ENGC’s efforts recognized at state, national levels

Emerald Necklace Garden Club was named the 2025 Outstanding Club of the Year by the Garden Club of Ohio at the annual GCO convention June 17.

ENGC also was awarded 11 first-place awards for club projects ranging from civic and conservation activities to holiday decorating, publications and youth involvement in gardening projects. The club also was awarded two second-place awards and one third-place award.

At the GCO district meeting on May 12, ENGC also received the Best of the Best award, presented by the National Garden Club Inc. and Espoma Organic. The club previously received a grant from Espoma for products used in renovating the rain garden on the Broadview Heights Community Center grounds. The $500 cash award that accompanied the award will be applied to ongoing rain garden improvements, including installation of informational signage, ADA pathways, benches and trees at the rain garden site.

ENGC also won $900 from GCO’s Plant America grant, along with a $100 award for the installation of a mason bee house in the rain garden and an NGC Achievement Award certificate for club activities in 2025.

“These awards are wonderful, but would not have been possible without the imagination, creativity and participation of every club member,” said ENGC President Nathalie Petri. Our appreciation and gratitude go to members involved in these projects as well as the sponsoring organizations.”

Photo caption: Debra Turner, Garden Club of Ohio President (left) presents the Espoma Organic $500 Best of the Best award plus three National Garden Club awards to Emerald Necklace Garden Club on May 12 at the GCO district meeting. ENGC members receiving the awards are Renee Buszta, Nathalie Petri, Debbie Apple and Donna Hessel. Photo submitted.