Douglaston Garden Club awards

The Douglaston Garden Club, which has promoted the goals of civic beautification and horticultural education for over 85 years, held its annual Flower Show at the Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) recently.
The event, dubbed “Joys of Summer,” was held at APEC for the first time on Tuesday, June 19. The show was divided into Design and Horticultural Divisions and featured entries from members, who despite the club’s name, come from Little Neck, Bayside and Whitestone. A luncheon was also provided.
“It was a wonderful event,” said Carolyn Brink, club president and a Whitestone resident. “We had more than 24 designs and 100 horticultural entries that were all beautiful.”
Beverly Burke of Douglaston won the “Designers Choice” award and Jean Wambold of Douglaston was recognized for “Table Artistry.” Burke also won the “Educational Award.”
In the Horticultural Division, Douglaston resident Sheila Vondrak was awarded for “Horticultural Excellence,” while the “Arboreal Award” went to Martha Gotz of Douglaston. Brink won the “Collector’s Showcase” award for an herb assortment.
“The horticultural expertise displayed is remarkable,” said City Councilmember Tony Avella, who had participated as a judge in past events. “The flora and place-setting exhibits are wonderful examples of nature’s beauty.”
Josephine Lust, who chaired the event, said, “I never knew it would be this much work, but it was a magnificent afternoon. I’m exhausted and thrilled at the same time.”
The club meets from September to June, on the second Tuesday of the month, at the Community Church located at 39-50 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston. For further information please call, 718-229-2169.