NSGC conducted a botanical workshop at the LIM. Four club members created arrangements done in varying styles and shapes such as ikebana floral design,  and a colonial Williamsburg style using fresh greens, fruits, berries and nuts. Also shown included were a wreath with variegated holly, magnolia, spruce and berries as well as a candlestick top arrangement with mixed greens and berries. After the demonstrations were completed participants made up their own holiday arrangement. 

Eileen Gerle, park ranger, conducted an informational talk and walk on West Meadow Peninsula, an area that is part of the Harbor Hills moraine, bordered by the Nissequogue and Crane’s Neck Bluffs. She pointed out the flora and fauna unique to this area that was first described in the 1660s and established as a beach in 1908. 

A cocktail party was held at the Long Island Museum Emma Lee Blackford Rockwell Herb Garden on a lovely cool summer evening, to showcase the museum’s garden that NSGC tends, so that spouses, relatives and friends could view this very special place. NSGC is proud to make this contribution to the community. 

Robin Dahlgard's Annual Rose Garden viewing and tea delighted Garden Club members. Featured in the garden was Rosa Hot Cocoa, a recent Blue Ribbon winner at the Three Harbors Flower Show.  

NSGC membership consists of many grandmothers, all of whom hope to pass on the love of gardening to their grandchildren.  With that thought in mind, the Amaryllis Project was born.  Every flower lover knows what instant gratification an amaryllis bulb brings.  What if every classroom in a pre-school had an amaryllis bulb and a detailed lesson plan to guide the teacher?  Retired teacher and NSGC Past President Marilyn Light created such a lesson plan for a neighborhood pre-school. The attentive delight that the children displayed as they charted the maturation of the plant was remarkable.  Members felt it was a wonderful tool to help pass the torch by fostering the love of gardening to young people.

December, 2013,  NSGC members and friends celebrated the Holiday season at The Country House Restaurant in Stony Brook.  As always, a memorable afternoon, festive and full of merriment.  

Once again NSGC had the rewarding experience of assisting clients of the St. James Nursing Home to make Holiday flower arrangements.  We had a special treat this year, Betsy Palmedo piano and singing entertainment was enhanced by the accompaniment of her grandson Tree on trumpet.  This annual event is anticipated each year by both the staff, residents and club members.  

Special thanks to members who helped by setting up containers, cutting greenery, ordering flowers, and to all who assisted at the Nursing Home.

Liz Piazza, Zone III Floral Arranging Judge, educates NSGC members on the criteria used to evaluate floral design entries.  This practice Bench Show, complete with schedule and design classes, allowed members to experiment and gain experience while receiving informal feedback from both Liz and Joan Rockwell.

Here pictured above is Chris Amato and Jennifer Lawrence with their Class 1, Table Setting, "We Gather Together" arrangement.  

Our October workshop featured famed event planer and society florist, Lilee Fell of Bridgehampton, who kindly shared her expertise on Floral Design with our members.

Designer Lilee Fell encourages the workshop group to "just do it."  The more you do, the more you learn, the more comfort you feel!

On a glorious cool crisp day in September, twenty two members & guests of the North Suffolk Garden Club toured the Sunken Forest on Fire Island.  

The Park Ranger explained to our tour group the interesting distinction between conservation & preservation. We learned that this reserve is managed under pure preservation without interruption of assistance by man. What you see is what nature intended.

Several North Suffolk Garden Club members attended The Centennial Founders Fund Dedication Celebration, 2013, at Central Park. The Garden Club of America designed the East 69th Street & 5th Avenue entrance, and this is where the NSGC members got to meet with “Frederick Law Olmsted”.