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- Competitions, Competitions
The deadline for Monday, March 25 competitions is this week ― Thursday, March 21. See details of who you should contact and the schedules for: Botanical Arts Flower Design Horticulture. Don't forget to check the rules for all three: Botanical Arts Flower Design Horticulture.
- The Greenway Update
The most exciting current environmental project in New Jersey is The Greenway and Jacoba Coes of our Environmental Committee has been attending most of these early meetings., The Greenway is an approximately nine-mile, 100-foot-wide former rail line spanning Essex and Hudson Counties through eight municipalities ― Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus, and Jersey City. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking the conversion of this blighted corridor into a thriving park with recreation and transportation amenities. As Jacoba explains below these images from The Greenway's website, the first couple of years will be taken up by the remediation of these rusty old train tracks before the exciting work of creating a nine-mile park where none existed before can begin. We are privileged to be part of this giant project in its early stages, and grateful to Jacoba for her fascinating descriptions of how such a project is created. From Jacoba Coes The meeting on the 14th March was informative. It was focused on updating people in the areas that will be part of the first sections being constructed. I touched base with the consultants. Volunteer involvement will not start until 2025, as all the work currently is remediation, clean up, soil preparation etc. Our organization's interest and my contact information is noted and on file! The room was set up with displays relating to the 4 identified needs ― relax, gather, play and connect. Each display provided opportunities to leave input via commenting on a post-it note or ranking the importance of various features. The displays include comments from participants and are continuously updated. I've attached pictures for you below of three of the displays (click on each for full-size version). The meeting was kicked off by Susannah Ross , Director/Landscape Architect, Agency Landscape + Planning. She introduced Allen Penniman, an Urban Planner with them and then turned the meeting over to state/local officials. State Senator Ruiz and Newark Councilman Ramos spoke about the importance of the Greenway, that creating this space as a park will improve the safety of the space, their work in driving the project funding and the importance of community engagement. Shawn LaTourette, DEP commissioner provided additional color and discussed state police presence, and improved safety as well. Senator Ruiz said she is currently advocating for the Greenway to include Light Rail between Montclair to Jersey City providing access to the high quality open space and bringing people together. She said there is space for this connection in addition to all the other amenities but that if it comes to pass it would be a final phase. The audience greated that news enthusiastically. Susannah Ross then laid out the remainder of the agenda Overview of the project area scope Opportunity for the local community to ask questions of the consultants and officials Request that residents make their opinions and ideas known so that they could be taken into account. Allen Penniman took us through the following points about the work being conducted before the meeting broke up into the survey portion. What was collected and considered in design Survey workshops conducted in 2023 On line survey in 2023 which by the way continues to collect data Discussions with municipal and local business leaders Complete sampling of all 9 miles of Greenway Determination of which sections will be built based upon greatest ease and providing the highest impact to their communities ― this lead to Newark and Kearny sections. Newark also provides the potential to link with Branch Brook Park. Sections constitute 1.9 miles Design considerations include leaning into the history of the area, alluding to the rail line history and industrial use such as ice shipment in the design. Items that were brought up as particularly important to the Newark area Community Gardening Water play and outdoor gym equipment Connection between communities without using a car Some concept sketches were displayed and included scenic overlooks by Branch Brook Park community hubs for gathering ― perhaps a small venue for performances Hope this information is helpful to you. Personally I am continuously inspired by the work that is being done, the inclusivity, and the vision for the Greenway's impact. I was surprised to see one of my comments show up, but happy to see that accessibility is front and center for others as well. Please let me know if you have any questions. Jacoba Coes
- Triumph at Philadelphia
Once again our Club, represented by Debbie Moran among other exhibitors and judges, shone at the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest show in the country. Debbie was awarded the Blue and Gold award from the Federation of Pa 46, and Outstanding Miniature Design of the day: “Frosty.” The judges ― Arabella Dane NGC, Debbie Stockstill GCA, Brenda Bingham, NGC ― wrote: “Masterful use of delicate materials, colors, and forms create a stunning interpretation of frost.” Of course we all concur.
- Rose Revival Workshop
Sunday, March 17 at 1pm Looking forward to a glorious display in your own garden? Then Sunday’s upcoming workshop is a must attend. Our Avis Campbell Gardens rosarian, Barbara Meyer, will share her expertise on the culture, care and pruning of roses. Barbara will discuss characteristics and the maintenance requirements of different types of roses. The workshop will include recommendations for supplies and a detailed seasonal work schedule. Then head out to the garden for a hands-on lesson where you’ll gain confidence wielding pruners. Wear garden gear and sturdy gloves, bring your pruning tools (bypass pruners only, please!) Tools will be available if you don’t have your own. The workshop will begin in the lower level Club room at 60 S. Fullerton at 1pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
- A Most Satisfying Morning
Picking up garbage in Upper Montclair in the pouring rain: What could be more fun, as you can see from the photos above and below! Intrepid members of the Environment and Civic Beautification Committees and their families, spearheaded by Deborah Hirsch, downed coffee and doughnuts before heading out from member Amy South’s Moss @ More store into the dirty, cold, and very wet world of Upper Montclair. Clad in neon vests and armed with plastic bags and collapsible trash-pickers, our members spread out through the Upper Montclair Plaza parking lot and surrounding streets, filling up bags of trash ― including some somewhat unexpected objects ― much of which looked like it had been there for months. Passers-by thanked us, and told us stories of their own recycling efforts. Small children mastered the skill of snapping the jaws of the trash-pickers. After a while, as one member said, “You didn’t even notice the rain!” Thanks to everyone who showed up: Deborah Hirsch, Amy South, Marie Donnelly, Jacoba Coes, Sarah Olson, Karen Fricke, Denise Silverman and her husband Paul, Sheila Ochs, Sue Young, Allyn Young, and two enthusiastic junior helpers. It was our moment to show our love and concern for the world we live in. Stay tuned for more environmental projects!
- Just Because ...
... It's STILL February, but the flowers and birds don't care.
- Our Workshops Go National
Celia Radek's account of our magnificent design workshops ― hosted by Debbie Moran and Florence Leyssène ― was posted TODAY on the National Garden Clubs social media page. Check it out, give it some likes, and add it to your own Facebook posts. The whole country is reading about us!
- Watch Out for Us, Upper Montclair!
The snow has melted, and members of the Environment and Civic Beautification Committees are gearing up for Saturday's clean-up of Upper Montclair. Everyone is invited. The more of our members showing our commitment to our community, the better! Bring your kids and your friends. Meet at Amy South's Moss & More store ― also the project drinks center ― in Upper Montclair Plaza on Saturday, March 2 at 10:00 am. Deborah Hirsch is bringing: 10 Neon vests with our logo 6 picker uppers. Bring your own if you have them Biodegradable work gloves for all A map to indicate ground covered Biodegradable hot cups for hot or cold drinks Recyclable bags for trash Brown paper bags for plant material “Cards” in case people ask who we are, with a QR code to our website, and the names of storekeepers (and members) supporting our efforts. Most of the snow should have disappeared by Saturday. There is a light rain forecast, but that should not deter us. Any questions, ask Deborah Hirsch.
- Renewal Time!
It's that time of year again, time to renew your Garden Club of Montclair membership. Click here for information about completing this annual task online or by mail to our Membership Chair, Cheryl Slutzky. We are also asking you to complete our one-time waiver form if you have not done so already.
- March Potpourri
Click here to see your latest Potpourri. As always, Editor Terri Breen rounds up past and future events, including, among other articles, a news-packed letter from our President, stunning photos of awards, a teaser for next month's program, a lovely photo of long-time member Constance “Connie” Ritchie DuHamel, and Barbara Baletti's Grapevine of facts you almost certainly didn't know.
- The Frosty World of Botanical Arts
"Ice" was the theme of February's Botanical Arts and our members embraced the challenge. Here are the results, with photos of our winners' entries. Section A: Botanical Arts - Black and White Photography 1 - Olga Bequillard (shown below) 2 - Michele Tomasik 3 - Floss O’Sullivan HM - Sheila Oakes,Susan Straten, Barbara Baletti Section B: Botanical Arts - Invitation card 1 - Karen Fricke (shown below) 2 - Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 3 - Floss O’Sullivan 4 - Carol Callahan
- Sparkles in the February Competition
The theme this month may have been “Ice” but the flower designs that were showcased (see below) would have warmed your hearts. Resident Judges Florence Leyssène and Debbie Moran were on hand to assess each class of designs to determine “Best in Show” Blue Ribbon winners as well as 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention award designations. Fourteen flower designs were submitted in addition to Fran Ackerly’s “Trial Run” Exhibition Table, a Tasteful Take-Out bistro themed pizza-for-one exhibit in stunning red, black, and white. Here are the results of the design competition: • Advanced Plus (A Reflective Design) 1st Place - Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2nd Place - Fran Ackerly • Advanced (A Reflective Design) 1st Place - Suzy Straten 2nd Place - Floss O’Sullivan 3rd Place - Celia Radek Honorable Mention: Michele Tomasik, Susan Benner, Barbara Baletti • Intermediate (Freedom of Style Design) 3rd Place - Cheryl Slutsky • Novice (An American Traditional Horizontal Line Design) 1st Place - Karen Fricke 2nd Place - Olga Béquillard 3rd Place - Wendy Stahl • Provisional (not judged) Ana Moore Angel Pollack Congratulations to all the flower designers this month. We look forward to see what you might come up with in the March Competition when Multi-Rhythmic, Petite, and Abstract designs are on the menu! Fran Ackerly, Chair Barbara Baletti, Vice Chair Flower Design Committee
- Why Did the Tree Fall?
At our program meeting on February 12, Brian Rombough gave us some answers to the perils faced by our beautiful Montclair trees from sun and rain, greedy predators, mechanical behomeths, and ignorant town planners and developers. Brian is a Licensed Tree Expert and Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, as well as co-owner of American Tree Experts, Inc. of Montclair. He led us through some of the dangers and suggested ways to help our giant neighbors avoid damage and remain our companions for many more years. He told us that 90 percent of his work results from flooded roots and trunks and roots strangled with ties, cages, and burlap. Among some other fascinating facts: Too much and too little water cause the same symptoms from lack of oxygen to the roots. Dig down six inches to look at the soil to diagnose its state. Trees on a slope need extra water since heavy rainfalls simply slide off the hillside's surface. Regrading a slope means special care to ensure existing tree roots are not buried too deep. Watch where your drainpipes empty out in the garden. One or two drainpipes can focus water from the entire square footage of a roof. During construction, fence off the whole root area to protect from heavy, careless vehicles that can damage a tree for ever. The root line can sometimes be twice as wide as the leaf line. So-called "antlers," bare branches sticking up from the top of a tree, are warning signs of stress. When planting a new tree, remove the burlap, especially if it's nylon, and plant your baby one or two inches above ground level. You should be able to see the root flare at the base of the trunk. Mulch like a doughnut and not a volcano. Do not plant junipers anywhere near fruit trees to avoid juniper apple rust The disease needs both plants to thrive. Yellowing rhododendron leaves mean the bush needs iron. Brian comes from generations of tree experts, and had answers for all our questions, even if we didn't always want to hear them. Trees need as much care as any other plant in the garden.
- Waiver
We are asking all our Members to sign a general waiver.. You can do this in one of two ways. Either click here to read the waiver and sign it online, or download the form, print and sign it, and return it to Sue Young. You can scan it and attach it as an email to syoung@ibisnetwork.com, give it to her at the next program meeting, or mail it to her at her address in the directory.
- Ask the Arborist
“The trees encountered on a country stroll Reveal a lot about that country’s soul… A culture is no better than its woods.” ― W.H.Auden Join us at Bnai Keshet on Monday, February 12, for the presentation “Ask the Arborist: Keeping Trees and Shrubs Healthy,” by Brian Rombough. Doors open at 12:30 to see our members' dsigns and exhibits. Our general meeting will begin at 1PM, followed by Brian’s lecture on how to keep trees and shrubs in our landscapes healthy and thriving. He will focus on recognizing the signs of plant decline and how to diagnose and correct common tree and shrub health issues. Brian will also discuss some of the recent challenging developments in our area; namely, emerald ash borer, bacterial leaf scorch, and the spotted lanternfly. Brian is a Licensed Tree Expert and Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, as well as co-owner of American Tree Experts, Inc., of Montclair, which will be celebrating its 90th anniversary next year. Brian runs the plant health care division of American Tree Experts, Inc., where he specializes in diagnosing plant diseases and insect problems. He is the author of "Sequence of Spring," a book on flowering trees and shrubs. We will be holding a raffle, so please bring cash with you to purchase tickets.
- Celebrate Winter with Botanical Arts
On February 12, 2024, Botanical Arts will offer two sections for competitions. Exhibitors may enter only one entry per section. SECTION A: Botanical Arts ― Photography A Black and White Photograph suggesting Ice/ Frozen Elements. Exhibitors must pre-register with Botanical Arts Chair: florenceleyssene@gmail.com no later than February 8, 2024. Registration based on first-come, first-served. Refer to Yearbook p.29 for general information, p.30 for rules and staging and p.39 for schedule ― or on this website click here for the schedule and staging and click here for the rules. Drop off between 8:15 and 9:15 am the morning of the monthly competition. Pick up at the conclusion of Program or, at the latest, 3:30 pm. Exhibitor can only submit one photograph. SECTION B: Botanical Arts ― Artistic Crafts An Invitation Card for a Winter Party Card staged on a table 30” high. Exhibitors must pre-register with Botanical Arts Chair: florenceleyssene@gmail.com no later than February 8, 2024. Registration based on first-come, first-served. Refer to Yearbook p.29 for general information, p.30 for rules and staging and p.39 for schedule ― or on this website click here for the schedule and staging and click here for the rules. Drop off between 8:15 and 9:15 am the morning of the monthly competition. Pick up at the conclusion of Program or at the latest 3:30 pm. Exhibitor can only submit one invitation card.
- Help the Awards Committee
Awards You are ALL INVITED! Please consider submitting your nominations for the following GC of Montclair Awards (you can also self-nominate!) The Bauer Horticultural Award: A silver bowl 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. Till Beatty Allis Award: A silver bowl perpetual trophy, given in her honor by her family, may be awarded to a member who has made an outstanding contribution in Flower Design and Flower Design Education. 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. These nominations should be emailed to Deborah Hirsch, by Thursday, February 29, 2024 and will be reviewed by the Awards Committee. Many thanks! Emeritus Recommendations The Awards Committee will recommend members for the upcoming year. We are inviting you, the membership, to send your recommendations with supporting letter to the Awards Committee, per our by-laws. “Emeritus membership may be conferred on a Club Member, at the discretion of the Board and by unanimous vote, for long term and outstanding contributions to the Club. Emeritus members shall be entitled to all privileges of the Club and shall be exempt from the payment of dues: Per our Standing Rules: Proposal for Emeritus Membership shall be made to the Awards Committee for its approval and submitted by that Committee in writing to the Board two weeks prior to any regular meeting of the Board. Please send your recommendations by Thursday, February 15, 2024 to Deborah Hirsch.
- Flower Design is Back!
After a brief hiatus in December and January, monthly Flower Design Competitions will be back in February, March and April. The first competition of 2024 will be held on February 12. Perfect timing to forget gloomy January and get re-energized by the beauty of flowers! The design schedule can be found on this website and in the Yearbook, pg.38. All designs must be registered no later than Thursday, February 8. Contact Fran Ackerly to register your design or if you have any questions.
- Color Fills the Room
Our program speaker, in the very black and white month of January, was Kelley Forsyth, Horticulturalist at Branch Brook Park, who led us through the principles of color perception to the transitory beauty of a garden awash with an abundance of colorful flowers throughout the year. Using examples from poets and painters and garden designers, she explained how choosing complementary colors for your flower beds can enhance the brilliance of every bloom. Kelley offered us these notes to follow up her lecture. Books "The Gardener’s Palette: Creating Color Harmony in the Garden", Jo Thompson "Contemporary Color in the Landscape", Andrew Wilson "Natures Palette, the Science of Plant Colors", Dr. David Lee Very colorful gardens to visit Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, PA Wave Hill Garden, Riverdale, Bronx, NY Websites and Online Nurseries Andrew’s Greenhouse, South Amherst, MA. It is a hike to get there, Unfortunately they do not sell online, but Andrew’s has a comprehensive catalog of unique annuals for your educational and dreaming pleasure. Bluestone Perennials, is a great online nursery. They send small but mighty plants. The link above sends you to their powerful search engine. I have often used this search engine to help design flower gardens. Select Seeds, fantastic seed purveyor. Starting seeds are simple and fun. Good starter seeds are Zinnias and Nasturtiums. Select Seeds also sells plants. Branch Brook Park needs you! There are many ways to help support Branch Brook Park. You can become a donor or purchase a memorial tree or park bench. We need help during the Cherry Tree Blossom Festival. Want to be a Cherry Tree Ambassador? Click here. Or Volunteer at another time, click here. · Branch Brook Park is looking for Seasonal Workers. A great job for anyone who loves to work outdoors. We will train. Please note that we are very flexible in terms of schedule. For more information click here. Questions or suggestions? Don’t hesitate to contact me at Kelley@jerseycares.org Below, Chevreul’s color wheel, the first chromatic circle containing pure hues, from Cercles Chromatiques de M. E. Chevreul (Paris: Didot, 1861) (Roque, 2018)
- Ideas Requested
The 100th Anniversary Planning Committee would like to hear your ideas for celebrating our anniversary year, 2026. CLICK HERE to go to the form. We plan to celebrate from April 2026 to December 2026 with a variety of activities that focus on the four areas outlined in the form. Write as much as you want, and, if you like, leave your name and email so we may follow up with you.