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

Church Street Gardens (formerly Triangle Gardens) Committee Reports Committees 2024-2025 — Betty Jagoda Murphy, Chair; Janet Oscar, Vice Chair Triangle Gardens had a transformative year. After the completely new native design was installed in the Church Street planters (and one planter on South Fullerton Avenue) last spring, the committee worked hard to keep the planters looking fresh all summer. Unfortunately, some of the shrubs in the large Triangle didn’t get enough water and had to be removed. A few of the ilex in the planters also had to be replaced but, for the most part, Cynthia Corhan-Aiken’s wonderful native redesign worked beautifully, and the maintenance of the planters should now prove to be less arduous. The committee planted tulip bulbs in November 2024. In May 2025, we lifted the bulbs and planted SunPatiens in the specific color palette for each planter. We worked closely with the BID regarding watering the plants adequately so the blooms would beautify Church Street throughout the summer season. It has been a pleasure to work with all the dedicated and hardworking members of the Triangle Gardens Committee, and I look forward to working with the new Co Chairs, Kathy Bachmann and Maggie Rothman. 2024-2025 Committee: Olga Bequillard, Charlene Connolly, Susan Dumont, Nancy Foster, Nancy Gerber, Helene Peck, Maggie Rothman, Kathy Sorkin, Wendy Stahl, Nancy Stroud, Patt Sullivan-Perry. 2023-2024 — Betty Jagoda Murphy, Chair; Janet Oscar, Vice Chair BIG NEWS: Triangle has seriously entered the “native plant” arena! Inspired by GC President Sarah Olson’s impassioned speech at last year’s awards meeting, I asked Cynthia Corhan-Aitken if she would create a new design incorporating native species for Church Street. After several meetings with Celia Radek, Janet Oscar and me, Cynthia created a brand-new planting scheme incorporating native and perennial plants to beautify and bring Church Street into the environmentally conscious century! The drawings, complete with examples of envisioned plants, were presented to the BID for approval. The BID agreed to support the work with a $4,000 contribution and The Montclair Foundation granted an additional $2,000. Along with several personal donations, the $6,500 project was fully funded. The ever-committed Triangle Committee has always shown up! Planting tulips in the fall, removing the bulbs in the spring (great thanks to co-chair Janet Oscar) and, following the heavy work that was shouldered by Cynthia’s landscape crew, the committee met on Church Street to implement Cynthia’s design, the first week in June. 2022-2023 — Susan Yu, Chair; Betty Murphy, Vice Chair Triangle Gardens had a beautiful pink spring display of the "Pink Impressions" tulips collection (early and mid-spring blooming Darwin varieties) this year. Calendar days were dashed when Mother Nature gave us some over 80-degree, summer-like April days coupled with torrential downpours in early May. The hot and rainy days finished off our pink flowers ahead of our usual timetable and left us looking only at green stalks. A great crew assembled at the last minute to lift the bulbs on Thursday, May 4 and then plant the rose pink and peppermint white Vincas, dark purple Elephant Ears, white and purple Astilbes, and Rose Cannas on Friday, May 12th, just in time for Mother's Day. It was wonderful to meet and see many of our Provisionals join in alongside our devoted "regulars." Our summer maintenance schedule begins soon, and we hope to see you throughout the season. Hands will be needed for mulching and adding more native plants. COVID-19 presented new challenges on Church Street, including construction that eliminated three of our longtime raised beds, but also wonderful new opportunities outdoors, like meeting when much of life was on Zoom. We team with the Montclair Center BID, namely director Jason Gleason and new manager Jerry Rafalovich. We were honored to be recognized with a GCNJ Civic Beautification award last year. Thanks to the incredible Betty Murphy and Janet Oscar who will now take over chairing Triangle Gardens — a continuance of seventy plus years of beauty and excellence. 2021-2022 — Susan Yu, Chair; Jamie Chase, Vice Chair This is a special year for Triangle Gardens. Not only is it our 70th anniversary of tending the large planters of the "triangular intersection" of Church Street, Bloomfield, and South Fullerton Avenues, but we were also honored by the Garden Club of New Jersey this June with a special Large Club Civic Beautification award. We could not have achieved this without our wonderful, enthusiastic, and dedicated committee and our longtime, expert guide Jamie Chase, who helped us implement a new matrix planting method this year. Last November 6th, into our nine large planters went 1,500 tulip bulbs. This winter, the town removed three of the bulb-filled planters (in front of the now defunct Hampton House and the Pure Energy Salon corner), while undertaking road construction on Bloomfield Avenue. They were deemed hazardous after conducting a quick pedestrian safety study. Also, in early April, the town considered a proposal to require all public spaces be 70-90% native plantings. Special thanks to Betty Murphy, Cynthia Corhan-Aitken, and Celia Radek for representing GCM at the April town ordinance meeting. We plan to incorporate more native plants with Jamie's new matrix system as the season progresses. We hope to see more Provisionals during our summer maintenance schedule and for mulching. May 16th, right after Mother's Day, we removed all the faded red-edged Hocus Pocus and white-tinged Golden Parade yellow tulips from our remaining six planters. The following Monday morning, on May 23rd, we planted Maui Gold elephant ears, pink and white periwinkles (Vinca minor), some native pollinators of coral bells and Jacob's Ladder, and replenished some soil. Thank you to our wonderful crew: Susan Benner, Jamie Chase, Susan Dumont, Maria Matesanz, Penny McCook, Betty Murphy, Sheila Oakes, Janet Oscar, Maggie Rothmann, Kathy Sorkin, Maureen Sprong, Wendy Stahl, Lauren Zodel, and our favorite duo-Charlene & Terry Connelly. All their invaluable help provides another year of beautiful plantings! We are grateful to the Montclair BID, who still supports us with funding and maintenance help, and all the local businesses and public that thank us and appreciate our efforts! 2020-2021 — Susan Yu, Chair; Jamie Chase, Vice Chair In late October our intrepid Triangle Committee enthusiastically turned out to quickly remove the annuals despite COVID conditions and a chilly, misty, steady drizzle. In less than four hours we lifted the pink and white vincas, purple salvia, red cannas and enormous elephant ears. As befitting the challenging year, our tulip bulbs were held up in delivery so we waited for their arrival and planted them mid-November. They bloomed beautifully in the spring. In mid-May, our fantastic Triangle crew removed the spent waves of yellow tulip bulbs and planted the multicolored annual varieties (rose periwinkle, purple astilbe, various cannas) all on a beautiful spring day, and in record time. Normally these tasks, bagging over a thousand tulips and planting hundreds of annuals, would take more than one work day. Later, Jamie Chase planted the crowd favorite — Maui Gold elephant ears. We will continue the summer maintenance of mulching, light weeding, pruning, and rubbish removal. Occasionally we get an extra surprise set of hands via some husbands, and we hope to see more Provisionals. We are excited to welcome the wonderful Betty Murphy, who has agreed to be our new Vice Chair next year. 2019-2020 — Susan Yu, Chair; Jamie Chase, Vice Chair Covid-19 has been a strange and challenging situation and I am especially grateful this year's committee braved the quarantine to enthusiastically help lift, plant, and mulch the Triangle planters. While most of Montclair turned into a virtual ghost town this spring, Church Street lit up downtown with its cheery waves of bright Big Smile yellow tulip blooms that our autumn 2019 committee and Provisional members planted. The tulips were soon offset by the colorful shrubs and white flowering Venus Dogwood planted in 2015. Mid-May, our Triangle crew arrived gloved and masked to lift the 1,600 spent tulips and plant the annuals and later mulch all the raised planter beds. This year's two vinca varieties were Cooler Rose and Cooler Peppermint and were again interspersed with the magnificent elephant ears, Colocasia esculenta "Jack's Giant. " Cannova Rose cannas and Sizzler White salvias were also featured in the Hampton House bed. The planters are maintained through the summer, mostly light weeding and pruning. Montclair Center Business Improvement District (BID) continues to kindly assist us with funding and maintenance. I am thankful to Debbie Moran who generously shared her many skills, especially organizing the Triangle Gardens Committee. Extra thanks are due to Kathy Parsons for transporting the tulip bulbs and helping remove and dispose of the giant elephant ears last fall, and especially to Jamie Chase, current Vice Chair and longtime Committee Chair who continues to provide her expertise and invaluable assistance.

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. February 23, 2026 Canceled, due to snowstorm. 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.) Showcasing flower designs will naturally be part of the celebration and we have decided to segue from our usual monthly competition format and do something different. Following are the plans for the flower design component of the evening’s celebration: The theme for the flower design showcase is “Flower Designing through the Decades” We will exhibit 11 designs (see the list below for details ) commemorating the decades from the 1920s to the 2020s and ask designers to create a piece that reflects various aspects of a particular decade, This will not be a judged competition. Designers are free to do whatever they choose: fresh or dried plant martial, painted material, etc. (just NO traditional Oasis Advantage floral foam) All designs will be on pedestals, either 42” or 36” tall There will be no distinctive design divisions (Provisional, Novice, etc); all designers can opt to do any design Note that Botanical Arts and Horticulture will remain as planned in the Garden Club room for judging this day. We are looking for 11 designers to exhibit for this event. In the interest of fairness, after you review the attached document we ask that you rank your top three decade choices (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) and your selections will be honored “first come, first served,” based on replies to this email. If we find that we have more than 11 volunteers, we will ask some of you to do a small table design for this event. Details about setting up designs will be sent in a future email as we get closer to the event. Flower Designing through the Decades 1920s - Art Deco Sophistication Design look: • formal, symmetrical, architectural • strong lines, vertical emphasis, elegant restraint • influenced by luxury, jazz culture, and modernism Typical flowers: • calla lilies in tall vases • orchids (especially cymbidium) • long-stemmed roses arranged tightly • minimal greenery, polished containers (metal, glass) Signature vibe: glamorous, sculptural, “cocktail party chic 1930s - Elegant but Restrained Design look: • still structured but softer than the 20’s • graceful curves, fewer flowers due to economic hardship • beauty through proportion, not abundance Typical flowers: • garden roses • lilies • sweet peas • small hand-tied or low centerpiece arrangements Signature vibe: refined, dignified, quietly romantic 1940s - Modest and Meaningful Design look: • practical, sentimental, home-grown • smaller arrangements • symbolism mattered more than style Typical flowers: • carnations • chrysanthemums • daisies • victory garden flowers in simple vessels Signature vibe: heartfelt, patriotic, humble beauty 1950s - Romantic Abundance Design look: • full, rounded, lush • highly feminine and polished • symmetry and volume prized Typical flowers: • roses, baby’s breath • carnations and chrysanthemums • peonies • big dining table centerpieces Signature vibe: classic romance, suburban elegance 1960s- Flower Power Freedom Design look: • loose, wild, expressive • bright colors, symmetry • flowers as political and cultural symbols Typical flowers: • daisies • sunflowers • zinnias • mixed wildflower bunches tied with ribbon or string Signature vibe: joyful rebellion, peace and love 1970s - Bohemian and Earthy Design look: • natural, flowing, unstructured • heavy use of foliage and texture • earthy tone and dried elements Typical flowers: • marigolds • brown-toned roses • protea (emerging popularity • grasses, eucalyptus, ferns Signature vibe: free spirited but grounded, nature-driven 1980s - Bold and Maximalist Design look: • big, dramatic, colorful • “more is more” • arrangements were statement pieces Typical flowers: • orchids • anthuriums • birds of paradise • roses in hot pinks and reds • large cascading or fan-shaped designs Signature vibe: power, glamor, excess 1990s - Minimal and Natural Design look: • clean lines, few flowers • casual, slightly rustic • reaction against 80’s excess Typical flowers: • sunflowers • calla lilies • tulips Signature vibe: relaxed, fresh, understated 2000s - Structured Modern Romance Design look: • polished, intentional, customized • clean shapes with soft romance • event focused Typical flowers: • white rose • calla lilies • hydrangeas • monochromatic bouquets (all white was huge) Signature vibe: elegant, contemporary, tailored 2010s - Eclectic Garden Style Design look: • loose but styled • vintage + modern mix • “just picked from the garden” look Typical flowers: • ranunculus • dahlias • garden roses • anemones • mixed textures+ greenery (eucalyptus, olive branches) Signature vibe: romantic, artisanal, Instagram-ready 2020s - Natural, Nostalgic, Expressive Design look: • hyper-natural or hyper-minimal • sustainability matters • emotional storytelling through flowers Typical flowers: • locally grown seasonal blooms • dried and fresh flowers • scabiosa, hellebore, cosmos • asymmetrical, airy Back to description of the April 27 party flower project Decades 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. 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.)

Committee Reference Guide for 2026-2027 ease sign up ONLY for the committees to which you feel you can ACTIVELY contribute. The list below is not a general description of our committees, but a request for volunteers. CLICK HERE for a general description of all our committees to see whether you feel you can contribute. CLICK HERE to return to the Annual Dues Form. CLICK HERE for a general description of all our committees and members.. Avis Campbell Gardens and Grounds: Maintain the perennial gardens and shrub plantings, April through early November. Committee members meet as a group every Tuesday morning, with other days and special events scheduled as needed. Committee members will fill one of these three roles: 1. Bed Captain, 2. Bed Partner, 3. Garden Floater. Botanical Arts: Committee members will work with the Chair(s) to help create the schedules at the beginning of the year and help set up the monthly exhibitions. Church Street Gardens: Plant and maintain the raised beds in the downtown Montclair Church Street area. The schedule of work days will be created by the committee. Spring: Prune shrubs and perennials, pull spent tulip bulbs and plant annuals. Summer: Weed and water as needed. Late Fall: pull annuals and plant tulips. The fall and spring workdays (8:30 am - 12:30 pm) are scheduled on Mondays in late October and May. Civic/Environment: Several new joint projects with the township are currently in planning stages. Physically able committee members will assist with the planting and initial maintenance of these projects. Environmentally committed members will search out examples of sustainable practices both within our town and globally, and work with the committee to highlight these on the Club’s social media and website platforms. Be prepared to interface with other committees of our club to learn, educate, and share ideas. Communications & Publicity: We are looking for Members who are interested in the art and science of modern communications. We are also looking for those who can contribute short accounts and photographs of Club activities for inclusion on the website and social media. Facilities: Assist Chair in the maintenance of the Club’s physical plant. Ensure spaces (Club Room and Auditorium or outdoor space) are set up as needed. Interface with building management, i.e., communicate GC needs for use of space, garbage disposal, cleanliness of space. Flower Design: Attend committee meetings to help decide yearly theme, schedule, workshops etc. Assist Design Chair at monthly design competitions and workshops as well as assisting with other responsibilities associated with Flower Design. Garden Boutique: Assist Chair in maintaining the Club’s boutique store. Help set up off-site Boutique events and coordinate outside vendor sales twice a year, and perform other duties as needed. Garden Therapy: Garden Therapy is an opportunity to "give back" to the community with visits to nursing homes, senior centers, specialized schools, and refuges. Garden Club members work with the institutions to design programs that will interest participants and members alike, ranging from hands on workshops covering floral design, aromatherapy, botanical collage art and raised garden bed planting of annuals and herbs. Committee members will participate in purchasing materials, mentoring participants at events, helping to set up and break down the workshops and arranging car pools if needed. Horticulture: Attend committee meetings to help develop the horticulture schedule, choose the Horticulture “Project of the Year” and workshop. Assist Chair with set up and breakdown at monthly competitions, workshops and share your knowledge of exhibiting with new members. Hospitality: One of our three goals is "Fellowship," and the Hospitality Committee ensures that it is never far from any Club event. Members of this committee help organize lunches and teas, and provide all kinds of comforting fare for members and for judges at our competitions. Committee members should also help with set up and breakdown of these events. Membership: Volunteers on this committee are the welcoming faces for Provisionals. Their job is to mentor and make sure new members feel comfortable during their first year. As ambassadors for the Club, they publicize and recruit new members. They will also meet and greet members and visitors at program meetings and other events, and are expected to attend at least one program meeting where they will hand out and collect name tags. Programs: Yearly: Assist Chair(s) in suggesting and selecting interesting speakers for the monthly program meetings. Monthly: Solicit raffle items from speakers and/or purchase items for raffles. Confirm speakers 2 weeks prior to program meeting, confirm their needs for presentation. Check in members/guests at program meetings and sell raffle tickets. Send written thank you notes to speakers after each program. Learn how to set up audio and video equipment and assist Chair(s) with set up and break down at monthly programs. Be available to attend to guest speaker’s needs. Properties: Make sure our exhibitions and shows have the right equipment to make everything run smoothly. Committee members will set up and breakdown for competitions. Ways & Means: Plan and implement fundraising activities that are needed for specific projects. Members have the opportunity to lead specific projects. Workshops: Attend planning meeting over the summer to assist Chair(s) in selecting and organizing monthly workshops and recruiting instructors. Help Chair(s) with set up/break down/clean-up of meeting room. Crane House Decorating Sub-Committee: Assist with pick-up and delivery of greens; assist with set up/clean-up for wreath and swag making; provide refreshments on decorating day; assist with clean up on decorating day. Youth: Help plan and lead activities that introduce children to basic principles of gardening, floral design, floral arts, ecology, and conservation.

Programs We hold programs throughout the year that are open to the community. We invite renown horticultural experts to speak to Club members on a variety of topics, and we welcome non-members to join us. There is no fee; a $5 -$10 donation per person is very much appreciated. Our meetings are held in the auditorium of the United Way Building, 60 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair. Wild Hydrangeas for the Mid-Atlantic Region 60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium Canceled due to snowstorm. Sam Hoadley, Manager of Horticultural Research at the Mt. Cuba Center, will reschedule next year. Gardening for Hummingbirds 60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium Monday, March 23, 2026, 1PM Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate in Ornamental Horticulture at Cornell University. His career has taken him on a journey through horticulture: he taught college for 24 years, worked as the Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, managed a 20-acre estate in Greenwich, CT, designed landscapes for both private and public clients, and has contributed to many horticultural publications. He continues to design landscapes, promote ecologically focused gardening practices, and lecture on his passion, native plants. Duncan will help us explore the life cycle of the ruby-throated hummingbird and show us how to make our gardens a haven for these tiny flying jewels, including a great selection of native plants that provide food sources and nesting sites from spring to fall. One Hundred Years of History 60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium Monday, April 27, 2026, 1PM Let’s get ready to celebrate our upcoming 100th Birthday Year! This kick-off event will share the story of our beloved club from inception through today. Stay tuned for more exciting details! Urban Landscape Inspirations from Native Plant Communities 60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium Monday, October 20, 2025 at 1PM Educated in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture at Cornell University, Ethan Dropkin has followed his love of plants since childhood and turned that into a career in landscape design. As an Associate and Horticulture Specialist with Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, Ethan focuses on native plants and landscapes while lecturing on horticulture and plants at large. He has a particular love of plants and plant communities that thrive in difficult conditions. His presentation will focus on how native plants and assemblages can be adapted to horticultural practice in the complicated urban landscape. Foam-Free Flower Design 60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium Monday, November 17, 2025 at 1PM Owner of Rosaspina, an artisanal floral and event design studio in Montclair (her shop faces the newly planted circle on Church Street!), Lindsey Vandevier calls her aesthetic “artfully whimsical.” Her goal is to provide artistic floral creations that are never cookie cutter and always lush, sophisticated, and elegant. Lindsey will create two designs in real time while she talks us through her process. She’ll share her methods for making arrangements without floral foam, as well as tips for conditioning flowers. Lindsey will bring along a third design to explain, and then we’ll raffle all three! Planning Your Kitchen Garden 60 S. Fullerton Avenue, Auditorium February 2, 2026 (rescheduled from January 26.) Dani Scannella is the owner of The Backyard Garden Company in Cedar Grove. As a gardening consultant, Dani guides her clients through the process of planning, sowing, harvesting, and improving a home kitchen garden. She can also help turn around a garden that is under-producing. She’ll share her journey from the world of marketing to food production education; how to overcome the fear of beginning your own plot regardless of the space restrictions you face; and she’ll share gardening principles to get us all up to speed on growing our own food. Be sure to sign up for her Workshop, Seed Starting 101 for the Kitchen Garden , on Friday, February 20, 2026, 10AM to noon. Top 5 takeaways from presentation Dani's recommended local suppliers

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 23, 2026 Canceled, due to snowstorm. 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. 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.

Committees Descriptions, Chairs, and Members Click on a committee button, or scroll down to read about them all. Avis Campbell Facilities Hospitality Awards Finance Membership Botanical Arts Flower Design Nominating Ways & Means Church Street Garden Boutique Open Gardens Workshops Civic/Environment Garden Therapy Program Communications Horticulture Properties Youth Avis Campbell Gardens Reports 2019-2025 Ana Zalles Moore, Chair; Wendy Stahl, Vice Chair; Barbara Meyer, Rose Chair Members 2025-2026: Olga Bequillard, Susan Dumont, Donna Karanja, Anne Kerr, Clare Kuch, Kem Louie, Maria Matesanz, Barbara Meyer, Debbie Moran, Tova Narrett, Sarah Olson, Celia Radek, Edith Ries, Maggie Rothman, Valerie Slamka, Grete Scheidl, Maureen Sprong, Michelle Tomasik, Michele Trevenen, Jane Wallace, Karen Whitehaus, Susan Yu, Lauren Zodel, and Provisionals. The Avis Campbell Gardens and Grounds Committee maintains the grounds and the display gardens located behind 60 S Fullerton Ave. The gardens are open to the public. Designed by landscape architect and Garden Club member Avis Campbell and installed in 1952, the gardens are inspired by the Wheel of Life and feature a pedestal fountain surrounded by roses and beds of flowering perennials and annuals. The grounds include a memorial to Essex County residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Volunteers are welcome to join committee members who garden every Tuesday morning from April through mid-November. Awards Tova Narrett, Chair Members 2025-2026 : This group of members is responsible for managing which members receive Garden Club awards. Click here for the full list of awards and recipients since 1980. Member of this committee are appointed. Reports 2019-2025 Botanical Arts Reports 2019-2025 Florence Leyssène, Chair; Debbie Moran, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Kathy Bachmann, Barbara Baletti, Karen DeLuca, Karen Fricke, Debbie Moran, Tova Narrett, Floss O’Sullivan, Susan van Inwegen. Recently joining the line-up of Club activities, Botanical Arts (BA) offers additional opportunity for creative expression and presentation of other types of horticulture, design and exhibits. Included under the BA umbrella are Botanical Horticulture, Botanical Design, Artistic Crafts, and Photography. Church Street Gardens (formerly Triangle Gardens) Reports 2019-2025 Kathy Bachmann, Chair; Maggie Rothman, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026: Charlene Connolly, Nancy Foster, Betty Murphy, Deborah Hirsch, Anna Lee, Sara Olson, Janet Oscar, Maggie Rothman, Valerie Slamka, Kathy Sorkin, Wendy Stahl, Nancy Stroud, Pamela Torre, Jane Wallace, Sue Young. Church Street Gardens include the raised planting beds along Church Street and the traffic circle at the corner of Valley Road, planted in the summer of 2025. Active and provisional Members plant in the spring and maintain through the summer and fall, turning downtown Montclair into an oasis that residents take for granted. The Business Improvement District partners with the club, supplying funds and maintenance assistance during the growing season. Civic/Environment Reports 2019-2025 Deborah Hirsch, Chair; Sarah Olson, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Kathy Bachmann, Karen Carter, Jacoba Coes, Marie Donnelly, Susan Dumont, Karen Kadus, Anna Lee, Maria Matesanz, Sydney Milliken, Sheila Oakes, Sarah Olson, Imke Oster, Susan Straten, Jane Wallace, Sue Young. The mission of this Committee is to encourage environmentally responsible beautification of our town’s outdoor green spaces. This Committee’s goal is to act as a resource for individual and organizational stewardship for planning and plant selection and to provide physical help where appropriate. We will offer advice on ways to beautify town businesses and create floral displays when requested. We will search for existing gardens that exemplify sustainable practices and businesses whose plantings or containers show significant effort in the use of pollinator friendly and native plants. We will highlight these examples on social media and website platforms. We will interface with other committees of our club to learn, educate, and share ideas. Communications/Publicity Reports 2019-2025 Celia Radek, Chair; Sue Young, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Janice Benton, Karen DeLuca, Deborah Hirsch, Tova Narrett, Tracy Reilly, Amy South, Allyn Young. Not only do we need to inform members of all our activities, but we need to reach out to new gardeners. This committee runs this website, blasts out social media, updates our history online and with an annual printable Yearbook, communicates with blog updates and emails, and links with the public and press through social media and event notifications. It also helps all committees with publicity and other communications requirements. Facilities Reports 2019-2025 Karen Whitehaus, Chair Member 2025-2026 : Deborah Hirsch. Members of this committee oversee the very important maintenance of the Club’s physical plant. They are responsible for maintaining the Club's meeting rooms, whether at 60 South Fullerton Avenue or elsewhere. Finance Reports 2019-2025 Bob Chapman, Chair; Vice Chair TBD Members 2025-2026 : Class of 2026—Nancy Stroud, Imke Oster; Ways & Means—Gretchen Prater (non-voting); Class of 2027—Lissa Barrett, Karen Kadus; President (ex officio)—Fran Ackerly. As in any organization, this committee is responsible for collecting dues, creating and managing a budget, and ensuring we meet all legal and ethical standards concerning our finances. Members are appointed. Flower Design Reports 2019-2025 Barbara Baletti, Chair; Florence Leyssène, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026: Fran Ackerly, Barbara Baletti, Susan Brady, Carol Callahan, Cynthia Corhan-Aitken, Karen Fricke, Florence Leysènne, Tova Narrett, Deborah Moran, Amy Poster, Michele Quinn, Cheryl Slutzky, Sarah Stransky, Flower Design is an integral component of the Garden Club. Monthly competitions provide opportunities for new and experienced designers to showcase their designs, receive feedback from judges, and earn ribbons and design credits. By attending the many workshops offered each year by our expert designers, members can improve their design skills, learn about the different design types, staging, and mechanics. Garden Boutique Reports 2019-2025 Susan Benner, Chair Members 2025-2026 : Susan Brady, Ellen Colton, Marie Donnelly, Susan Dumont, Dorothy Meissner, Sara Olson, Brigitte Padberg, Nancy Stroud. The Garden Boutique not only provides gardening and flower design tools, caps, aprons, and other eye-catching gifts to members, but it makes a profit and contributes to our annual budget. Our chair is always open to new ideas for items. Garden Therapy Reports 2019-2025 Olga Bequillard, Chair; Sheila Oakes, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Fran Ackerly, Susan Benner, Betsy Burgess, Susan Dumont, Anna Lee, Maria Matesanz, Betty Murphy, Sara Olson, Imke Oster, Denise Silverman, Cheryl Slutzky, Wendy Stahl, Michele Tomasik, Jane Wallace. Garden Therapy is an opportunity to “give back” to the community with visits to nursing homes, senior centers, specialized schools and refuges. GC members work with institutions to design programs that will interest participants, ranging from hands on workshops such as aromatherapy, floral design, botanical arts and the planting of annuals, perennials and herbs in garden beds or windowsill planters. Horticulture Reports 2019-2025 Heidi Muschick, Chair; Susan Straten, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Jacoba Coes, Celia Radek, Denise Silverman. Horticulture involves the cultivation of fruits, flowering plants, vegetables, and ornamental plants with opportunities for members to exhibit specimens from their gardens or potted plants from their homes. Hospitality Reports 2019-2025 Florence Sinofsky, Chair; Betty Murphy, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Betsy Burgess, Carol Callahan, Charlene Connolly, Karen Kadus, Dorothy Meissner, Betty Murphy, Amy Poster, Michele Quinn, Elizabeth Seebode-Zazzali, Pat Sullivan-Perry, Cheryl Slutzky. One of our three goals is "Fellowship," and the Hospitality Committee ensures that it is never far from any Club event. Our members look forward to the tradition of delicious lunches, teas, and all kinds of comforting fare conjured — apparently — out of nowhere. Membership Reports 2019-2025 Cheryl Slutzky, Chair; Susan Dumont, Vice-Chair Members 2025-2026 : Sarah Olson, Brigitte Padberg, Kathy Sorkin, Sue Young. This committee is responsible for recruiting and welcoming new members and managing all aspects of membership in the Club. Nominating Reports 2019-2025 Marie Donnelly, Chair Members 2025-2026: Barbara Baletti, Susan Benner, Karen Fricke, Sarah Olson, Florence Sinofsky, Fran Wong; Membership (ex officio)—Cheryl Slutzky; President (ex officio)—Fran Ackerly. The Nominating Committee prepares slates of candidates for Club officers and fills vacancies should they occur. Members of this committee are appointed. Open Gardens Reports 2019-2025 Marilyn Zaret, Moderator Connecting our Members, Open Gardens provides an opportunity to share knowledge and creativity. With friends included, these periodic social gatherings continue to expand in popularity, and serve as outreach to our community. Program Reports 2019-2025 Cynthia Cohan-Aitken, Chair; Karen Fricke, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Barbara Baletti, Charlene Connolly, Sydney Milliken, Amy Poster, Sarah Stransky. Program meetings are held monthly from September to April for members and guests. Speakers come with an extensive knowledge of gardening, flower design and horticulture as well as topics as varied as the history of Essex County parks, color theory, tree therapy, and the relationship of the fashion industry to gardening. Properties Reports 2019-2025 Pam Turre, Chair; Melody Brown, Vice Chair Member 2025-2026 : Angel Pollack These behind-the-scenes troupers are responsible for making sure our exhibitions and shows have the right equipment to make everything run smoothly. Ways & Means Susan Benner, Chair; Olga Bequillard, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Cynthia Corhan-Aitken, Marie Donnelly, Deborah Hirsch, Anna Lee, Janet Oscar, Amy Poster, Cheryl Slutzky, Amy South, Susan Straten, Nancy Stroud, Michele Trevenen, Marilyn Zaret, This committee searches for ways to generate revenue to support the various club projects. Reports 2019-2025 Workshops Reports 2019-2025 Karen Fricke, Chair; Tova Narrett, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Barbara Baletti, Susan Brady, Florence Leysenne, Dorothy Meissner, Barbara Meyer. Workshops are organized throughout the year to help members — provisionals in particular — learn about flower design, cultivating and exhibiting horticulture specimens, as well as other topics related to gardening. Youth Reports 2019-2025 Jacoba Coes, Chair; Susan Yu, Vice Chair Members 2025-2026 : Nancy Foster, Sarah Olson, Susan Straten, Allyn Young. 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.

In Memoriam Click on each name for more about the Members we have lost. See the relevant Yearbooks for earlier names. 2025-2026 Joan Larkin Cherry Provost 2024-2025 Michele Conlin Mary McGeown Anne von Hoffmann Terri Breen Kate Khachaturian Marilyn Yeutter 2023-2024 Connie DuHamel Pat Green Fritzi Mills Susie Price

Reports of the Botanical Arts Committee of the Garden Club of Montclair Botanical Arts Committee Reports Committees 2024-2025 — Florence Leyssène Chair; Debbie Moran, Vice Chair The Botanical Arts Division held competitions this past year in October, November, January, February, March and April. Each month offered two classes from the Horticulture, Design, Artistic Crafts and Photography sections. A variety of classes was presented: Dried and Preserved Flowers in Horticulture; Exploration, Mobile, Plaque and Pot-et-Fleur in Design; Mask, Napkin Ring, Brooch, Bird House and Corsage in Artistic Crafts; two classes in Photography. The Botanical Arts Division seems to be successful as it attracts new and very enthusiastic designers. 2024-2025 Committee: Kathy Bachmann, Barbara Baletti, Karen DeLuca, Karen Fricke, Debbie Moran, Tova Narrett, Floss O’Sullivan, Susan van Inwegen. 2023-2024 — Florence Leyssène Chair; Debbie Moran, Vice Chair This past year marked the second year since the introduction of classes in the Botanical Arts Division for monthly competition. In each month, two classes were offered from among four sections in the Division ― Botanical Arts, Horticulture, Design, Artistic Craft and Photography ― and the member response was both enthusiastic and impressive in the degree of creativity and detailed execution. It’s clear that there is a home in Botanical Arts classes for some members who do not wish to participate in Flower Design, but like the opportunity to express their creativity using plant material in this different, slightly more informal environment. A decorated fresh pumpkin in the fall and a shoe embellished with plant material were enthusiastically and delightfully created, stunning invitation cards were crafted for a winter party, and a botanical jewelry bracelet and two photography assignments were also challenges embraced. Still a relatively new Division for NGC, each year brings a learning curve that will no doubt continue. Finding imaginative challenges for our members may be the toughest task for the Botanical Arts committee next year!

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Environment We see this page as a developing newsletter, where we document our Club's commitment to the increasingly urgent need to view everything we do individually and as a group through the lens of sustainability. Below you will find upcoming events, featured articles, this committee's mission, News Not exactly news, but read Jacoba's fascinating article on trees on this page, below . She wrote it for the Brookdale Park Conservancy . Events Nov. 13, 6:00 - 8:00pm. Groundbreaking for the Newark portion of the Greenway project is expected in 2025! Join the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and NJ Transit for an open house-style event to learn about project updates, see artistic images of the Greenway, share your thoughts and enjoy light refreshments. See details . Oct. 24, 30 and November 4, 12. at 6:30PM. Rutgers webinar series on environmental impacts from climate change. See flyer for details and click here to register. This Week's Featured Post Want to fix up your lawn the environmentally safe way? Click here . Other Interesting Articles National Wildlife Protection article: " Five Simple Ways to Create Habitat This Fall . " Article in The New York Times real estate section: " A Viable Alternative to Convention al Lawn? Cornell May Have Found One . " Washington Post: " A couple was sick of mowing. Now their wildflowers are a local attraction. " Op-Ed in The New York Times: "Turn the National Mall Into a Wildflower Meadow " Article in Environmental Journal: . "Anxiety and mood linked to bird diversity ." Article in The Cornell Lab : "After The Fire: How A Sustainable Ranch Survived A Natural Wildfire " Mission This committee's mission c enters on creating an Act of Restorative Kindness to our earth within our community. Members work to restore, improve and protect the quality of our environment with like minded community partners. This involves embracing new knowledge and science in the field of conservation and restoration as well as challenging current stan dards of beauty and landscape-care habits. Resources The Greenway Brookdale Park Conservancy Homegrown National Park ,Native Plan t S ociety of NJ Jersey-Friendly Yards Rebecca McMackin newsletter Montclair Bird Club Northeast Earth Coalition EPA: Comp o sting and Recycling Rutgers: New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center Committee Members Chair: Deborah Hirsch Committee: Kathy Bachmann, Andie Bertsche, Jacoba Coes, Karen DeLuca, Marie Donnelly, Susan Dumont, Karen Kadus, Anna Lee, Sydney Milliken, Sheila Curry Oakes, Imke Oster, Brigitte Padberg, Helene Peck, Maryellen Stadtlander, Wendy Stahl, Sonyia Woloshyn, Jane Wallace, Allyn Young, Sue Young ex officio Sarah J. Olson. by Jacoba Coes During the dog days of this sweltering summer, I escaped to Brookdale Park to walk my dog and discovered that it was significantly cooler walking in the park than around town. I figured the park climate had to do with the number of trees we are so lucky to have. A little research taught me that trees have cool powers. We’ve all taken cover under a tree for the shade but trees do even more to affect temperatures. Trees “transpire”. They absorb rainwater through their roots and then release it as vapor via the pores on their leaves, cooling the air. Areas with trees can be up to 10 degrees cooler than city streets. WHAT ELSE DID I DISCOVER IN MY RESEARCH? Trees remove fossil fuel emissions from our atmosphere - a third of worldwide emissions every year, in fact. This is known as carbon sequestration. A roadside tree can reduce indoor pollution by 50 per cent . Particulates land on the leaves and are absorbed by the tree along with the air they take in during the process of photosynthesis. Trees can reduce home heating/cooling energy use by up to 25% according to the US Energy Department . In our region, strategically planting trees based upon the prevailing wind and the sun’s path can maximize the sun’s warming power in winter, provide cooling power in summer by shading, and help influence the impact of the wind. And one of the coolest things about trees - studies show that the mere presence of trees in an urban environment appears to have a correlation to reducing aggression and violence . For more tree awesomeness check out this comprehensive list from the Arbor Day Foundation Newly inspired by how cool trees really are, I want to share a few ways we can help trees thrive. Help get more trees planted. Brookdale Park Conservancy plants trees every year to replace those we lost to storms and to create new areas of beauty. This year we will plant 50 trees - your donations directly fund this program. Advocate for more shade trees in your community. Zero in on the heat map to pinpoint opportunities. Take care of newly planted trees - review how to care for your baby tree . A key take away - watering slowly and longer will let the goodness sink into the ground. If there is a newly planted shade tree near you, help to water it. Support a healthy root system. This starts with exposing the root flare at the base of the trunk. It is part of the tree’s “lungs” and needs direct contact with the air to absorb oxygen. Burying the flare in soil or mulch suffocates the tree. Proper mulching is beneficial, but improper mulching is a tree killer . This video of Roger Cook at This Old House teaches you all about mulching correctly. While you adjust your mulch, consider being a sustainable gardener and mulch with fallen leaves. I hope these ideas take root and that you are inspired to help trees! FAMILY ACTIVITIES Volunteer at Brookdale Park. Learn about planting and caring for native plants, trees and our park. We have fun and are happy to work with volunteers of all ages, including for community service credit. Email info@brookdalepark.org to learn more. Back to main Environment section .

Donate a Brick to Avis Campbell Gardens CLICK HERE to donate a brick. 4" x 8" $200 8" x 8" $300 Pay by credit card or check. For over 70 years, the Garden Club of Montclair has lovingly maintained the Avis Campbell Gardens, our cherished historical gardens in Montclair located behind 60 South Fullerton Avenue (next to the library). Volunteers dedicate over 800 hours each season tending this hidden but public oasis , but the pathways have deteriorated over time, making it harder for visitors to fully enjoy this special space. As part of our 100th-anniversary celebration, we are launching a Pathway Renovation Project—and you can be a part of it! We invite you to leave your mark on this historical treasure of Montclair by donating an engraved brick to be incorporated into the new pathways between the gardens. Your contribution will help restore the paths, enhance accessibility and provide new benches for visitors to enjoy. Join us in preserving the beauty of the Avis Campbell Gardens for future generations. Donate today and become a part of this lasting legacy! The Garden Club of Montclair is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation is fully tax deductible. Your donation supports our ongoing service and restoration of the Avis Campbell Gardens. Disclaimer: The Garden Club of Montclair reserves the right to review and finalize all inscriptions. Should a inscription require revision, you will be contacted for assistance in submitting an alternative inscription. Questions? Ask at ACGbricks@gmail.com The Plan: Over the years, the pathways, last replaced between 1970-72, have become uneven, weed-prone, and unsafe for visitors and volunteers. The gardens' plastic edging has deteriorated, allowing the bricks to shift. The plan is to repair the existing pathways by leveling and resetting the bricks, incorporating new ones where needed, and adding polymeric sand for stability. Metal edging will be installed to secure the bricks. Additionally, benches will be placed for visitors to rest and enjoy the gardens.

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Civic/Environment Committee Reports Committees This webpage includes the last reports of the Civic Beautification committee and the first report of the newly activated Environment committee. Due to the overlap in functions of these two committees, the Board of Trustees felt that it made sense to combine the two as one, to be known as the Civic/Environment committee. 2024-2025 — Deborah Hirsch, Chair This year marked a turning point for our newly combined Committee — defined by renewed energy, creative collaboration, and visible progress. We began with our third Upper Montclair clean-up, assessing tree conditions and documenting findings with photographs. Building on that momentum, we met with the Township Planning Commission to revisit the Valley Road and Church Street Circle—once home to a Garden Club fountain installed in 1976. In December, we launched efforts to revitalize the site, culminating in June with the installation of a native garden designed by Committee member Celia Radek. Throughout the year, we explored additional partnerships with the Office of Sustainability, including potential plantings in tree wells slated for replacement. The committee started working with the township to plan for the native garden to be installed at the long-abandoned circle at Valley Road and Church Street. We proudly represented the Club at Montclair’s second EarthFest and Glen Ridge’s Environmental Day, engaging with the public and sharing our mission. Committee member Jacoba Coes kept us informed regarding the development of the Greenway Project which is now beginning to welcome volunteers into this exciting new public space on the old rail track between Montclair and the Hudson River. In alignment with our sustainability goals, we phased out the use of Oasis in floral arrangements and prioritized biodegradable, compostable, and reusable materials at our social gatherings. In collaboration with the Triangle team, we also supported the replanting of raised beds with native species, reinforcing our commitment to climate-resilient, pollinator-friendly landscapes. These accomplishments reflect the dedication and enthusiasm of a remarkable team: Kathy Bachmann, Andie Bertsche, Jacoba Coes, Marie Donnelly, Susan Dumont, Karen Kadus, Ann Lee, Sydney Milliken, Sarah Olson, Imke Oster, Brigitte Padberg, Helene Peck, Sheila Oakes, MaryEllen Stadtlander, Wendy Stahl, Susan Straten, Sonyia Woloshyn, Allyn Young, Sue Young. 2023-2024 — Deborah Hirsch, Chair Our Environment Committee was restored to active duty during this year. We started with an engaged group of members who reviewed lots of ideas about how we should approach this important aspect of Club work, beginning with educating ourselves about best garden practices. Some members wrote articles for the website under the new Environment tab, others submitted reference opportunities on the subject. We all agreed that collaboration with other like-minded organizations should be encouraged. Our first public effort was a clean-up of Upper Montclair Business District in early March. On a rainy Saturday we met at member Amy South’s Moss & More shop and set out to collect trash and photograph tree conditions. Later in the year we fashioned a new Civic Beautification and Environmental Responsibility Committee, with the following mission: "The mission of this Committee is to encourage environmentally responsible beautification of our town’s outdoor green spaces. This Committee’s goal is to act as a resource for individual and organizational stewardship for planning and plant selection and to provide physical help where appropriate. We will offer advice on ways to beautify town businesses and create floral displays when requested. We will search for existing gardens that exemplify sustainable practices and businesses whose plantings or containers show significant effort in the use of pollinator friendly and native plants. We will highlight these examples on social media and website platforms. We will interface with other committees of our Club to learn, educate, and share ideas". 2023-2024 — Marie Donnelly, Civic Beautification Chair; Susan Benner, Vice Chair The Civic Beautification Committee continued improving the outdoor spaces of Montclair businesses and residences by planting urns in front of Church Street stores and providing landscape designs for open spaces on Seymour Street. In keeping with our new cooperation and upcoming merger with the Environmental Committee, we encourage the use of native and pollinator plants. A generous grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation helped enormously in our efforts. Plans for beautifying open spaces at Montclair High School and Bradford School are in the works. Once again, this year more than 25 of our members participated in Art in Bloom at the Montclair Art Museum. Their interpretations of and meaningful insights into works of art displayed at the Museum are more examples of the many ways the Club interacts with the community. We photographed local gardens that promote the use of native plants and pollinator species. By promoting these on social media and in the local press we encouraged other gardeners to follow these examples. . In the future, we look forward to our presence as an integral part of the new Civic/Environmental Committee. 2022-2023 — Marie Donnelly, Chair; Susan Benner Vice Chair The Civic Beautification Committee meets several times a year to brainstorm and implement ideas to help beautify the community. We are continuing with plans to install a pop-up flower/plant design in Montclair next year and hoping this will become an annual event that will draw people from neighboring towns. Addressing the needs of businesses asking for help is another way we serve the community. In 2023 the Montclair Ambulance Unit at 95 Walnut Street requested help with improving the look of their building. We rose to the challenge and installed two new planters in front of their building in time for the Walnut Street Fair on May 7, 2023. 2021-2022 — Marie Donnelly, Chair; Susan Benner Vice Chair More than 25 of our Members participated in Art in Bloom at the Montclair Art Museum. Their interpretations of works of art on display offered meaningful insights to one of the many ways the Garden Club of Montclair impacts the community and supports the Museum. The committee is very enthusiastic about developing a long-range project to install "pop-up" flower design displays in Montclair 's business districts. Members are consulting with local crafters and creating a proposal to submit to the Township for a yearly event. Conversations continue enthusiastically with the Montclair Public Library Foundation to beautify the library plazas, host a farm stand, provide space for native plants, and promote sustainability initiatives. 2020-2021 — Marie Donnelly, Chair Due to the COVID pandemic and resulting restrictions in 2020–21, the Civic Beautification Committee was unable to complete its planned community projects. The Committee will renew efforts to engage the community in the upcoming year. 2020-2021 — Cheryl Slutzky, Chair It was a rather quiet year for Civic Beautification. While we looked forward to planning for Art in Bloom at the Montclair Art Museum and a "May in Montclair" coordinated experience in the township, COVID-19 had other plans! In 2019, the merchants in Upper Montclair and the South End business districts produced some lovely outdoor floral displays. There were no such displays in 2020 and no little Garden Club of Montclair cards of congratulation appeared. Here's hoping we see those little cards inserted into happy, creative displays — and that we all fare better in 2021.

Botanical Arts Division Rules 2025-2026 Back to main Botanical Arts Schedule page. See also the NGC Handbook for Flower Shows See Clerking Guidelines Members and Provisionals are encouraged to enter Botanical Arts entries at monthly Botanical Arts Competitions. Points accumulate across all sections of BA towards The Garden Club of Montclair's Botanical Arts Award . The Botanical Arts Chair and Vice Chair are available to consult. GENERAL INFORMATION Botanical Arts is a division in a Standard Flower Show or Specialty Show that allows for additional types of Horticulture, Design, and other art-like exhibits such as Artistic Crafts and Photography. All Botanical Arts Horticulture, Design, and Artistic Crafts must contain some plant material. No artificial, endangered, or locally invasive plant material is permitted in any exhibit. Exhibitors must pre-register with the Botanical Arts Chair at florenceleyssene@gmail.com the Thursday prior to monthly competition. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop off is between 8:15 and 9:15am on the day of the competition. Judging will begin promptly at 10am. Entries arriving late will not be judged. Designs must be picked up no later than 30 minutes after the end of the Program meeting, approximately 3:00pm. All exhibits are staged on a table 30” high, covered with an ivory table cloth. Exhibitor can only submit 1 entry per Section per month . BOTANICAL ARTS HORTICULTURE RULES Judged by the Horticulture Scale of Points. See NGC Handbook for Flower Shows p. 129. All exhibits must be correctly named by the binomial or currently accepted scientific designation. Refer to Botanical Arts General Information (above) and NGC Handbook for Flower Shows pp. 91-92. BOTANICAL ARTS DESIGN RULES Judged by the Design Scale of Points. See NGC Handbook for Flower Shows p. 130. All General Rules for Design apply. Each exhibit must include an index card listing plant material. Refer to Botanical Arts General Information (above) and NGC Handbook for Flower Shows pp. 93-94. BOTANICAL ARTS ARTISTIC CRAFTS RULES Judged by the Artistic Crafts Scale of Points. See NGC Handbook for Flower Shows p. 131. Objects must have a function , i.e. ready to wear or use. Each exhibit must include an index key card listing all plant material used, with an acompanying sample glued to the card for identification (within the exhibit). Refer to Botanical Arts General Information (above) and NGC Handbook for Flower Shows pp. 94-95. BOTANICAL ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY RULES Judged by the Photography Scale of Points. See NGC Handbook for Flower Shows p. 131. All exhibits must relate to horticulture, gardening, or design. All photographs must be 8" x 10", matted in white, with a maximum size of 11" x 14" including the mat provided by the exhibitor. No frames allowed. All photographs must be labeled on the back with the exhibitor's name, phone number, and an arrow indicating the top of the photo (i.e. landscape or portrait orientation). Photographs are to be staged on a table and displayed on an easel provided by exhibitor. Refer to Botanical Arts General Information (above) and NGC Handbook for Flower Shows p. 95-96.