee. Frame of reference: design may not exceed 6” beyond pedestal top in any horizontal direction. No height restriction; underlay permitted, not to exceed pedestal top. Designer’s choice of plant material and components (may be recycled). Advanced Plus A Panel Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p.75 Staged on a table 42” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24” D; two-dimensional staging panel with matching underlay required; staging panel will determine height of frame of reference, not exceeding 48”. Designer’s choice of pant material and components (may be recycled.) Practice Makes Perfect April 27, 2026 Register with Barbara Baletti by April 17. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. No green floral foam may be used in any design. Provisional An American Traditional Design of your choice. See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp.70-71 Staged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Frame of reference: 14"W x 12"D. Novice An American Traditional Design interpreting of a work of art. Exhibitor to provide a 5” x 7” picture/photo of the artwork with the name of the artist and the title of the work and supported by an easel provided by committee; staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D staged in front of a two-dimensional staging panel with a matching underlay provided by exhibitor. No height restriction. Intermediate A Design, Freedom of Style and Type interpreting of a work of art. Exhibitor to provide a 5” x 7” picture/photo of the artwork with the name of the artist and the title of the work and supported by an easel provided by committee; staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D staged in front of a two-dimensional staging panel with a matching underlay provided by exhibitor. No height restriction. Designer's choice of plant material and components. Advanced A Design, Freedom of Style and Type interpreting of a work of art. Exhibitor to provide a 5” x 7” picture/photo of the artwork with the name of the artist and the title of the work and supported by an easel provided by committee; staged on a table 43” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D staged in front of a two-dimensional staging panel with a matching underlay provided by exhibitor. No height restriction. Designer's choice of plant material and components. Advanced Plus A Design, Freedom of Style and Type interpreting of a work of art. Exhibitor to provide a 5” x 7” picture/photo of the artwork with the name of the artist and the title of the work and supported by an easel provided by committee; staged on a dark green pedestal 42" high with a 14" square top povided by the committee. Frame of reference: design may not exceed 6" beyond pedestal top in any horizontal direction. No height restriction. Underlay permitted, not to exceed pedestal top. Designer's choice of plant material and components. Farm to Table October 20, 2025 Register with Barbara Baletti by October 16. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. No green floral foam may be used in any design. Provisional A Companion Design * See Handbook for Flower Shows , p .79. Staged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Frame of reference 14”W x 12”D; no height restriction. Exhibit is critiqued only. Fresh and dried fruits, nuts vegetables are permitted. Cut fruits and vegetables are not permitted. * This is a design in which two exhibitors work together to create a single design, where a more experienced designer (chosen by the Provisional) mentors/encourages the Provisional. Novice An American Traditional Design in the Form of a Triangle See Handbook for Flower Shows , p p.70-71. Staged on a table 30” high. Allowable space 24”W x 18”D; no height restriction. Underlay required. Fresh and dried fruits, nuts vegetables are permitted. Cut fruits and vegetables are not permitted. Intermediate An American Traditional Vertical Line-Mass Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p .70. Staged on a dark green pedestal 42” high with a 14” square top provided by committee. Frame of reference: design may not exceed 6” beyond pedestal top in any horizontal direction; no height restriction; underlay optional, not to exceed pedestal top. Fresh and dried fruits, nuts vegetables are permitted. Cut fruits and vegetables are not permitted. Advanced A Creative Line Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p .74. Staged on a table 42” high; Frame of reference 24”W x 24”D; staged in front of a two-dimensional staging panel with matching underlay provided by exhibitor. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Fresh and dried fruits, nuts vegetables are permitted. Cut fruits and vegetables are not permitted. Advanced Plus An Exhibition Table See Handbook for Flower Shows , p .76 Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference 30”W x 24”D staged using a two-dimensional staging panel with matching underlay provided by exhibitor; no height restriction. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Fresh and dried fruits, nuts, vegetables are permitted. Cut fruits and vegetables are not permitted. Color Harmonies November 17, 2025 Register with Barbara Baletti by November 13. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. No green floral foam may be used in any design. Provisional An American Traditional Mass Design in the Shape of a Triangle See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp.70-71 . Staged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Frame of reference: 12”W x 12”D. No height restriction. Novice A Companion Design featuring an American Traditional Vertical Line-Mass See Handbook for Flower Shows , p .79. This is a design in which two exhibitors work together to create a single design, where a more experienced designer encourages/mentors a novice designer. Novice must choose her mentor. Staged on a dark green pedestal 36” high with a 14” square top provided by committee. Frame of reference: design may not exceed 6” beyond pedestal top in any horizontal direction. No height restriction; underlay permitted, not to exceed pedestal top. Intermediate An American Traditional Line Design in a Monochromatic Color Harmony An American Traditional Line Design in a Monochromatic Color Harmony; one color (hue) and all its related tints, tones, and shades, excluding pure achromatic colors (black, white, gray). (See Handbook for Flower Shows , p. 64, II A 5a.). Frame of reference: staged on a table 30”high in front of a 2-dimensional staging panel 24”Wx 30”H with matching underlay provided by exhibitor. Designers choice of plant materials . Advanced A Creative Mass Design in an Analogous Color Harmony: two or more colors adjacent on the color wheel using only one primary color (red, yellow, blue). (HB p.65, II A 5b) staged on table 42” H. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24” D, staged in front of a 2-dimensional staging panel with matching underlay provided by exhibitor; no height restriction. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. Advanced Plus A Cascade Design in a Direct Complimentary Color Harmony: colors opposite each other on the color wheel (Handbook for Flower Shows p.65,IIA 5c. ) ) staged on a 42” pedestal with a 16” round top provided by committee. Frame of reference: design may not exceed 6” beyond pedestal top in any horizontal direction. No height restriction, underlay permitted, not to exceed pedestal top. Designers choice of plant material and components.