O&D May 2026 Bench Show/Meeting Follow-up

Thank you to our hostess: Eli Hart 

Thank you to our Bench Show Committee: 

Michele Lindsay, Eli Hart, Colleen Fogarty, Linda Onofry, Sue Gillinder, Gail Simon, Terryanne Maenza-Gmelch, Pamela Breeman

Thank you to our Judges:

Gail Simon, Beth Santiago, Kathy Strader, Fenella Heckscher, Toya Dubin, Colleen Fogarty, Lori Adams and Serene Swirbul

Thank you to our Participants!

And if you took photos, please send them to Eli.

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Upcoming O&D Meetings:

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - Annual Meeting

Poughkeepsie Tennis Club

135 S. Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, New York

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Monarchs, Milkweeds & More

Mamakating Environmental Education Center (MEEC)

762 South Road, Wurtsboro, New York

August 2026 - Fundraiser, Date & More Info to Come

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

1810 Herb Garden

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Dates to Note:

Thursday, May 21, 10am-3pm 

Friday, May 22, 10am-3pm

Storm King Decision

180 Main Street, Cornwall, NY 12518

“Come volunteer for planting plugs onto the surface of the environmental earthwork. This is located across from Town Hall and Next to the Sands Ring Homestead. Please join us for this fun, hands on event. 

It's a chance to get into the soil.”

Contact Jeannette Redden for more information.

Thursday, May 21, 5-7 pm

Tuesday, May 26, 1:15 - 2:45 with Storm King Students

Downing Park

Questions: contact Martine Najork

June 2, but available to pre-order now:

Fenella Heckscher’s book about Jane Colden

Sunday, June 7, 2 pm:

The Bellefield Design Lecture 2026

Charles A. Birnbaum will speak on Beatrix Farrand and the enduring relevance of historical gardens in the 21st Century. For tickets and more info, click here.

_________________

Thinking Ahead

There will be photography and floral design exhibits at the meeting on June 16.

Hope you can participate.

Photography
Submit a black and white 5x7 image of a portrait of a floral blossom. It can be an indoor or outdoor photo. Suggested flowers with intricate textures include anemones with a dark center, calla lilies, roses, ranunculus, tulips, dahlias, dandelion seed head, hydrangea, sunflowers.

Pay attention to the tonality of the blossom and the background and how the colors will convert to black and white: a yellow rose again dark green leaves will have a more contrast in black and white than a red rose against dark leaves. It is okay to show the stem (the life support of the blossom).

Questions: Gail Simon

Floral Design

A table centerpiece arrangement to be viewed from all sides. Design featuring roses, but may include other flora and greenery. Not to exceed 14 inches in any direction. Think parallel, modern mass, water, line designs! Try to avoid Oasis!

Questions: Colleen Fogarty

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Compiled from the Bench Show Committee, Photography and Floral Design Committees:

Michele Lindsay, Eli Hart, Colleen Fogarty, Sue Gillinder, Linda Onofry, Gail Simon, Terryanne Maenza-Gmelch, Pam Breeman and the Program Committee: Jill Swirbul and Danielle Banta.

Lori Adams, Corresponding Secretary

O&D May 2026 Bench Show/Meeting

When: 10:00 am - Arrival and Entry Set-up

10:30 am - Judging/Meeting

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Hostess: Eli Hart

RSVP Yes or No by Friday, May 8

Eli Hart, elihart111@gmail.com

Where:  Calvary Presbyterian Church

120 South Street

Newburgh, New York

Program:
Simply Spring, O&D Bench Show

See/Download the full schedule here.

Still time to participate/exhibit - Information/emails in the schedule!

New Members and Philipstown Garden Club are Invited Guests.

Light refreshments only. 

Show/Meeting will conclude before lunch. 

Please indicate any food allergies/dietary restrictions.

* * * * * *

 Dates to Note:

Thursday, May 14, 3-5 pm

Downing Park Clean Up

Contact Martine Najork, mbnajork@gmail.com for more information.

May 16, 11 am

Memorial Service for Evie Chanler

 Location: Barrytown, New York. The obituary for Evie is here.

June 7, 2 pm

The Bellefield Design Lecture 2026

 Charles A. Birnbaum will speak on Beatrix Farrand and the enduring relevance of historical gardens in the 21st Century. For tickets and more info, click here.

Upcoming O&D Meetings:

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - Annual Meeting

Poughkeepsie Tennis Club

135 S. Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, New York

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Monarchs, Milkweeds & More

Mamakating Environmental Education Center (MEEC)

762 South Road, Wurtsboro, New York

August 2026 - Fundraiser, Date & More Info to Come

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

1810 Herb Garden

Ongoing:

Zone III Call to Action

 If you would like to help Zone III Conservation and NAL Committees by contacting your State Senators and Assembly members regarding the plastic reduction bill (PRRIA), please contact Jennifer Weiss jpcsweiss@gmail.com.

* * * * * *

Compiled from the Bench Show Committee:

Michele Lindsay, Eli Hart, Colleen Fogarty, Sue Gillinder, Linda Onofry, Gail Simon, Terryanne Maenza-Gmelch, Pam Breeman and the Program Committee: Jill Swirbul and Danielle Banta.

Lori Adams, Corresponding Secretary

O&D April 2026 Meeting Follow-up

(none)

O&D APRIL 2026 Meeting

When: 10:30 am, Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Hostesses: Pam Breeman, Toya Dubin and Jen Gervaise

Where:  Guzman Center, Mount Saint Mary College

330 Powell Avenue

Newburgh, New York

(directions below)

Lunch will be served at this location also.

Program:
The Power of Native Oaks and Healthy Yards

Dr. Diane Lewis

of The Great Healthy Yard Project and 250 Oaks for 250 Years

Dr. Lewis is member of the Bedford GCA Garden Club and a Vice Chair of the GCA.

Please RSVP either Yes or No by this coming Friday, April 17: 

Jill Swirbul — j2swirbul@gmail.com

Please indicate any food allergies/dietary restrictions

Directions:

Our meeting will take place in the Multipurpose room in the Guzman Center. 

The most convenient parking is behind the Dominican Center, or in the the lots near Guzman Hall. The campus is a little north of Calvary Church, where we often meet. Carpooling is best. Click here for a campus map.

* * * * * *

Exhibits:

Floral: “Miniature Arrangement”

A diminutive arrangement in which all components cannot exceed 5 inches in height, width or depth.

Questions? Colleen Fogarty - jcmfogarty@aol.com

Horticulture: “Bulb Flower Display”

Class 1: A daffodil in a clear container with completed entry and propagation cards.  Class 2: Any other bulb flower in a clear container with completed entry and propagation cards. Download entry card here.

Also: A Dahila tuber exchange. Bring and Share.

Questions? Linda Onofry - lindajonofry@gmail.com

 Directions:

Our meeting will take place in the Multipurpose room in the Guzman Center. 

The most convenient parking is behind the Dominican Center, or in the the lots near Guzman Hall. The campus is a little north of Calvary Church, where we often meet. Carpooling is best. Click here for a campus map.

* * * * * *

 Dates to Note:

Saturday, April 25

Photography Walk at Stonecrop Gardens - 3 pm

Arrive earlier to shop at the annual plant sale (start time for the plant sale is 9 am) and/or see the Narratives in Wood photography and wood turning exhibit.

Meet at The Bothy at 3 pm to walk through the garden together and experiment with your camera (any kind — phone or other) with advice from professional photographer, Lori Adams. All O&D members and guests welcome. There is special discounted admission to the garden that day — $5.

Stonecrop annual plant sale information here.

RSVP : Lori Adams or Gail Simon

Saturday, May 2:

I Love My Park Day at the Pollination Meadow 

Sterling Forest State Park, Route 17, Tuxedo

Register here.

Tuesday, May 12, 10 am

Simply Spring —O&D Bench Show, In Lieu of May Meeting 

SECOND Tuesday of May.

Please mark your calendars for our Bench Show, Simply Spring, taking place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Newburgh, beginning at 10:00 am.

We encourage all members to take a few moments to review the schedule in advance and come to this meeting with any questions, as well as a sense of where you might like to participate.

See/Download the full schedule here.

May 16, 11 am

Memorial Service for Evie Chanler

 Location: Barrytown, New York. The obituary for Evie is here.

June 7, 2 pm

The Bellefield Design Lecture 2026

 Charles A. Birnbaum will speak on Beatrix Farrand and the enduring relevance of historical gardens in the 21st Century. For tickets and more info, click here.

Ongoing:

Zone III Call to Action

 If you would like to help Zone III Conservation and NAL Committees by contacting your State Senators and Assembly members regarding the plastic reduction bill (PRRIA), please contact Jennifer Weiss jpcsweiss@gmail.com.

* * * * * *

Compiled from the Program, Floral and Horticultural Committees.

The grand tree (a maple or an oak) in the banner above is from a neighbor’s backyard.

Lori Adams, Corresponding Secretary

O&D March 2026 Meeting Follow-up

Thank you to our hostesses:

Angela Henry, Tibby Fischer and Dorian Winslow.

Dates to Note:

Monday, March 30:

Zone III Advocacy Day for Native Plant Month Initiatives

Starting at 10:00 am : Zone III 2026 Native Plant Month Education/Advocacy Day in Albany at the Capital’s Legislative Office Building (LOB) LOBBY, 198 State Street (See details below)

Tuesday, April 28:

O&D monthly meeting at Mt. St. Mary's in Newburgh

FOURTH Tuesday of April

Saturday, April 25, 3 pm:

Photography Walk at Stonecrop Gardens

Arrive between 2-3 pm and shop at the annual plant sale (discounted admission to garden is $5), then meet at the Bothy by 3 pm to walk through garden together and experiment with your camera with advice from Lori Adams. All O&D members and guests welcome. Please RSVP to Gail Simon or Lori Adams.

Saturday, May 2:

I Love My Park Day at the Pollination Meadow

Sterling Forest State Park, Route 17, Tuxedo

Tuesday, May 12:

Simply Spring —O&D Bench Show, In Lieu of May Meeting

SECOND Tuesday of May

Click here to view the full program on our O&D Club website.

The password, if you need it, is “RedRoses2025”.

Tuesday, May 16, 11 am:

The Memorial Service for Evie Chanler

 Barrytown, New York on May 16 at 11 am.

The obituary for Evie is here.

Sunday, June 7, 2 pm:

The Bellefield Design Lecture 2026

Charles A. Birnbaum will speak on Beatrix Farrand

and the enduring relevance of historical gardens in the 21st Century.

For tickets and more info, click here.

* * *

Zone III Advocacy Day for Native Plant Month Education:

As representatives of Zone III, we will be given copies of the just signed NY 2026 Native Plant Month JOINT Resolution on Monday. We are all excited about this achievement. Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, our sponsor, will be there to greet us and is planning to deliver some Opening Remarks about 10am.

The New York State Capitol and the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Albany are directly adjacent to one another, located within the same government complex. They are connected by an underground concourse, allowing easy walking access between the two buildings. Contact Michele Lindsay about nearby parking. The Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Train Station is also close by.

* * *

Visit and bookmark the O&D Garden Club Website, Correspondence Page, to see emails regarding meetings (including this one) in one place. This page will be updated as emails are sent. The website is: www.ODGardenClub.org. The password, if you need it, is “RedRoses2025”.

Lori Adams, Corresponding Secretary

O&D March 2026 Meeting

When: 10:30 am, Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Where:  The Tuxedo Historical Society

241 Route 17, Tuxedo, NY 

Lunch will be served at The Station, 

a Tin Can Cafe at the Tuxedo Train Station (across from the Historical Society)

Program:  “Photography Tips and Tools”

Anne Friday, a Member of the Hortulus Garden Club in Greenwich will present the program "Photography Tips and Tools". Anne is a Prospective GCA Flower Show Judge for Photography.

Please RSVP by Monday, March 9 to Danielle Banta: ddbanta@gmail.com 

Please indicate any food allergies/dietary restrictions

Exhibits & Vote:

Photography:

“Traditional Still Life/Tablescape”

Still life photography focuses on precise composition, story telling and intentional lighting. Try using an object with special meaning to assist in the story telling, such as a teacup, candlestick or article of special significance. 

Bring a composed traditional still life/tablescape photo incorporating fruit, vegetables and/or flowers on 5 x 7 in color. Statement of intent is optional. Download, print out entry cards here.

Questions? Gail Simon - cowgrlgail@aol.com

Conservation:

“Exhibit 5”

Create a property map and select a location for a rain garden, show the plants you selected too. And/or identify inefficient water use activities. 

Create a property map and select a location for a rain garden and show the plants you selected, too. Or, identify inefficient water-use activities. Or, get ready to employ your step by step action plan. Take some nice photos of before and after. 

Email photos to Terryanne Gmelch - ltmaenzag@gmail.com

Founders Fund:

“Founders Fund Vote”

There will be a vote for our Club’s choice to receive The Founders Fund top award of $40,000. Please review the three candidates here.

Questions? Beth Devine - fox230@aol.com

* * * * * *

 Dates to Note Dates to Note:

March 12, 1 pm & March 16

Advocacy Day (March 12) related to the National Affairs and Legislative Conference Learn how to advocate for legislation the GCA way! And on March 16, attend the first day of the conference virtually. Register here.

March 31

Zone III Advocacy Day for Native Plant Month initiatives. More information coming.

April 28, 10:30 am

The April O&D meeting will be on the FOURTH Tuesday of the month in April, not the third Tuesday.

May 12, Time TBD:

The O&D Bench Show in lieu of the May O&D meeting. This will be on the SECOND Tuesday of the month, not the usual third Tuesday.

May 16, 11 am

The memorial Service for Evie Chanler will be in Barrytown, New York on May 16 at 11 am. The obituary for Evie is here.

June 7, 2 pm

The Bellefield Design Lecture 2026. Charles A. Birnbaum will speak on Beatrix Farrand and the enduring relevance of historical gardens in the 21st Century. For tickets and more info, click here.

Ongoing:

Zone III Call to Action: If you would like to help Zone III Conservation and NAL Committees by contacting your State Senators and Assembly members regarding the plastic reduction bill (PRRIA), please contact Jennifer Weiss jpcsweiss@gmail.com.

* * * * * *

Compiled from the Program, Photography & Conservation Committees.

Snowdrops in the banner above.

Lori Adams, Corresponding Secretary

O&D February 2026 Meeting Follow-up

Visit and bookmark the O&D Garden Club Website, Correspondence Page, to see emails regarding meetings (including this one) in one place. This page will be updated as emails are sent. The website is: www.ODGardenClub.org. The password, if you need it, is “RedRoses2025”.

Follow-up items this month:

From Jeannette Redden:

STORM KING DECISION, a proposed large earthwork sculpture installation in the shape of Storm King Mountain, will be planted with native plants. The installation will celebrate 60 years of environmental stewardship and the birth of the environmental movement in Cornwall.

 O&D Members are invited to join us in late April to plant the native plugs.

More info to follow.

From Paula Giblin Sink and the Visiting Gardens Committee:

click here to download the PDF brochure: 

Lori Adams, Corresponding Secretary

O&D February 2026 Meeting

When: 10:30 am, Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Where:  Calvary Presbyterian Church, 120 South Street, Newburgh, NY

Program:  “Jane Colden’s Botanic Manuscript

The Legacy of America’s First Woman Botanist”

a presentation by Fenella Greig Heckscher about her new book

Jane Colden (1724–1760) was America’s first woman botanist, yet her contributions to the field of early American botany remain little-known and her writings are mostly unpublished. This full account of her life and work comes from her writing, her father’s correspondence, and botanic sources of the 18th century. 

Hostess: Sarah Peacock (Hostess-Lite) for coffee, drinks and snacks

You-all: Bring Your Own Lunch (BYOL)

Please RSVP by Thursday, February 12 to Sarah Peacock- Speacock519@aol.com 

Please indicate any food allergies/dietary restrictions

Exhibits:

Conservation:

“Exhibit 4: Rain Garden Plants/Water Conservation”

Exhibit 4. Does a rain garden make sense for your location or town? (2) Research three native plants that would do well in the wet conditions of a rain garden. Or: develop a plan to make some changes to your property/garden that would reduce the amount of water used.

Questions? Terryanne Gmelch - tmaenzag@gmail.com

Horticulture: “Seeds to Share”

The Horticulture Committee will have seeds to share for sowing on your own.

Questions? Linda Onofry - lindajonofry@gmail.com

Floral: “Underwater Design”

Underwater Design – A contemporary design style where all or part of the design is visible under water. Not to exceed 15 inches in any direction. (Note: you can access water at the church if need be).

Questions? Colleen Fogarty - jcmfogarty@aol.com

 Dates to Note (all before the 2/17 meeting):

February 3, 1 pm:

The Winter Focus Photography Contest, "America Sings”
Registration/submission begins Tuesday, February 3 at 1:00 pm. Limited entries accepted. Plan now.

February 3:

February 5, 11 am - 5 pm:

"Mobile Magic", GCA’s Virtual 2026 Photography Conference.

Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 3.

Conference is Thursday, February 5, 11 am - 5 pm.

February 9:

February 10, 11 am - 4 pm:

"Blooms & Beyond", GCA's Virtual Floral Design Conference

A showcase of artistry and techniques for botanical arts. 

Registration deadline is Monday, February 9.

Conference is February 10, 11 am - 4 pm.

February 16:

New Member Application Deadline

Please contact Beth Stradar Santiago, estradar@nsglaw.com, Membership Chair, for application forms and information.

 Compiled from the Program, Floral, Horticulture & Conservation Committees. The image in the banner above is of inadvertent seed starting — an ignored sink after melon seeds had not completely washed down the drain.

Lori Adams, Corresponding Secretary

Greetings! January 12, 2026

I hope your new year is off to a good start. I am resending the email that Lori sent December 27, with some updates and additional information. There are several interesting things to do in January and February - please note deadlines for registrations! (Please let me know if you have any trouble with the links or registrations.)

Attached are Minutes and Committee reports from the December meeting at the Powelton Club, with thanks to Carrie. Enjoy reading what the Committees are busy doing and planning for 2026.

Many thanks to Beth Stradar Santiago and Kathy Stradar for organizing and hosting our December event - and to the New Members for preparing the tray favor materials with leadership from Beth and Susan Christensen and O&D volunteers.

All my best,

Michele

January 12, 2026

O&D  December 2025  Minutes, Reports and   Important Dates Ahead

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, February 17at the Calvary Presbyterian Church in Newburgh. Until then, we wish you Happy New Year! 

Other Dates to Note:

Thursday, January 15 at 7:00 pm: Our Club is co-sponsoring - with other Zone III Clubs - a talk with Doug Tallamy. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees will be held at the Cary Institute in Millbrook and live-streamed. Here is their linkto register by the January 14 deadline.

Wednesday, January 28 at 9:30 am: The New York Committee of the GCA will hold a fundraiser "Fireside Chat and Coffee" at the Colony Club in New York City, with a lecture by Page Knox on Garden Design. The proceeds will support significant horticulture projects in all five NYC boroughs. O&D was a founding Member of the Committee in 1977, which also supports Riverkeeper. Register at this link.

Tuesday, February 3: The Winter Focus contest, "America Sings"
Registration opens February 3 at 1:00 pm. There will be twelve classes based upon classic American songs to celebrate the semiquincentennial. Sounds like fun! 

Thursday, February 5, from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm: "Mobile Magic", GCA’s Virtual 
2026 Photography Conference.

Tuesday, February 10, from 11:am - 4:00 pm: "Blooms & Beyond", GCA's Virtual Floral Design Conferencewill showcase artistry and techniques for botanical arts.

Monday, February 16 is the deadline for New Member applications. Please contact Beth Stradar Santiago, estradar@nsglaw.com, Membership Chair, for application forms and information.

Tuesday, February 17: O&D Regular Monthly Meeting (see above.) More details to follow.

Tuesday, March 17: O&D Regular Monthly Meeting. Details to follow.

Looking Ahead to Spring:

Tuesday, May 12: O&D will hold its Bench Show. More info to come!

May 17 - 20 (Sunday - Wednesday): O&D Visiting Garden Tour of Mt. Vernon, the Smithsonian and other gardens in DC. Paul Brothe has circulated a survey to gauge Members' interest. Please let us know if you can join us by January 15!

June 2, but available to pre-order now: 

Fenella Heckscher’s book about Jane Colden.

Conservation report Dec 2025

December Photography Report

December VP report (1)

Downing Park Dec update

O&D December 2025 Minutes

Treasurer Report December 09 2025

O&D December 2025 Meeting Follow-up

Here is hoping this reaches everyone after a peaceful and loving Christmas Day, safe and enjoying the winter weather.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, February 17 at the Calvary Presbyterian Church in Newburgh.

Until then, we wish you Happy New Year with friends and family!

Other Dates To Note:

Thursday, January 15: Our Club is co-sponsoring - with other Zone III Clubs - a talk with Doug Tallamy. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees will be held at the Cary Institute in Millbrook and live streamed. Here is the link for more information and registration.

Thursday, January 29: The New York Committee of the GCA will hold a fundraiser at the Colony Club with a lecture by Page Knox on Garden Design. More information to follow.

Thursday, February 5:  Mobile Magic, GCA’s Virtual 2026 Photography Conference.

Sunday, February 15 is the deadline for New Member applications. Please contact Beth Stradar Santiago, estradar@nsglaw.com, Membership Chair, for application forms and information.

Tuesday, May 12: O&D will hold its Bench Show. More info to come!

May 17 - 20 (Sunday - Wednesday): O&D Visiting Garden Tour of Mt. Vernon, the Smithsonian and other gardens in DC. Paul Brothe will circulate a survey to gauge Members' interest. We hope you can join us!

June 2, but available to pre-order now: 

Fenella Heckscher’s book about Jane Colden.