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< Back This is a Title 02 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

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This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back How technology can help curb attention disorders Sarah Jones Mar 19, 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

< Back How technology can help curb attention disorders Sarah Jones Mar 19, 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

Garden Therapy Committee Reports Committees 2025-2026― Olga Bequillard, Chair; Sheila Curry Oakes, Vice Chair The Garden Therapy Committee organized a series of engaging programs fostering creativity, well-being, and community. Three events were held at Oasis in Paterson, along with a smaller program at the Montclair Library-Bellevue Avenue Branch. In October, a Botanical Arts workshop invited participants to decorate 8 x 4 inch keepsake boxes using dried flowers, leaves, grasses, and ribbons. Our leader introduced materials and discussed texture, form, and mood. After a guided demonstration, each participant created a box unique in style and form. The workshop celebrated the beauty of creativity, expressing emotion, and finding moments of peace through the process. In February, a Galentine’s Day floral workshop featured five flower varieties, various types of greens, colorful ribbons, and glittery heart accents. With full participation, 20 clients and 10 volunteers created personalized arrangements reflecting their individual styles. At the outset, our leader discussed and guided the participants in mechanics, color combinations, and plant materials. We believe that engaging with fresh blooms elevates one’s mood. It is a wonderful and popular form of creative therapy. In March, at the Montclair Public Library-Bellevue Avenue Branch, Member Karen Fricke presented a talk on native plants. The presentation highlighted practical ways to support ecological health through home gardening. It was well attended and there was much discussion during the Q&A session. In April, a workshop on aromatherapy engaged 18 clients and six volunteers. Participants created potpourri jars and custom teabags using materials and blending herbs that have aromatherapy properties. We started the session by discussing aromatherapy, emphasizing memory (especially of a cherished one), scent, and well-being. The goal was to learn about using aromas and herbs to help reduce stress. It was likely achieved as there was strong engagement throughout. The workshops encourage creativity, connectivity, and joy and continue to provide positive experiences for both attendees and volunteers. Committee Members 2025-2026: Fran Ackerly, Susan Benner, Olga Bequillard, Susan Brady, Betsy Burgess, Susan Dumont, Susan Gloeckner, Anna Lee, Maria Matesanz, Betty Murphy, Sheila Oakes, Imke Oster, Patricia Rodio, Denise Silverman, Lisa Sweitzer, Cheryl Slutzsky, Wendy Stahl, Michele Tomasik, and Provisional Jane Wallace. 2024-2025 — Susan Dumont, Chair; Karen Kadus, Vice Chair The Garden Therapy Committee organized four large events this year. Our programs were dedicated to the organization, Oasis, a haven for women and children, in Paterson, NJ. Our objective was to maximize our impact on a select group of participants, provide a sense of accomplishment, promote social interaction and improve a participant’s mood, sense of well-being, and satisfaction in a safe and supportive environment. An aromatherapy workshop opened our season of programs. Fragrant therapy jars were filled with lavender, dried roses, calendula and sunflower petals. February found us celebrating “Galentines’ Day” with a flower design workshop using floral themed material and roses. April’s workshop engaged participants in the technique of creating collages using dried flowers and leaves. Wrapping up our scheduled events for the season was the planting of the Oasis rooftop garden. We provided both planting guidance and education on horticulture care. Working side by side with the Oasis clients, 16 raised beds were successfully planted for a summer’s bounty of blooms! Members 2024-2025: Maria Matesanz, Betty Murphy, Sheila Curry Oakes, Sara H. Olson, Imke Oster, Floss O’Sullivan, Helene Peck, Patricia Rodio, Grete Scheidl, Wendy Stahl, Suzy Straten, Eugenie Temmler, Michele Tomasik, Susan van Inwegen, Jane Wallace, Sue Young. Provisionals. 2023-2024 — Susan Dumont, Chair; Karen Kadus, Vice Chair The Garden Therapy Committee organized four large events this season, engaging both Club members and clients in therapeutic activities. November found us gathered in the Garden Club room, where we created beautiful floral arrangements with a fall holiday theme for the Toni’s Kitchen dining tables. In-house dining had happily returned after a three-year Covid closing and it was a joy to be part of welcoming Toni’s clients back to their dining room to enjoy their meals. Aromatherapy, a new outreach program offered in February to our clients of Oasis, allowed them to take away a breath of spring after creating their fragrant therapy jars filled with lavender, dried roses, and sunflower petals. April found our volunteers meeting in Paterson to hold a flower design therapy session for members of the CUMAC community. Both men and women learned about basic design technique and then indulged in using five different types of flowers to create their own masterpieces. Our final event of the season in May found us back at Oasis to help clients plant herbs and annuals in 16 large rooftop planters. Providing both planting guidance and education on horticulture care, volunteers and clients worked side by side to install over 200 annuals and herbs! 2022-2023 — Sarah Olson, Chair; Susan Dumont, Vice Chair This season Garden Therapy continued to build relationships with organizations we worked with in the past and added outreach to several new facilities. We reinstated monthly deliveries of flower arrangements designed by our members for the nurses at Mountainside Hospital, to recognize their commitment to healthcare. Our very popular flower arranging workshops were held at The Cliffs at Eagle Rock and Freedom Village, both senior living facilities, as well as at Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children. We created almost 300 seasonal floral arrangements for our Sharon's Harvest Thanksgiving event for Toni's Kitchen patrons, and seasonal winter arrangements for Park Methodist food pantry patrons, and Human Needs Food Pantry shut-ins. And we got back in the dirt for our workshops with a visit to Freedom Village where we guided clients in creating windowsill herb gardens, and a repeat visit to Oasis to assist in planting their rooftop containers. 2021-2022 — Sarah Olson, Chair; Floss O'Sullivan, Vice Chair This season, Garden Therapy expanded outreach to serve additional populations. Our work included projects creating content to be used virtually, cheerful floral gifts for those high-risk groups that couldn't risk in-person contact, and, when appropriate, spreading cheer through active project engagement. September 2021 saw us working outdoors with a small group of clients at the Canterbury Village Senior Center, planting succulent cactus container gardens. In October, we began a new monthly program for the nurses at Mountainside Hospital to recognize their commitment to healthcare. GCM Members worked alone or in small groups to design a floral arrangement that was delivered to nursing stations at the hospital. Our outreach in October was leading a flower arranging workshop at Oasis; again, a huge success as we worked with 19 clients. We repeated our Thanksgiving event for Toni's Kitchen, with a new twist to honor GCM member Sharon Karlson. Renamed "Sharon's Harvest," we teamed up with Van Vleck House & Gardens "Good Grows Here" event. GCM Members sourced and prepped materials and then assisted families on the day of the event in the design of their flower arrangement. Over 180 arrangements were delivered to Toni's Kitchen. February saw the launch of our YouTube video, "Botanical Journeys." Beautiful botanical images were set to music for the enjoyment of seniors. GCM Members supplied and curated the photos and then created the video. Connections at Home, an organization that caters to "shut-ins," was one of the recipients. March and April were active with additional flower arranging workshops for two organizations: Nassan's Place, an autistic youth program, and Oasis. In addition, GCM Members made 100 May Day baskets for Canterbury Rehab Center in Cedar Grove. We got our hands dirty with our season wrap up on June 1st by planning and planting six raised rooftop containers at Oasis. Clients and GCM Members enjoyed planting annuals and herbs. Thank you to the Garden Therapy committee for all of your support this year. And a huge thank you to the Club membership for their enthusiastic support and participation in all of our events! 2020-2021 — Sarah Olson, Chair; Floss O'Sullivan, Vice Chair Like so many other aspects of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic affected how Garden Therapy was able to operate and achieve its mission. Our face-to-face interactions with clients had to be curtailed but we were able to spread floral good cheer due to the terrific participation of our Club members. In September 2020, Club members prepared 60 bundles of flowers for Toni’s Kitchen which had become a food bank site for the community due to COVID-19. Much of the plant material was cut from the Club’s Avis Campbell Gardens. In November, the Club delivered a windowsill hydroponic edibles project to the seniors at Canterbury Village in West Orange so those who had been confined indoors for months could enjoy a garden brought to them. Our 2020 Thanksgiving project offered an abundance of beauty to the clients of Toni's Kitchen. Club members, with foliage from Avis Campbell Gardens, designed 150 Thanksgiving floral arrangements that were given to the clients. Our Club delivered 140 May Day flower baskets to the seniors at Job Haines in Bloomfield and Canterbury Rehab in Cedar Grove. After a winter of minimal in-person interaction, our members enjoyed the social, therapeutic affects of this outdoor work session, and the seniors were thrilled to receive the cheerful arrangements. Also in May, a small group of members assisted residents of First Montclair House in planting windowsill herb gardens. The residents enjoyed talking to fellow plant lovers and showing us their raised beds planted with vegetables. Thank you to the Garden Therapy committee members for all of your support this year: Betsy Burgess, Ellen Colton, Susan Dumont, Donna Karanja, Vicky Kearns, Maria Matesanz, Maureen Michaud, Helene Peck, Peg Scott-Fleming, Wendy Stahl, Patt Sullivan-Perry, and Sue Young. And a huge Thank You to the Club Membership for your enthusiastic support and participation in all of our events. 2019-2020 — Sarah Olson, Chair; Floss O'Sullivan, Vice Chair Garden Therapy reviewed its mission and established the goal of expanding its outreach to include not only nursing homes and assisted living facilities but other groups facing personal challenges or where garden therapy would make a positive impact. To that end we created new activities and reached out to more groups in a wider geographic network. In August, four GCM members played flower Bingo with eight residents at First Montclair House in Montclair. Amy South's Moss & More supplied the succulent plants that were awarded as prizes. Canterbury Village in West Orange was our destination in September. Eight GCM members assisted thirteen senior residents in crafting artificial floral arrangements in raffia pouches that would hang on their apartment doors. Residents made their own choices from our offering of artificial and dried flowers and live greens. Our group visited Job Haines in October. Seven members assisted nineteen senior residents in creating floral arrangements for their rooms.We worked with a combination of artificial and dried flower material as well as live greens. Residents were encouraged to select their own materials from the assortment brought by the Club. In November, we shifted gears and visited Oasis in Paterson, a domestic violence support center. Our mission was to teach and create live floral arrangements with their clients. Fran Ackerly led the demonstration and six additional GCM members assisted 14 clients with their creations. Everyone was able to take home their beautiful designs. Vases and flowers were generously donated by Bartlett's Florists . Eight GCM members visited SOFIA in Montclair in February and celebrated "Gal-entine's" Day with 11 clients at this domestic violence support facility by creating live floral arrangements that the ladies could take home with them. Susan Benner led the demonstration and taught the basics of floral design. Vases were donated by Bartlett's Florists . Our March event at The Safe House was canceled due to Covid-19. We want to thank all of the GCM members who participated in our events and are counting on your support as we accept the challenge of continuing our mission of outreach during the Covid-19 era. We are grateful for the Garden Club's warm support to expand our program this upcoming year.

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back Best smart wearables of 2023 Sean Michaels Mar 22, 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

< Back test 1 Jess Wilder Mar 17, 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

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Flower Design Schedule The theme for 2026-2027 is "Music Blooms Throughout the Year." See summary chart of monthly schedules below with details underneath the chart. See Flower Design Rules for 2026-2027. 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. Classical Music October 19, 2026 Register with Barbara Baletti by October 15. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. Only compostable floral foam permitted. No green Oasis permitted. Designer's choice of plant material and components unless specified in schedule. Provisional An American Traditional Mass Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp .70-71 S taged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Frame of reference: 14”W x 12”D x 18” H. Only fresh plant material can be used. Novice An American Traditional Mass Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p p.70-71. Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 22”W x 24”D x 24”H. Underlay optional. Only fresh plant material must be used. Intermediate An American Traditional Triangular Mass Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp . 70-71. Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D x 32”H. Staging panel and underlay required. Only fresh plant material can be used. Advanced A Cascade Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p .65. Staged on a 42” high pedestal with a 14” square top. Frame of reference: 14”W x 14”D; height determined by exhibitor. Advanced Plus A Creative Design using ONLY foliage (fresh and/or dried) as plant material. Foliage can be manipulated. Non-plant material may be used but is subordinate to the foliage. Flowers, fungi, husks, kelp, moss, seaweed, sheaths, spathes and bare stems/branches cannot be used. Staged on a 36” high pedestal with a 16” square top. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D x height determined by exhibitor. Underlay optional not to exceed 14” pedestal top. Country Music November 16, 2026 Register with Barbara Baletti by November 12. Tea table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. Only compostable floral foam permitted. No green Oasis permitted. Designer's choice of plant material and components unless specified in schedule. Provisional An American Traditional Vertical Line Mass Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp.70-71 . Staged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Frame of reference: 24”W x 12”D x 18”H. Only fresh plant material can be used. Novice An American Traditional Vertical Line Mass Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp. 70-71. Staged on a table 30" high. Frame of reference: 18”W x 24”D x height determined by exhibitor. Underlay required. Only fresh plant material may be used. Intermediate An American Traditional Line Mass Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp. .70-71 Staged on a pedestal 36” high. Frame of reference: 14”W x 14”D x height determined by exhibitor. Advanced A Creative Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp. 71-72. Emphasizes some type of fiber work, fiber art, or actual fibers within the design. Fiber may be visible in any portion of the design, including staging panel and/or underlay. Fiber may be man-made (acrylic, nylon, polyester) or natural (cotton, wool, hemp, or any fibrous material). Fiber art may include but not limited to crocheting, embroidery, felting, knitting, quilting, weaving, wrapping, etc. Fiber used must be listed on a 3’x5’ card. Staged on a table 42” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D x 36"H. Advanced Plus A Creative Horizontal Design with a dominant strong horizontal rhythm. See Handbook for Flower Shows , p .74. D Balance is typically asymmetrical and achieved by unlike forms, sizes, and colors. This design is not a traditional centerpiece . Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 30”W x14”D x14”H. Jazz January 25, 2027 Register with Barbara Baletti by January 21. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. Only compostable floral foam permitted. No green Oasis permitted. Designer's choice of plant material and components unless specified in schedule. Provisional An American Traditional Design in the Form of a Triangle See Handbook for Flower Shows pp. 70-71. Staged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Frame of reference: 14”W x 12”D x 12"H. Only fresh material can be used. Underlay required. Novice A Petite Traditional Design See Handbook for Flower Shows p. 73. Staged on a table 42” high. Frame of reference: 10”W x 8”D x 12H. Underlay required. Intermediate A Petite Tubular Design See Handbook for Flower Shows p. 77 R. Staged on a 9” square cube on a 30” high table. Frame of reference: 9”W x 9” D x 9”H. Underlay optional. Advanced A Panel Design See Handbook for Flower Shows p. 75 K. Staged on a 42” high pedestal with a 16” square top. Frame of reference: 20”W x 20”D height determined by exhibitor. Underlay required not to exceed 16” pedestal top. Advanced Plus A Creative Design featuring mixed-media components (2 or more) integrated into the design to emphasize Color, Form, Pattern, and Texture. Mixed Media component are non-plant material components . They are manufactured components which include (but not limited to) paper, yarn, rattan, caning materials, fabric, cardboard, leather, wire, plastic, etc. Mixed Media differs from Multi-Media as it does not include sound or video projection. Mixed Media used must be listed on a 3” x 5” card. Staged on a table 42” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D x 36” H. Staging panel and underlay required. Rock and Roll February 22, 2027 Register with Barbara Baletti by February 18. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. Only compostable floral foam permitted. No green Oasis permitted. Designer's choice of plant material and components unless specified in schedule. All exhibits eligible for the Barbara Meyer Rose Award. Provisional An American Traditional 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 x 18"H. Only fresh plant material can be used. Novice An American Traditional Horizontal Line Design See Handbook for Flower Shows pp. 70-71 Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 30”W x 14”D x 14”H. Underlay optional. Only fresh plant material can be used. Intermediate A Parallel Design See Handbook for Flower Shows, pp. 70-71 Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D x 32”H. Staging panel and underlay required. Advanced A Multi-Rhythmic Design See Handbook for Flower Shows p. 75 J. Staged on a 42” high pedestal with a 16” square top. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D x height determined by exhibitor. Underlay optional. Advanced Plus A Creative Hanging Design with unrestrictive movement. It cannot be static. The design must freely rotate, suspended from a hook in a frame. Design must not stop moving when encountering the sides of the frame. Staged in a black frame 22”W x 36”H on a table 30” high, frame to be supplied by club. Latin Rhythms March 22, 2027 Register with Barbara Baletti by March 18. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. Only compostable floral foam permitted. No green Oasis permitted. Designer's choice of plant material and components unless specified in schedule. Provisional An American Traditional Mass 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 x 18”H. Only fresh plant material can be used. Novice An American Traditional Mass Design of your choice See Handbook for Flower Shows , pp.70-71 Staged on a 36” high pedestal with a 14” square top. Frame of reference: 24”W x 18”D x 32”H. Staging panel and underlay optional. Only fresh plant material must be used. Intermediate A Multi-Rhythmic Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p. 75 J Staged on a 42” high pedestal with a 16” square top. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D x height determined by exhibitor. Underlay optional. Advanced An Exhibition Table See Handbook for Flower Shows , p. 76 Not meant to be functional, created artistically to suggest the service of food with no requirements as to the type or number of table appointments. Frame of reference: 24”W x 18”D x 36”H. Staged on a table 30” high. Staging panel and underlay required. Advanced Plus An Assemblage Design See Handbook for Flower Shows , p. 77 A three-dimensional abstract design consisting of plant material and “found” unrelated disparate objects. Found objects are non-art objects, not made or manufactured for decorative purposes. Staged on a table 42” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 18”D x 36”H. Staging panel and underlay required. The Final Coda April 26, 2027 This month’s competition is open to all design levels. Each exhibitor, regardless of design level , will create a design, freedom of style and type, to be staged as instructed below. The design requirements for all exhibitors include: selecting one of this year’s monthly musical themes (Classical, Country, Jazz, Rock and Roll, or Latin) choosing a specific song/piece of music from that musical genre and citing the artist/composer creating a design interpreting that piece of music. Exhibitors must list the following on a 3” x 5” index card to display next to their design: Musical Genre Song/Composition Title Name of Artist/Composer Register with Barbara Baletti by April 22. Tea Table: TBD All tables are covered with ivory tablecloths. Wall background is an off-white curtain. Only compostable floral foam permitted. No green Oasis permitted. Designer's choice of plant material and components unless specified in schedule. Provisional Design staged on a shelf 43” from the floor. Frame of reference: 14”W x 12”D x18”H. Novice Design staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 20”W x 24”D x height determined by exhibitor. Intermediate Design staged on a table 42” high. Frame of reference: 24”W x 24”D x 36”H. Staging panel and underlay required. Advanced Design staged on a 42” pedestal with a 14” square top. Underlay optional Advanced Plus Design staged on a 36” pedestal with a 16” square top. Underlay optional.

Awards – Other See also GCM awards . Award winner names from 1926-1986 are filed in the archives. 2022 Garden Club of New Jersey Yearbook 2021-22 — Award application by Editor, Claire Stepleton. Score 100%. Certificate of Merit with Gold Seal 1st Place YB-1 Yearbook (100-299 members). Website 2021-22 — Sue Young, 2st Vice President and Website Webmaster, and Sarah Stransky. Hanover Garden Club Trophy f or outstanding innovative project. Triangle Gardens (a CivicBeautification project since 1952). Award application by Susan Yu, TriangleGardens Chair, and Sarah Olson. GCNJSpecial Award/Large Club 2023 National Garden Club Arts & Flowers earned the National Garden Club's Flower Show Achievement Award, Certificate of Merit for a Standard Flower Show with a score of 98.5 out of a possible 100. Evaluators stated that the show was "spectacular" and "showcased the talent in design." Top Exhibitor Awards included: Award of Design Excellence: Michele Tomasik Tricolor Award: Michele Tomasik Designer's Choice Award: Tova Narrett Petite Award: Celia Radek Botanical Arts Design Award: Cynthia Corhan-Aitken Educational Award: Celia Radek Recognition Award: Sarah J. Olson Garden Club of New Jersey Mrs. David L. George Silver Cup: Finest judged Standad Flower Show 23-23 Garden Club RFD Trophy: Finest Standard Flower Show Schedule of 2022 Dorothy M. Schick Trophy: Excellence in stating a Standard Flower Show Myra Brooks Memorial Trophy - Creativity in Flower Arranging : Tova Narrett Paricia Grossi Petite Award Trophy: Celia Radek Mrs. Reginald Wilson Memorial Award: Michele Tomasik Garden Club of Montclair President’s Special Recognition Award : Sue Young 2021 National Garden Clubs, Inc. Yearbook 2020-21 — Award application by Celia Radek, Editor. Certificate of Commendation First Place YB-1 Yearbooks (100-299 members). Score 100% Virtual Flower Design Education 2021 — Award application by Workshop Chair, Floss O'Sullivan, Florence Leyssène, and Sarah Stransky. Certificate of Merit First Place and Overall Winner Award FD-2 (Aiv). Floral Design Program/Single Club Garden Club of New Jersey Yearbook 2021-21 — Award application by Celia Radek, Editor Certificate of Merit with Gold Seal YB-1 Yearbooks (100-299 members) Garden Therapy 2021 — Award application by Garden Therapy Chair, Sarah Olson, and Sarah Stransky. Myra Brooks Garden Therapy Trophy #15a Renovated Garden Therapy Program

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Flower Design Division Rules 2026-2027 Back to main Flower Design page. See also the online NGC Handbook for Flower Shows See Clerking Guidelines All Club Members are encouraged to enter flower designs in the monthly competitions as listed on the Flower Design page and in the Yearbook. RULES The NGC Exhibit Policies are printed in the Handbook for Flower Shows, Chapter 7, Exhibiting in the Design Division p. 79-81. Exhibitors may enter one (1) entry in Flower Design in each monthly competition. Designs should be dropped off downstairs in the Garden Club Room between 8:15am and 9:15am Designs must be picked up no later than 30 minutes after the end of the program meeting. Judging will begin promptly at 10am. Designs arriving late will not be judged. Decisions of the judges are final. Awards/ribbons may be withheld if not merited. Advanced registration with the Flower Design Chair is required no later than four (4) days before each Design Competition by emailing Flower Design Chair Barbara Baletti at bbaletti@me.com . Entry cards are available in the garden club room. Some plant material must be used in every design. Fresh plant material may never be treated; no artificial plant material is permitted in any exhibit. Refer to the NGC Handbook for Flower Shows pp. 80-81 for a complete list of plant material and non-plant material that is permitted and not permitted. Plant material on the New Jersey Conservation List may not be used unless it has been grown by the exhibitor or legally acquired and is so stated on an accompanying 3"x 5" index card. All plant material used in a design must be identified on a 3"x 5" index card and included with the entry card. Common names of plant material are acceptable. Plant material need not have been grown by the exhibitor. Exhibits must conform to the design type named in the schedule. Designs must be the work of one individual. (Exception: Companion Exhibits.) Flower Designs are judged using the Design Scale of Points found on p.130 in the Handbook for Flower Shows . Designers are not permitted to use floral foam in any designs with the exception of Oasis Renewal, Oasis TerraBricks, or Sideau Natural No Plastic Flower Foam (Agrawool). We continue to encourage the use of chicken wire, flower frogs (kenzans), pebbles, tape, or moss to anchor plant material. For questions about rules, design schedule, or specific designs, please consult with Flower Design Chairs or club judges (Florence Leyssène, Debbie Moran, Brenda Bingham.) FLOWER DESIGN LEVELS Provisional: Flower Designs exhibited by Provisionals are critiqued, not judged. Designs do not qualify for points or awards. Provisionals who are interested in moving to the Novice Level MUST submit at least one design during their term. Novice: Includes those who have earned up to nine points in Flower Design. Novices are eligible to receive The Elsie Bristol Novice Award (see award description ). Intermediate: Includes Members who have earned ten or more points in Flower Design. Intermediate designers are eligible to receive The President's Trophy for Flower Design, Intermediate (see award description ). Advanced: Includes Members who have progressed from the Intermediate Level by earning 20 points and one blue ribbon within a three year period in Flower Design. Advanced designers are eligible to receive The Garden Club Award for Flower Design, Advanced (see award description ). Every member of this level is expected to exhibit once a year. Advanced Plus: A competitive level for those who have won The Garden Club Award for Flower Design, Advanced twice. Advanced Plus designers are eligible to receive the Elsie Bristol Flower Award, Advanced Plus (see award description ) for achieving the highest points score and the winning of one blue ribbon. Invitational: Open to nationally accredited judges, professional flower designers, and Members at the Advanced Level invited by the Flower Design Committee. Participants exhibit for educational purposes and are critiqued. POINT SCORING 1st Blue 5 points 2nd Red 4 points 3rd Yellow 3 points Honorable Mention 2 points Unawarded Exhibits 1 point Tea/Luncheon Table 1 point

Ways & Means Committee Reports Committees 2025-2026 — Susan Benner, Chair; Michele Trevenen, Vice Chair The mission of the Ways & Means Committee is to raise funds to support specific projects. In 2025, the Ways & Means Committee’s fundraiser, “The Bricks Project”, helped to pay for the new brick pathways in Avis Campbell Gardens. The campaign raised over $25,000 for the Avis Campbell Gardens path which was completed in time for the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Special thanks to Michele Trevenen for heading up this successful project. The Ways & Means Committee will consider projects to support the Club as needed. 2025-2026 Committee : Cynthia Corhan-Aitken, Marie Donnelly, Deborah Hirsch, Anna Lee, Janet Oscar, Amy Poster, Cheryl Slutzky, Amy South, Susan Straten, Nancy Stroud, Michele Trevenen, Sue Young, Marilyn Zaret. 2024-2025 — Susan Benner, Chair; Michele Trevenen, Vice Chair The mission of the Garden Club Ways & Means Committee is to raise funds to support specific projects. In 2025, the Ways & Means Committee held a BRICKS-to-BRICKS Campaign to help pay for the new brick pathways for the Avis Campbell Gardens project. Fundraising projects included local stores hosting a Montclair Garden Club Day, sharing a percentage of their sales and donating $1,313; Holiday Tea vendors donating $610; and vendors at the awards Luncheon donating $500. The Ways & Means Committee will be considering projects to support the Club’s 100th Anniversary Celebration and other 2025-2026 needs. 2024-2025 Committee : Olga Bequillard, Marie Donnelly, Christine James, Kem Louie, Cheryl Slutzky, Amy South, Michele Trevenen, Cynthia Corhan-Aiken, Deborah Hirsch, Kate Khachaturian, Susan van Inwegen, Nancy Stroud, Fran Wong, Virginia Woo, Sue Young. NOTE: There was no activity by this committee in 2023-2024 and therefore no report. 2022-2023 — Gretchen Prater, Chair; Lissa Barrett, Vice Chair Due to the wonderful support for the cocktail party and boutique profits associated with Arts & Flowers: A Design Specialty Flower Show, as well as the Club's J. McLaughlin shopping day, it was not necessary for the committee to hold another fundraiser during 2022-2023. Next year, we have planned a progressive dinner for October 13, 2023, which should help raise funds needed for our next fiscal year. We have many new Members, so it's an opportunity for us all to become better acquainted. As the Garden Club grows, we welcome discussion on future fund-raising measures. 2021-2022 — Fran Wong, Chair Rising costs and exceptional expenses, such as those to reestablish our headquarters when the Club moves back to 60 South Fullerton, have had a costly impact on the budget and the Club needs to diversify the funding base in order to avoid a dues increase. With the cooperation of everyone, as we work to maintain the strong financial position our Club has enjoyed, we need to have the ongoing means to continue all of our projects for many years to come. Over the last two years, the Ways & Means Committee has designed a long-term, multi-stage plan to provide a strong foundation to supply additional income streams to support the Club. As a first step, a simple "DONATE" button was added to the home page of the Club's website. The committee designed a more robust version, based on National Garden Club, Inc.'s example which, in combination with a modest, dedicated, giving campaign will encourage donors to participate in new ways. It awaits implementation when technical issues are resolved and promotional materials are developed. The committee has proposed that, to attract donations from the general public who enjoy Avis Campbell Gardens, and perhaps the Triangle Gardens, signage with a QRcode, our website, and mailing address be displayed in the gardens with a notation that donations can be made. We also proposed a guest book, in which visitors can record their reflections on the garden, and would hopefully stimulate a desire to contribute. A waterproof box would house the book. As the pandemic recedes and we learn to live in whatever new environment we are presented, the committee hopes that events like a mystery dinner/cocktail party or progressive dinner will be considered both to raise funds and to build camaraderie in the Club. Similarly, a major trip can be considered along with a return of excursions to nearby sites. Kudos and thanks to the Members of this excellent committee who brought their experience, expertise, and thoughtful consideration to this effort which we hope will blossom into an important support system for the Club. 2020-2021 — Fran Wong, Chair The Ways & Means Committee has designed a long-term, multi-stage plan to provide additional income streams to support the Club. The first stage will appear as a “DONATE” button on the home page of the Club website. Donors will be able to give in three categories: Avis Campbell; In Memory Of /In Honor Of; General Support There will also be a “Comment” opportunity for entry of the name of the individual being honored or memorialized, for guidance on how the donor wants the funds to be directed, or any other input the donor wants to provide. Transfer of funds will be by PayPal, credit card, check, or stock. This phase of the program is designed to be inclusive with no donation amounts designated at this time. The use of unrestricted donations will be determined by the Finance Committee. As we gain experience we will evaluate results that may change, especially in new elements of the plan. As we move forward an expanded range of donation opportunities, such as named giving circles, will be added. To attract donations from the general public who enjoy the Avis Campbell and Triangle Gardens, signage with a QR code, our website, and mailing address will be displayed in the gardens with a note that donations can be made. Pending pandemic developments in the coming year, a Mystery Dinner/Cocktail Party or progressive dinner will be considered both to raise funds and to build camaraderie in the Club. Similarly, a major trip can be considered but is less likely than the return of excursions to nearby sites which will probably come back at some point during the year. Rising costs and exceptional expenses, such as those to reestablish our headquarters when the Club moves back it to the United Way building, have a negative impact on the budget and we need to diversify our funding base. With the cooperation of everyone as we work to maintain the strong financial position our Club has enjoyed, we will have the ongoing means to continue all of our projects for many years to come. Kudos and thanks to the Committee and all the others who contributed their thoughts to this effort. 2019-2020 — Karen Kadus, Chair; Susan Dumont, Vice Chair After two cancellations due to rainy and windy weather, 11 Club members were finally able to visit the High Line, and it was well worth the wait! Our tour guide was Stephanie Ulrich, our 2019 Annual Meeting and Awards Lumcheon guest speaker. She brought along Marek Pundzak, the High Line's Urban Forestry Supervisor. Both Stephanie and Marek shared their vast knowledge of landscape architecture and plants while strolling along the elevated partk and answering our many questions. We stopped at several points along the way to enjoy the incredible views of the City and the interesting plant combinations. We came away with an appreciation of the level of detail that was incorporated into the design process and the complexity of executing the plan in a dense urban environment. Afterwards, we ate lunch at Santina's on Washington Street, right below the High Line, where we enjoyed delicious seafood. December's Holiday shopping trip to Morris County Farms Nursery (repeated by popular demand) was enjoyed by all. Thirteen Club members traveled to the nursery to shop for indoor plants, outdoor greens, and beautiful Holiday decorations. After filling our cars with shopping bags, we set off for the festive Tabor Road Tavern where we enjoyed a fabulous lunch. Our guided tour of The New York Historical Society and lunch at Storico was canceled as the City shut down in mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our April walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and the sidewalks of New York, a generous donation from Boutique Chair Susan Benner, was also canceled. Both trips will be rescheduled when restrictions are lifted and it is deemed safe to gather. We used some funds remaining from the 2019 Holland trip to balance our 2019-2020 budget. The High Line trip also earned some money. We thank our Ways and Means Committee members for their involvement in planning new destinations.

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Flower Design October 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 November 2020 October 2020 Horticulture October 2021 February 2021 January 2021 November 2020 October 2020 Online Flower Design and Horticultural Exhibitions During those shut-in days of COVID, we coped by creating an inventive form of exhibiting online. See the entries, below, for our locked-in designs, photographed and uploaded at home by our members and critiqued by our own NGC judges.

Working With Our Youth This committee is unique — offering the opportunity to spark the same enthusiasm that brought us to join the Garden Club in a new generation. Through activities that introduce young people to the basic principles of gardening, design, ecology, and conservation we hope to encourage participants to develop a life-long love of gardens, a direct appreciation of horticulture's therapeutic effects and an understanding of the importance of plants to our planet.

Horticulture Committee Reports Committees 2024-2025 — Heidi Muschick, Chair; Susan Straten, Vice Chair GC members cultivated their horticulture specimens all summer in anticipation of the SSFS ‘September Serenades’. Entries were limited to four specimens per person and members had difficulty selecting which of their show worthy plants to enter. The show floor displayed a magnificent bower of flowers and foliage: 80 entries across 19 classes. The Amy Hatrak Herb Award was given to Karen Fricke for her collection of culinary herbs and The Rose Award presented to Barbara Meyer for her hybrid tea rose ‘Octoberfest.’ The Horticulture Project of the Year: exhibiting a collection of 5 different early blooming daffodils to be judged in early March. This was supported by an October workshop offering expert grooming and staging tips to enhance the daffodil exhibits. A late spring cold snap resulted in a delay in judging but at last the daffodil bulbs emerged and bloomed. Celia Radek received the Estelle Leibrecht Award for her fine daffodil collection. Three additional competitions were held with members exhibiting horticulture specimens in October, November and April (March was cancelled due to weather). In our April competition, the judges awarded 35 percent of the exhibits 1st place blue ribbons or 90+ ribbons (given to blue ribbon quality exhibits). Well done exhibitors! The President’s Horticulture Award for the highest points earned during the year’s horticulture competition was won by Denise Silverman. 2024-2025 Committee: Karen Carter, Jacoba Coes, Maria Matesanz, Celia Radek, Lisa Schweitzer, Denise Silverman, Karen Whitehaus, Virginia Woo. 2023-2024 — Michele Trevenen, Chair; Karen Whitehaus, Vice Chair The Horticulture Committee celebrated the Club’s 98th year when we hosted the September 2023 competition. This “Hort Only” competition displayed specimens from our membership’s bountiful fall gardens. The competition boasted six sections for the 26 classes featured; 25 members and provisionals participated and the 162 entries were enjoyed by all in attendance. During the September competition, Celia Radek won both the Amy Hatrack Rose Award and the Estelle Liebrecht Award . The September competition also included the Barbara Meyer Rose Award , won by Deb Hirsch for her exquisite Desdemona , which was voted Best in Show by our panel of judges. The Horticulture Committee sponsored four additional competitions during the year. The success of the Horticulture competitions is attributable to the behind-the-scenes preparation. At the beginning of the season, the Horticulture Committee joined forces with the Workshop Committee to offer a refresher course led by Heidi Muschick. The workshop used Avis Campbell Gardens as our outdoor classroom to demonstrate the necessary procedures in preparing horticulture specimens for competition. The Horticulture competitions have developed an enthusiastic following. Each of the competitions had more than 20 participants. It was truly a group effort to assemble, set up, and then break down the displays each month. We attribute the committee’s dedication and plant knowledge to our exceptional team of Celia Radek, Denise Silverman, Jacoba Coes, Virginia Woo, and Heidi Muschick. Vice Chair, Karen Whitehaus, was the backbone of our committee — always keeping us on task and organized. Her assistance was invaluable and much appreciated. 2022-2023 — Michele Trevenen, Chair; Karen Whitehaus, Vice Chair Teamwork is the operative word to describe the Horticulture Committee. We were fortunate to have a team of seasoned Club Members serving on the Horticulture Committee this season. They filled dual roles needed to offer impactful Horticulture competitions for the Club this season. We kicked off the year as Celia Radek organized the Horticulture 101 workshop in Avis Campbell Gardens led by Heidi Muschick. We counted on Susan Dumont, Deb Hirsch, and Denise Silverman to be available to assist in setting up the competitions (sometimes even on Sundays) and then help dismantle the display post competition. The committee introduced Botanical Arts Horticulture and Photography to our membership this year. Florence Leyssène and Debbie Moran provided an endless source of expertise to BA, which offered another outlet for our membership to get their creative juices flowing. Our committee Vice Chair, Karen Whitehaus, provided endless hours of support to the Horticulture Committee. Her organizational and problem-solving skills kept the committee on track for every competition. The 2022-2023 Horticulture Committee was the "Dream Team" this year. Thanks to all of you. 2021-2022 — Debbie Moran, Chair The COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect most of the Horticulture Committee's monthly activities through the end of 2021. In early September the workshop on how to exhibit horticulture was held at Avis Campbell Gardens and was well attended, even if in the subsequent months almost no Members exhibited horticulture virtually. In late September, the Estelle Liebrecht succulent propagation project, (launched in May of 2020), was judged. Four entries managed to hang in for the long COVID-19 haul and the award was won by Denise Silverman. The membership was able to enter horticulture specimens in person at the last two meetings of this spring, in March and April at Union Congregational Church, but participation was thin. The next Estelle Liebrecht Club Project is the Caladium 'Miss Muffet', a small but handsome variety that was chosen because it will be grown in a container so that it can be judged at Arts & Flowers , A Design Specialty Flower Show in September 2022. Twenty-five tubers were purchased and distributed to interested Members in late May and early June, with basic instructions on planting and care, given there is so much in-depth information available on the internet for anyone interested. Once again, the pandemic sidelined committee Members this year, but with luck the upcoming year will be a more familiar one for Horticulture activities in the Club. 2020-2021 — Debbie Moran, Chair The COVID-19 pandemic completely upended all plans for any in-person activities/ competitions sponsored by the Horticulture Committee. With so much uncertainty in the spring of 2020, I decided to front load horticulture projects which members could experience at home over the 2020 COVID-19 summer. I chose a long-range project, propagating two succulent leaves, for the Estelle Liebrecht Award that could be flexible regarding when it could be judged safely in person. Two other informal “2020 COVID Challenges” included growing three Hosta ‘Golden Tiara’ plantlets in a container, and priming Aquilegia canadensis (columbine) seeds to sprout in the summer rather than the next spring. All three projects were well received and the hope is that the succulent and hosta projects will be judged in September 2021. The monthly competitions for both horticulture and design became virtual exhibitions that were critiqued, not judged. For Horticulture, each month only one specimen per member was permitted to be exhibited via digital photographs submitted; there were several members who exhibited their specimens over the course of the year. As with many committees over this past year, the Committee was sidelined with zero action. I am looking forward to the coming year in the hope that the Committee will be able to better engage after in-person meetings resume for the Club. 2019-2020 — Jacklyn King, Chair The Horticulture year started off well at our new temporary home, Van Vleck House & Gardens. A huge thank you to Deb Hirsch, Florence Leyssène, Floss O'Sullivan, and Denise Silverman for bringing our supplies from the storage rooms and setting up our staging area outside. Denise Silverman won the Amy Hatrak Herb Award and the President's Horticulture Award! Although there were roses entered for the Barbara Meyer Rose Award, the judges found them unworthy. There were no other Awards this Horticulture Year due to Covid 19 "raining on our parade." This is my last year as Horticulture Chair. It's been so great getting to know you. I started this position knowing very little about horticulture and even less about chairing a committee. I'm so grateful to you all for your patience and your knowledge. I am certain that in Debbie Moran's capable and creative hands the Horticulture Committee will rise to new heights. Many women have helped me along the way, patiently answered questions, refreshed my memory when the name of a plant wouldn't come to me (more often than I would like to admit). So, thank you to Fran Ackerly, Cynthia Corhan-Aitken, and Celia Radek. Also, thank you to Susan Dumont and Michele Trevenen for their ongoing support and assistance. A very special thank you to Floss O'Sullivan for always "being there" for me and for introducing me to those sweet pecans. As memorialized in "Finian's Rainbow", it's been "something sweetish, something grandish ... terrifish ... magnifish ... delish ... that life could be so 'flowers' in bloomish".

Donate Thank you for choosing to support the Garden Club of Montclair. Please use the form below to contribute to our general fund, or specifically to the Avis Campbell Garden, funded and maintained by the Club. You can also choose to make your donation in honor of, or in memory of, someone dear to you. If you prefer to send a check directly to our Treasurer, Bob Chapman, please email him directly for instructions.. You can also talk to Bob at 973-746-0965 about other types of giving, such as a gift of stock or a legacy. Donate to the Club Online First name Last name Email Phone Street Address Street Address Line 2 City State Zip I would like to donate in the name of Please apply my donation to General support for the Club Specific assistance to Avis Campbell Garden Is there anything more you would like to add? Enter the amount you wish to donate: $ Donate Thank you so much for supporting our Club!