September 2024



Little Garden Club of Rye
Business Meeting and Luncheon
September 10, 2024, 10:00 a.m.




Present: Adler, Amato, Beary, Benavides Gallagher, Benzak, Brody, M. Collins, Coombs, Copus, DeGraw, Delaney, Dillon, Donahue, Duncan, English, Franck, Galgano, Gonzalez-Molina, Hansen, Hicks, Julian, Lambert, Leonard, Macleod, Majeski, Mark, Marren, Murphy, Murray, Nace, O’Hare, O’Keefe, Parker, Patafio, Shea, Stora, Striffler, Taplett (38)


President's Welcome: Rosario welcomed everyone to our first meeting of the autumn, thanking Doree for hosting us in her garden, and thanked Valerie for coordinating hospitality and all those who helped organize and contributed food and flowers for the event: Valerie, Anna, Beth, Cheryl, Chris Duncan, Chris Murray, Connie, Holly, Joan, Mary Julian, Marilyn, Peggy, Rosario, Sheri and Victoria

Rosario thanked the Executive Committee and Board members for their help in planning the year’s activities. She emphasized that communication between all members is key to the Club’s success in identifying and achieving its goals, asking members for feedback on what types of communication work best for them and what interests are most important to them. She urged members to take advantage of all the resources that membership in the GCA makes available.

Rosario related her experiences as a Club member since 2019 with her special interest in conservation and photography and her desire to support local sustainability and conservation initiatives.


Members unanimously approved the June 5, 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes.


Announcements: Rosario expects that the 2024-25 Directories will be available for distribution later in September. She had copies of last year’s Directories available for new members.

The LGCR 2024 $2,500 scholarship was presented in April to Rye High School senior Felicia Ambrogi.


Kent Russell will do a pop-up sale of fall plants on September 20 from 10am to 12am at Marilyn’s house.


Cheryl Adler is seeking a Co-Chair for the Club’s Spring Daffodil Show on April 10 and asked others to sign up to join the committee for the Show.


Today is the deadline for photo submissions to the GCA e-news issue with Zone III fall photos.


The Club has rented a larger storage unit at Westys and will need volunteers to move items from the old unit to the new one after our Flower Show. An email will be sent out asking for volunteers to help with the move.


Rosario presented a Service Award for 60 years membership to Debby Hansen.


Rosario announced that we are in the final stretch for the flower show at month-end and people can still sign up for various volunteer positions. 67 people have signed up for the September 25 Bluebird Preview Cocktail Party and 75 for the September 26 Stephanie Hoover Luncheon.


Flower Show: Chairs Jean Taplett and Chris Duncan modeled the aprons for volunteers at the Show, which members can purchase for $35. Magnetic name tags will be distributed at the Show.

Members are asked to wear black pants and shirts under the aprons at the Show. Rosario announced Chris and Jean encouraged all members to sign up for both the events. They had printed invitations available for members to send to friends and will send out an email flyer this week that can be sent to friends.

A clipboard was passed around for volunteers to work at the Show. Many are needed! Toni Archibald is organizing the educational exhibit, which will include a walk-in model Blue Bird box with a nest inside and interactive exhibits about bluebirds. The educational exhibit will travel to several libraries and schools after the Show.

Josie Beary and Mary Collins have arranged for a variety of botanical related vendors at the Show and encouraged members and their guests to shop.


Horticulture: Chair Mary Julian discussed plans for the year. She held a soft cuttings propagation workshop for deer resistant native plants during the summer and plans to have a winter sow after the holidays, planting seeds in milk jugs and leaving them outdoors over the winter to germinate in the spring. She would like to have a program on houseplants. She encouraged members to sign up for the Club’s WhatsApp group.


Visiting Gardens: Victoria Dillon is Chair of the Visiting Gardens and Communications committees. She asked for members to join her, particularly in planning garden visits. She discussed the possibility of an international trip next year.


Programs: Chair Anna Parker announced an evening meeting planned for October 8 at the Rye Free Reading Room with Trish O’Sullivan demonstrating underwater floral design.


Photography: Speaking for Chair Pam McGuire who could not be at the meeting, Rosario asked members to take many photos at the Flower Show.


Conservation/NAL: Provisional Tracy Stora will co-chair this committee with Pam. Tracy discussed local initiatives and educational programs that Rye Sustainability is involved with, the Healthy Yards Program and the Pollinator Pathway Project.


Community Stewardship: Chair Jean Taplett reported that work at all the Club’s local garden sites is going well.


The meeting ended at 12:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by Julie Sakellariadis on preparing horticultural entries for a flower show. After the presentation members enjoyed a buffet lunch.

Karen Coombs, Recording Secretary


Next Meeting: Tuesday October 8, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Underwater Floral Design presented by Trish O’Sullivan at the Rye Free Reading Room.




l



October 2024



The Little Garden Club of Rye
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Rye Free Reading Room



Present:

Adler, Amato, Beary, Benavides Gallagher, Brody, Buckley, Cummins, DeGraw, Delaney, Dillon, Dorin, Franck, Garrett, Hannigan, Lambert, MacLeod, Majeski, Mark, Marren, McGuire, Parker, Patafio, Spierings, Stora, Straub, Striffler, van Reesema (27)


Guests: Bobbi Cavicchio


President’s Welcome:

Rosario welcomed everyone and thanked Anna Parker for arranging today's program and those that contributed to hospitality: Anna, Augusta, Carolyn, Connie, Rosario & Victoria. She advised that Chris Duncan and Jean Taplett couldn't be at the meeting tonight, but thanked them for a job well done on our "Meet Me in the Meadow" Flower Show. She then extended her thanks to the entire club for their participation in the event. Members unanimously approved the September 10, 2024 minutes.


Announcements: Rosario advised that the club directories are not yet ready, but hopes to have them within the next week or so.

She announced the dates and programs scheduled for the remainder of the year:

The November 6th meeting will be held at the Jay Heritage Center in the mansion. It will be a joint meeting with The Rye Garden Club. Michael Hagen of the NY Botanical Garden will be the speaker.

Our WinterGarden will be held on December 11th at the Westchester Country Club.

On January 14th, we will have a zoom call with Dr. Laurel Schaider who will be speaking about everyday chemicals and our health.

On February 12th, an Ikebana workshop will be held at the Rye Free Reading Room.

A pruning workshop will be held on March 18th, with the location to be determined.

In May, we are planning a field trip to Untermyer Gardens, followed by a luncheon. A date has not yet been determined.


Conservation: Tracy Stora provided an update from the first Conservation Committee meeting she attended, where there was a representative from each zone.

1. Last year, David Levenberg proposed a resolution and was able to get April declared as Native Plant Month. The Conservation Committee is now working to get a permanent Native Plant Month declared.

2. Dan Riechel will give an update on the Neonicotinoids bill at the January 31, 2025 meeting. He spearheaded the Bee and Bird Protection Act and last year, when Tracy was working at FCWC, he told her Westchester County is the second largest user of pesticides in New York state.

3. Paige Dickey will give a presentation (webinar) on Native Plant Landscaping at the February 28th meeting. Members from the LGCR are invited.

4. The company, Beyond Plastics, will present ideas for reducing plastics once they are on the calendar. More information on green paper products and compostable plant-based products can be found on their website.


Tracy proposed that our meetings could be "zero waste," ie; no plastic bottles, use green paper products. She passed around some zero-waste products that can be purchased at Stop and Shop. Tracy discussed the Pollinator Pathway/Healthy Yard Movement and distributed a flier entitled "Have a Healthy Yard in 8 Easy Steps." These steps include mow less, water less; switch to electric or battery powered equipment; reduce the size of your lawn; choose native plants; don't use pesticides and herbicides; don't use artificial fertilizers; leave grass clippings on lawn and mulch leaves in the fall.


Daffodil Show: Cheryl advised the 2025 Daffodil Show will be held on April 10th, at the Jay Heritage Center main house, since the carriage house may be under construction. The show will be held two weeks earlier than usual, so she proposed an early bloomer as the challenge bulb, "Ice Baby." Ice Baby is an intermediate daffodil; not a miniature, but not full sized. The American Daffodil Society is encouraging club members to plant some intermediate bulbs. The bulb, when it first opens is yellow/green, but matures to all white. Members agreed to using "Ice Baby" as the challenge bulb for both the club and youth divisions. Cheryl will place an order on Thursday and had a sign-up sheet for those who wanted to purchase the challenge bulb. She hopes to distribute them at the November meeting.


Trish O'Sullivan conducted her demonstration of Underwater Floral Design and the five arrangements she made were raffled off. Augusta, Janet, Victoria, Emily and Miriam were the winners of the raffle.


The meeting ended at approximately 7:55p.m


Josie Beary, Corresponding Secretary filling in for Karen Coombs, Recording Secretary.


​​Next Meeting: .Wednesday, November 6, 2024, joint meeting with the Rye Garden Club at Jay Heritage Center. 9:30am - LGCR Business Meeting on the porch. 10:00am Walk coffee and lecture 10:30am - program by Brian Hagan.




NOVEMBER 2024



The Little Garden Club of Rye
November 6, 2024 9:30am
Business Meeting followed by joint Program with Rye Garden Club
Jay Heritage Center
Speaker: Brian Hagan
Native Plants for Small Spaces: Rock Gardens, Containers, Crevices, and Troughs



Present:

Adler, Amato, Benavides Gallagher, Benzak, M. Collins, Coombs, Copus, Cummins, DeGraw, Delaney, Dillon, Donahue, Dorin, Duncan, Franck, Galgano, Hannigan, Julian, Kehoe, Lambert, Macleod, Mark, Marren, Murray, O’Hare, Patafio, Shea, Stora, Striffler, Taplett, Valla (31)


Guests:

Adele Centanni Singer


President’s Welcome: ​Rosario welcomed everyone and thanked Mary Julian and Marianne Shea for coordinating hospitality for the meeting with members of the Rye Garden Club. Members unanimously approved the minutes of the October 8, 2024 LGCR meeting.


Announcements:

The 2024-25 Directories are now printed and were distributed to members at this meeting.


Rosario reported that the LGCR stored materials have been moved to a larger storage unit at Westy’s and thanked Jeannette for her help. (The new unit is 2CO8.)


Pam is working on moving the LGCR Archives from the Knapp House to Graceland in Portchester. Rosario asked members interested in joining a committee to work on organizing the archives to contact her. Jean has begun working on an index of the materials but would like someone to take on the large task.


Rosario reported that the Club has contributed $500 (matched by RGC) to the Light Up Rye Beautification project, which will provide decorations in downtown Rye during the winter months.


Interested members were encouraged to attend the Acorns to Oaks meeting that evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Rye Free Reading Room hosted by James Ward of the Rye Sustainability Committee. Hort Chair Mary Julian asked interested members to help plant White Oak acorns tomorrow (November 7) at 9:30 a.m. at Rye Nature Center. The acorns are from Rye oak trees that have been identified as quite old. Red Oak acorns will be stratified at RNC in a refrigerator provided by the Club prior to planting.


Rosario announced that the Board has approved a motion to pay the $250 tuition for Rye DPW employee Billy Weeks to attend an educational program at Greenwich Audubon Center.


Members agreed that the Rye Nature Center Nanderwhere Pond Restoration Initiative, which both the Club and GCA supported with matching $10,000 grants (and volunteer work by LGCR members and family) in spring 2023, would be a good display project for the June Zone III meeting in Irvington.


The LGCR Board has voted to support the Rye Sustainability Committee Rye Pollinator Pathway/Healthy Yards Pledge that Conservation Co-chair, Tracy Stora, presented at the October meeting. Copies of the pledge were distributed to members who are encouraged to join.


Flower Show: Chairs Chris Duncan and Jean Taplett thanked everyone who helped make the Show a success. 58 Club members worked on the Show, which received a great evaluation from the GCA and numerous letters of appreciation from judges and Zone Reps who came to the Show. Chris and Jean gave mementos to Show Chairs and special awards to Nadia Valla and Toni Archibald who created the Blue Bird educational exhibit. The educational exhibit will be on display at the Rye Free Reading Room until the end of November and then at the Harrison Library. Jean and Chris also gave Novice awards to Miriam Lambert and Kady Keen Majeski for their successful participation in multiple Show brackets and recognized Mary Collins and Josie Beary for their work on vendors, Kathy O’Hare for finance, Karen Coombs for volunteer organization, and Holly Galgano for her work on clean-up at the end of the Show.

Karen Coombs, Recording Secretary.


WinterGarden: Co-chair Beth Marren distributed Save-the-Date cards for the December 11 luncheon at Westchester Country Club. The theme is “Joy of the Table”. She said that this year’s event will be low key and require less work than usual following the huge volunteer effort of the Flower Show. There will be just five vendors, a table with items for sale from LGCR members, and a silent auction of the table centerpieces created by Club members. Chris Duncan asked people with items for the LGCR table to contact her. The centerpieces will follow the lunch’s Italian theme of red and white including at least one poinsettia and using a copper or brass container. Invitations will be fully digital.


Visiting Gardens: Victoria is organizing a visit to Wave Hill on November 13. Following a private tour of the gardens members will have lunch at the Café. Interested members should contact her to organize carpools, planning to arrive at Wave Hill at 10:30 a.m


Daffodil Show: Cheryl Adler has begun distributing the “Ice Baby” challenge bulbs that members pre-ordered. She announced that remaining bulbs were available for pick up at the meeting in the hall and that members could give her cash or a check. Rosario has the Civic Bulbs from the Greenwich Daffodil Society and plans to plant them at the Gazebo. Members interested in helping plant the bulbs should contact her.


The meeting ended at 10:30, followed by a presentation by Michael Hagen of the NYBG on Native Plants for Small Spaces: Rock Gardens, Containers, Crevices, and Troughs.”

After the presentation the Jay Estate Gardens remained open to visit.


Karen Coombs, Recording Secretary


Next Meeting:

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, WinterGarden luncheon and boutique at Westchester Country Club, Le Gioie della Tavola "The Joy of the Table"



January 2025



The Little Garden Club of Rye
January 14, 2025
Business Meeting followed by Webinar Zoom
Speaker: Dr Laurel Schaider
Everyday Chemicals and Your Health, What do we know and what can we do?



Present: Adler, Benavides Gallagher, M. Collins, Coombs, Cummins, Duncan, English, Franck, Hardis, Lambert, Leonard, Macleod, Mark, McGuire, Murphy, Murray, O’Hare, O’Keefe, Parker, Patafio, Schmiedeberg, Shea, Stewart, Stora, Striffler, Taplett, Valla, Watkins (28)


President’s Welcome: Rosario welcomed everyone, thanking Anna Parker for arranging Dr. Schaider’s lecture and thanking Pam McGuire for managing the two Zoom meetings. All Zone III Club members were invited to the Zoom of the lecture, so Pam’s job was more difficult than usual.


Announcements: Rosario announced that the Marshlands Project proposed by the Club has been named one of three finalists for the GCA 2025 Founder’s Fund Award. She congratulated Jean Taplett for preparing the proposal materials. Our Club members will vote for one of the three Founder’s Fund finalist proposals at the February membership meeting, ahead of the GCA’s April 1 voting deadline.


WinterGarden 2025 will be held on Thursday, December 4 from 9:30 to 2:30 at the Westchester Country Club. The earlier hour is due to scheduling conflicts at WCC, and because of the time, it may be a brunch. Rosario thanked this year’s WinterGarden Chairs Mary Collins, Beth Marren and Kathy O’Hare for organizing the past years’ very successful WinterGarden. Rosario asked for members to consider volunteering to Chair WG2025, and Peggy Franck said that she would consider chairing and Jeannette Cummins said that she would volunteer to Chair.


Rosario asked members interested in serving in a Club leadership position or on specific committees next year to contact her or Mary Julian.

Rosario told members to look out for an email inviting them to pre-register for a GCA Floral Study Design Conference on February 11, 2025.

Chris Duncan’s art will be shown at Greenwich Audubon on January 23 at a show featuring live birds of prey.

Preregistration required. Garden Club Day at the Philadelphia Flower Show will be March 3. Preston Davis of the NY Committee is organizing this year’s Garden Club Day.

Volunteers are needed to organize and provide food for the DPW Valentine’s Day breakfast on February 14. If no one comes forward, the event will not be held. Chris D., who will be away that day, has chocolate boxes. Anna Parker said she could contribute food but could not run the breakfast. Cheryl has serving platters from previous years. Volunteers should contact Rosario.


Horticulture: Mary Julian is planning a winter seed sow the week of January 20, most likely Tuesday or Friday. Plastic totes, soil and seeds will be provided. Members should bring clean 4-inch pots if they have them. Mary will organize a program to make terrariums in February if there is sufficient interest among members. Members interested in either the seed sow or the terrarium project should contact Mary.


Visiting Gardens: The Club trip to Untermyer Gardens is confirmed for May 22. Victoria Dillon is exploring a Club European Garden Tour in 2026 organized by Tours Marie and would like members who are interested to speak with her. Victoria is working on plans for a Club visit to Paige Dickey’s Garden in Connecticut this spring.


Programs: Anna has planned an Ikebana workshop for the Wednesday, February 12 membership meeting. The speaker will discuss and demonstrate the principles of ikebana. Then members will make their own arrangements. Flowers will be provided, and members need to bring an appropriate container, a kenzan (frog), and scissors or clippers. Pam will order kenzans for members who request them. Members wishing to participate must register with Anna by January 26 so that enough materials are available.

The March meeting topic is pruning, with an emphasis on hydrangeas, but including other shrubs and perennials. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at the Rye Library.


Daffodil Show: The Daffodil Show is scheduled for Thursday, April 10 at the Jay Heritage main house. Chair Cheryl Adler needs volunteers for set-up in the afternoon of April 9, breakdown in the morning of April 11, and on the day of the Show, particularly clerks. She would also like to have a co-chair. She encourages members to enter their daffodils in the Show.


Conservation: Co-chair Tracy Stora said members are invited to participate in a Webinar by Paige Dickey, Landscaping with Native Plants—A Pollinators Garden on February 28 at 10 a.m. See the recent Club Newsletter for sign-up details. Tracy has prepared a guide to running zero waste meetings which will be available on the LGCR website. April is National Plant Month. Conservation Chairs Tracy Stora and Pam McGuire are looking for ideas from members on how to celebrate. Chris D. and Tracy said that they are organizing an evening meeting on May 1 at the Rye Library with Rye Sustainability to bring together people from the community involved in successful green initiatives. They are looking for volunteers to help plan the event and suggest names of people to invite.


Photography: Chair Pam McGuire said members are invited to a GCA Photography Conference Zoom on February 6 from 11am to 4pm, which she highly recommended. Registration is required.


Treasurer’s Report: Kathy O’Hare reported that WinterGarden netted approximately $12,500 and the Club has $160,000 in bank accounts.


The meeting ended at 10:20am. followed by a separate Zoom lecture by Dr. Laurel Schaider, “Everyday Chemicals and Your Health: What do we know and what can we do?”


Karen Coombs, Recording Secretary


Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Ikebana Presentation and Workshop at the Rye Free Reading Room.




February 2025



The Little Garden Club of Rye
February 12, 2025
9:30amBusiness Meeting
10:00 Ikebana Presentation with Debbie Kopinski
Rye Free Reading Room



Present: Adler, Amato, Benavides Gallagher, M. Collins, Coombs, Copus, DeGraw, Delaney, Dillon, DiNardo, Dowling, Duncan, Franck, Gonzalez-Molina, Hannigan, Julian, Kelly-Kehoe, Lambert, Leonard, Murray, O’Hare, O’Keefe, Parker, Patafio, Shea, Stora, Striffler, Taplett, Valla (29)


Guests: Rosemary Moore, Eileen McGuire, Helena Duffy, Bobbi Cavicchio, Gwen Millard.


President’s Welcome: Rosario welcomed everyone including our five guests and thanked Anna Parker for arranging the ikebana workshop with Debbie Kopinski. She thanked Valerie Gonzalez-Molina for organizing the hospitality with contributions from Marianna, Mary Kelly Kehoe, Chris Duncan, Valerie and Anna. She thanked Tracy Stora for helping make the meeting a zero-waste event by providing recycling receptacles. Rosario asked members to use the ballots provided to vote for one of the three GCA Founders’ Fund finalists. The Marshlands Project proposed by the Club is one of the Finalists. Jean Taplett, who prepared the proposal materials, said that the project has expanded and now Marshlands would maintain a seed bank for all of Westchester County with the new equipment.


Members unanimously approved the minutes of the January 14, 2025 Membership Meeting.


Announcements: Chris Duncan suggested that the Green Cocktail Party planned in collaboration with Rye Sustainability for May 8 at the Rye Free Reading Room be the Club’s “green event” to celebrate “Love Your Park Day” (officially May 3). The Green Cocktail Party will bring together groups and individuals from across the county who are variously involved in caring for the environment to meet, share ideas, initiatives, and methods.


All members are invited to a GCA Open House on May 15. A $40 fee will include lunch and a tour of HQ. There will be a floral design workshop and membership, photography and horticulture committee speakers. Attendees have an opportunity to meet Zone and National leadership, including Marilyn Donahue. There are only 48 spots available.


Rosario called members’ attention to a new section on the Club Newsletter on birds and bird photography with material by Nadia Valla and RNC’s Henry Myers.


Daffodil Show: Cheryl Adler announced that the annual Daffodil Show scheduled for April 10 is cancelled because the Jay Heritage Center has become unavailable and an appropriate, affordable replacement cannot be found in time for this year. Cheryl would like a volunteer to help search for a new site for next year.


Chris Duncan said that the Connecticut Daffodil Society in Greenwich has invited Club members to participate in their Show on April 23-24. Information on the Show is available online. Chris is organizing a Club group entry for the pot-et-fleur category and looking for people interested in working on the arrangement. She is also planning a workshop to make small pot-et-fleur arrangements to contribute to a daffodil-themed art exhibit planned by the Greenwich coffee house, “Coffee For Good”, to be held at the same time as the Greenwich Daffodil Show.


Horticulture: Mary Julian reported on last month’s winter seed sow workshop. Members planted perennial and annual seeds, including native plants, in large totes to develop during the remainder of the winter.


Visiting Gardens: Victoria Dillon reported that the Club’s May 22 visit to Untermyer Gardens is set, with an introductory talk by President Stephen Byrns, a tour and lunch. Victoria plans to compile a list of open garden events scheduled for this spring featuring daffodils for members.

The visit to Paige Dickey’s Garden (with possible visits to Bunny Mellon's garden and White Flower Farm) may be delayed to September so that we can see more of the gardens.

The GCA Garden Club Day at the Philadelphia Flower Show is March 3. Members interested in attending should contact Preston Davis. Victoria offered to help if members are interested in discounted tickets or carpooling.

Plans are still underway for a 2026 Club trip to Northern Italy run by Tours Marie.


Rosario suggested that, with the long gap between meetings caused by the Daffodil Show cancellation, a new program might be planned for April.

Rosario also recommended members watch the recording of the GCA Photography Conference and the GCA Floral Design Conference which were aired this month. Both were excellent.


The meeting ended at 10:30 a.m. followed by an ikebana presentation and workshop by Debbie Kopinski.

Karen Coombs, Recording Secretary


Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m.

Pruning Basics: Shrubs and Perennials with Lorraine Ballato at the Rye Free Reading Room.





March 2025



The Little Garden Club of Rye
March 18, 2025 10am
Rye Free Reading Room
Business Meeting & Presentation by Lorraine Ballato, Designing with Flowering Shrubs: The New Perennials



Present: Adler, Benavides Gallagher, M. Collins, Coombs, Copus, Cummins, DeGraw, Dillon, Dowling, Eyler, Franck, Gonzalez-Molina, Julian, Kehoe, Lambert, Murray, O’Hare, O’Keefe, Parker, Patafio, Shea, Stora, Valla (23)

Guests: Helena Duffy, Bobbi Cavicchio, Sue McCooey, Gwen Millard, Rosemary Moore, Ella Cannon, Carmen Konigsbach.


President’s Welcome:

Rosario welcomed everyone including our seven guests and thanked Anna Parker for arranging Lorraine Ballato’s talk on pruning shrubs. Anna’s daughter designed the graphic for the meeting’s Paperless Post evite. Rosario also thanked Valerie for arranging hospitality with contributions from Mary J., Cheryl, Rosario and Sarah. Rosario introduced Chris Shoemaker, Director of the Rye Free Reading Room, and thanked him for all of the assistance he gives the Club for meetings at the Library.

Members unanimously approved the minutes of the February 12, 2025 Membership Meeting.


Announcements

Rosario listed the following upcoming events:

-Meeting prospective members at Cheryl Adler’s on March 31 at 9:30 a.m.

-Membership meeting at Rye Nature Center on April 7 at 9:30 a.m., Henry Myers talking about the importance of insects.

-Daffodil Show cancelled.

-Green Cocktail Party at Rye Free Reading Room on May 8 planned in collaboration with Rye Sustainability bringing together groups and individuals from across the County who are variously involved in caring for the environment to meet, share ideas, initiatives, and methods. An evite will be sent to members. Cost $20.

Rosario announced that Chris Duncan has been named head of the GCA Civic Improvements and Grants Committee for the next two years.

Rosario and Victoria will attend the GCA Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra, Florida next month where the winner of this year’s Founder’s Fund will be announced. The Marshlands Project proposed by the Club is one of three finalists, guaranteed a $10,000 award or, if it wins, $40,000.

Rosario announced that Peggy Franck and Jeannette Cummins will chair next year’s WinterGarden, scheduled on December 4, 2025.

Members are encouraged to RSVP promptly for the Untermyer visit on May 22. Members will meet at 10 a.m. for a tour of the Gardens followed by lunch at Harvest on Hudson restaurant.


Horticulture: Mary Julian asked members to check on their soft cutting propagations, last year’s asters, and winter seed sow containers, and to report to her how they are doing. The Club can enter three propagated plants at the Zone III Meeting on June 24-25. She recommended that members read the recent issue of the GCA’s Real Dirt for good information. Jax Mack at Rye Nature Center will run a program on Live Staking, a method of propagation. Volunteers are welcome. Mary reported that last month members helped plant acorns that had been stratifying at RNC. The oak plantings are part of the Oaks 250 project sponsored by Rye Sustainability.


Conservation/NAL: Tracy will attend the GCA NAL Conference next week in Washington, D.C. She has arranged meetings with New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representative George Latimer. She is particularly interested in learning more about the current efforts to reduce EPA regulations. Parts of the NAL Conference will be available via Zoom.

Tracy is working with Rye Sustainability to organize an Arbor Day Celebration in Rye on April 28 with educational content for adults and children and a tree planting.

Tracy announced that a multi-municipal clean-up day will be held on May 3. Volunteers encouraged.

Tracy had materials at the meeting for people to sign the healthy yard pollinator pathways pledge and offered yard signs for those who pledge.


The meeting ended at 10:30 a.m. followed by a presentation by Lorraine Ballato



Karen Coombs, Recording Secretary


Next Meeting: Monday, April 7 (9:15 a.m. Backyard Drama. Better than Reality TV with Henry Myers at the Rye Nature Center).





April 2025



The Little Garden Club of Rye
April 7, 2025 9:15 am
Presentation by Henry Myers,
Backyard Drama: Better Than Reality TV
Rye Nature Center
followed by a Business Meeting



Present: Benavides Gallagher, Coombs, Cummins, Dillon, Donahue, English, Eyler, Franck, Gonzalez-Molina, Julian, Kehoe, Macleod, Majeski, Murray, O’Hare, O’Keefe, Shea, Stora, Striffler, Taplett (20)

Guests: Helena Duffy, Gwen Millard, Carmen Konigsbach, Terry Fitch, Sara Mignano and Baby Reid Majeski.


President’s Welcome:

Rosario welcomed everyone including our five guests and thanked Mary Julian for organizing the program. She also thanked Rye Nature Center educator Henry Myers for the fascinating presentation and Executive Director Christine Siller for allowing us to use the facility. Valerie and Mary Julian organized hospitality.

Members unanimously approved the minutes of the March 18, 2025 membership meeting.


Announcements Rosario reported that the LGCR Board has unanimously voted to approve all five members of this year’s Provisional Class for active membership.

Current Provisionals are:

Sheri DeGraw, Janet Striffler, Joy Patafio, Tracy Stora and Jeanette Cummins.


The Nominating Committee proposed slate of officers for the 2025-27 Executive Committee is:

President-Mary Julian

First V.P.-Rosario Benavides Gallagher

Second V.P.-Victoria Dillon and Miriam Lambert

Treasurer-Marilyn Donahue

Recording Secretary-Karen Coombs

Corresponding Secretary-Anna Parker


The Scholarship Committee of Marilyn Donahue, Marianne Shea and Sarah O’Keefe is reviewing applications for the LGCR annual Scholarship that is presented to a high school student who is actively interested in the environment.


Rosario announced that there is still time to contribute photographs for the May GCA eNews. Details included in the April newsletter.

Rosario said that there are still opportunities to participate in the Greenwich Daffodil show on April 23-24. Members are welcome to enter the show – there are openings in the artistic class – or work as a clerk. Contact Rosario for more information.

Rosario congratulated Jean Taplett for preparing the successful application for a GCA P4P (Partners4Plants) funding grant for Marshlands Conservancy. Marshlands will spend the funds to install native plants including oak trees with protection against deer damage.

Rosario said invitations will go out shortly for the Green Cocktail Party scheduled for May 8 at the Rye Free Reading Room, 5:30pm-7:30pm. The party is planned in collaboration with Rye Sustainability Foundation to bring together people from around the County who are involved in caring for the environment. Tracy Stora and Chris Duncan are working on this event. Suggested donation: $20.

This is the last Business Meeting before the Annual Meeting scheduled for June 4 at Bobbi Cavicchio’s home. Rosario passed around a clipboard for volunteers to bring flowers and food to the meeting. Rosario will be sending out an email asking if members would like to order replacement nametags. Estimated cost is $7.


Field Trips/Visiting Gardens: Victoria reported that 25 members and guests are signed up for the visit to Untermyer Gardens on May 22. Untermyer Director Stephen Byrne will meet the group, and horticulturalists will give us a tour of the gardens and greenhouses. After the visit, members will have lunch at Harvest on Hudson. Victoria will send out another email asking if any additional members want to come.

Victoria has organized a trip for members to Northern Italy in September 2026 that will be run by Tours Marie. She will send out an email with more detailed information.

A Club visit to Paige Dickey’s and Bunny Williams’s gardens is scheduled for September 10. If time permits, we could check out White Flower Farm.


Horticulture: Mary J. will be contacting people about plants for the Zone III Plant Exchange in June. She recommended that members check their winter sow plantings and make sure they have sufficient water. She will send out information about transplanting seedlings.


Conservation/NAL: Tracy reported on her attendance at the GCA NAL Conference. She met with Senator Schumer and Representative Latimer to discuss initiatives that the GCA supports. She reported that Pam McGuire has worked to support the approval of the proclamation of April as Native Plant Month in New York State which is now in effect.


WinterGarden: Peggy Franck and Jeanette Cummins, co-chairs of WinterGarden scheduled for December 4, 2025 reported that they have begun planning, and welcome suggestions from members.


Civic Improvement: Rosario told members that it’s time to begin cleaning up our community gardens and asked members to help when they are called to work.


The meeting ended at 11:45 a.m.

Karen Coombs, Recording Secretary


Next Meeting: Thursday, May 22, 2025, visit to Untermyer Gardens. (No Business Meeting)




June 2025



The Little Garden Club of Rye
June 4, 2025 11:00am
Annual Meeting and Luncheon



Present: Adler, Amato, Archibald, Beary, Benavides Gallagher, M. Collins, Coombs, Cummins, Dillon, Dowling, Franck, Galgano, Gonzalez-Molina, Hansen, Hicks, Julian, Kehoe, Leonard, Macleod, Majeski, Mark, Marren, Murray, Patafio, Stewart, Stora, Striffler, Valla (28)


2025-26 Provisionals Present: Gwen Millard, Ella Cannon, Carmen Konigsbach, Bobbi Cavicchio


Guests: Dr. Ashley Marks, Christine Siller, Bridgette DiDonato, and Katie Jamer


President’s Welcome: Rosario welcomed everyone to our final meeting of the year, and especially thanked Peggy Franck for hosting us and Valerie Gonzalez Molina, hospitality chair and Chris Murray for preparing the luncheon with contributions from Cheryl Adler, Rosario Benavides Gallagher, Bobbi Cavicchio, Jeannette Cummins, Victoria Dillon, Chris Duncan, Mary Kelly Kehoe, Carmen Konigsbach, Joan Mark, Connie Macleod, Gwen Millard, Chris Murray, Joy Patafio, and Janet Striffler. Chris Duncan provided the flowers.


Rosario thanked the Board and all those who helped during her Presidency and wished members a good summer of gardening.


Members unanimously approved the minutes of the April 7, 2025 Membership Meeting.


Membership: Membership Chairs Chris Murray and Cheryl Adler presented the five provisional members who are becoming full active members: Jeanette Cummins, Sheri DeGraw, Joy Patafio, Tracy Stora, and Janet Striffler. (Sheri was unable to attend the meeting).

They then introduced the five candidates for membership who will be provisional members in 2025-26: Ella Cannon, Helena Duffy, Bobbi Cavicchio, Gwen Millard, and Carmen Konigsbach. (Helena was unable to attend).


Budget: Reporting for Treasurer Kathy O’Hare who was unable to come to the meeting, Rosario said that the Club has a bank balance of $157,933, as of May 24th, 2025.

Dues letters have been sent out and dues are coming in.

Rosario asked that members send in any changes to their contact information so that they can be properly listed in the Directory, which will be prepared over the summer.

Members unanimously approved the LGCR 2025-26 Budget that they received by email last week.

Three members have reached Emeritus status because they have been members of the Club for 40 years: Ginny Benzak, Mary Sydney Green and Carole McDougall. Emeritus members no longer pay dues.


Awards: Rosario presented GCA Service Awards and LGCR Awards


GCA Service Awards


25 Years - Barbara Hicks

30 Years – Rita Schubert

40 Years – Ginny Benzak, Carole McDougall, and Mary Sydney Green

55 Years – Ann Collins and Cris Jamison

65 Years – Qxzy Burpee


The Little Garden Club of Rye Awards


Seedling Award Peggy Franck;

For your enthusiastic participation at all our horticulture workshops and your dedication to continually learn and explore new methods of plant propagation.


LGCR Horticulture Award Marianne Shea;

For loving to get your hands dirty and your generous spirit in sharing your knowledge, your garden, your plants, and your infectious excitement for all things horticulture.


Shutterbug Award

Josie Beary; For her steadfast dedication to the art of photography, her skill at making beautiful photos and for her continued enthusiasm and participation in photography events -- including the 2025 Zone III Meeting Club Photography Show.


Kady Kean Majeski; For making a stunning debut as a novice, earning the GCA Novice Award at our Meet Me in the Meadow GCA Flower Show, and for her continued participation in photography events. Her lens captures a love for nature and beauty.


Conservation Award Chris Duncan;

For infusing every event and initiative with boundless enthusiasm and creative vision, and for spearheading a meaningful collaboration among Rye's environmental nonprofits. Her efforts have fostered valuable connections that are helping to advance the LGCR’s conservation goals.


Communications Award Nadia Valla;

For sharing her wealth of knowledge and deep passion for birds through our newsletter, and for making this valuable information accessible to all members through a meaningful collaboration. Her thoughtful contributions have enriched our publication and deepened our connection to the natural world.


Civic Appreciation Award Chris Murray;

For her steadfast dedication to one of the LGCR’s cherished civic sites, Rockridge Triangle. Chris’s deep commitment to its care and upkeep reflects her passion for horticulture, community stewardship, and environmental conservation. Her hands-on involvement and generous spirit continue to make a lasting impact, helping this special space thrive.


ABCD Award Miriam Lambert;

For her fervent dedication to horticulture and her tireless pursuit of the most effective sowing methods for a wide variety of seeds and plants—knowledge she generously shares with all our members. For freely giving the fruits of her labor, enriching both our club and the broader community. For actively seeking meaningful gardening opportunities, fostering strong relationships with community members and schools, and organizing engaging workshops and plant exchanges. For thoughtfully documenting our events through photography for use in social media or other communications. In recognition of the time, care, and wholehearted commitment Miriam has devoted to horticulture and to LGCR this year, we are proud to honor her inspiring contributions.


Distinguished Service Award Victoria Dillon;

For organizing an outstanding Visiting Gardens program for the LGCR and reactivating plans for an international tour—bringing inspiration and excitement to our members. For stepping into a communications role at a moment’s notice and exceeding all expectations. And for capturing the spirit of our events through photography and readily contributing to the newsletter when called upon. Her energy, versatility, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our club, and we are proud to recognize her exceptional service.


LGCR Exhibitors/Flower Arranging Award Kelly Walsh and Kady Kean Majeski; For skillfully meeting the creative challenge of the "Perfectly Pretty Picnic in a Field of Posies" and delivering a floral design triumph that truly knocked it out of the park -- a creation that earned top honors: the Dorothy Vietor Munger Award, the Best in Show for Floral Design Award and the People's Choice Award.


Shining Star Award Toni Archibald;

For her unwavering dedication to promoting education and her joyful spirit that radiates optimism and inspires all those around her. For her exceptional work in elevating the Education exhibit, which played a key role in our Meet Me in the Meadow GCA Flower Show receiving the prestigious Marion Thompson Fuller Brown Conservation Award. Her passion and positivity leave an enduring mark on both her students and our members.


Appreciation Award Mary Julian;

My supporter, my right hand— Always ready to lend an ear, honest in critique, generous in support. Your presence has been steady and invaluable. I only hope I can be the same for you.


Kay Donahue Togetherness Award Pam McGuire;

For her continued dedication to the LGCR, including her leadership of two key committees, and her generous spirit in sharing her expertise across photography, conservation, National Affairs & Legislation (NAL), and technology. Her ability to stay current with tools and platforms that best serve our needs has ensured the smooth delivery of virtual meetings and speaker events for both LGCR and Zone III. Her clear and timely communications have kept members informed and engaged with important opportunities and deadlines in her assigned committees. Through her collaborative spirit and eagerness to uplift others—especially in the field of photography—she has become an invaluable and inspiring member of our community.


GCA Awards


Rosario presented Dr. Ashley Marks, an educator at the School of the Holy Child, and Katie Jamer, an educator at Rye Nature Center, with the GCA Hull Award which honor educators who inspire children under 16 years of age to connect with horticulture and the environment.


Rosario showed the bronze plaque that will be displayed at Marshlands Conservancy commemorating the $40,000 GCA Founders Fund Award. LGCR was the lead club that proposed Mashlands for the award.


Rosario thanked Jean Taplett for her work preparing the grant proposal and for her work preparing the request for Dr. Mark’s Hull Award. She also thanked Mary Julian for preparing Katie Jamer’s Hull Award.


GCA Club Flower Show Award

Chris Duncan and Jean Taplett; Honoring their inspiring leadership, creativity, and dedication in making the 2024 GCA Flower Show, Meet Me in the Meadow, a vibrant success.


Club Civic Appreciation Award

Jean Taplett; For outstanding efforts within the club, which enhance, protect, or restore the local environment.


GCA Medal of Merit

Chris Murray; Honoring her exceptional, unwavering support for LGCR and the GCA, her commitment to advancing our members' horticultural education, and her tireless efforts in conservation.


2025-26 Leadership Slate Members unanimously approved


President – Mary Julian

First V.P. – Rosario Benavides Gallagher

Second V.P. – Victoria Dillon and Miriam Lambert

Treasurer – Marilyn Donahue Recording

Secretary – Karen Coombs

Corresponding Secretary – Anna Parker


Mary Julian thanked Rosario for all she has done during her two years as Club President, working with calm and grace leading the Club and representing the Club in the community and with GCA. Mary presented Rosario with an inscribed crystal vase and Nadia Valla gave Rosario a framed photograph of a family of swans that Nadia had taken.


Mary asked that all members come forward to support the work of the Club with their special talents next year.


So far, she has filled the following Board positions:


Archives – Jean Taplett and Josie Beary

Awards – Chris Duncan and Marianna Amato

Bulletin/Communications – Peggy Franck

Social Media – Erica DiNardo

Civic Improvement – Chris Duncan

Community Stewardship – Phyllis Schmiedeberg (Train Station), Rosario (Rockridge Triangle), Chris Murray (RNC), Miriam Lambert (Knapp House), Marianne Shea (Gazebo), Gwen Millard, Bobbi Cavicchio and Valerie-Gonzalez-Molina (Post Office). Conservation/NAL – Tracy Stora and Marianne Shea

Field Trips/Visiting Gardens – Victoria Dillon

Floral Design – Kady Keen Majeski

Horticulture – Miriam Lambert

Hospitality – Chase English and Jessica Murphy

Membership – Chris Murray and Cheryl Adler

Photography – Pam McGuire and Rosario Benavides Gallagher

Programs – Victoria Dillon and Sheri DeGraw

Scholarship – Sara O’Keefe and Marianne Shea

WinterGarden Fundraiser – Peggy Franck and Jeanette Cummins - Co-chairs; Mary Collins and Erica DiNardo-Vendors, Miriam Lambert - Workshops; Chase English and Jess Murphy - Table design.


See you in September!! The meeting ended at 12:20pm followed by a luncheon.


Karen Coombs Recording Secretary







A Member of The Garden Club of America

Contact us at:

LittleGardenClubofRye@gmail.com

Little Garden Club of Rye, PO Box 58, Rye, NY 10580