Staten Island Garden Clubs Events and Workshops | Garden Clubs of Staten Island

BLUE STAR MEMORIAL

Suzanne Quinn - Blue Star Memorial Chair

The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II. The name Blue Star was chosen for the star on flags displayed in homes and businesses denoting a family member serving. Garden Clubs pictured a ribbon of living memorial plantings traversing every state.

The designation of Blue Star Highways was achieved through petitions to the state legislatures and in cooperation with various state departments of transportation. A uniform marker was designed to identify the Highways.

The Blue Star Memorial Program grew to extend thousands of miles across the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. All men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States are included.

Markers continue to be dedicated each year on highways, Veterans’ facilities, National Cemeteries, parks, and civic and historic sites, showing our appreciation for those who defend our country.

Staten Island’s Helen Cusack, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and Bronze Star recipient, along with Ruth Alexander, were instrumental in establishing the Blue Star Memorial Marker located at the Bay Street entrance to Fort Wadsworth. Helen was a member of the former South Shore Garden Club, and then of the Great Kills Garden Club, until her passing at 93. Helen was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.

View a Detailed History Here

Please join us at the following Blue Star Ceremonies
held at 11 a.m. at the Bay Street entrance to Fort Wadsworth:
May 24, 2025 - Memorial Day Ceremony
June 28, 2025 - Independence Day Ceremony
November 8, 2025 - Veterans Day Ceremony
December 7, 2025 - Wreath Laying/Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony

THE HEALING GARDEN LIVING MEMORIAL

Carolyn Pinto - Healing Garden Memorial Chair

The Healing Garden is registered with the USDA Living Memorial Project and honors the 78 Staten Island firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and those who have since died as a result of 9/11-related causes. The garden is located at the intersection of Clove Road and Targee Street.

The lot had two monuments but was unkempt, until federal funding was secured for a 9/11 memorial. It took local gardeners and landscapers just one year to create the Healing Garden at this location.

The 78 purple-blooming smoke trees, dubbed “Fireman’s Grove: No Greater Gift,” were planted in September 2002. And a year later, the section called “The Patriot’s Path: Freedom is Not Free” was added in tribute to all Staten Island victims of the once unthinkable attack.

Ten years later, Garden Club members also focused their thoughts on the first responders who dug through the rubble and as a result are battling illnesses, and the soldiers who fought overseas because of the attack. A chrysanthemum initiative was undertaken in 2011 in support of the people suffering from the toxins ingested at the WTC site.

The First District maintains a Rose Registry where anyone may register a Rose Bush at The Healing Garden Living Memorial in recognition of someone special. To do so, please contact Carolyn Pinto or send us an email using the Contact button below.

Rose Registry

FIRST DISTRICT FLOWER SHOWS

Mass Design
"Falling in Love"

(Click on photo to see full screen view)

Reflective Design
"Making an Impression"

What is a Flower Show?

A flower show is not only a beautiful collection of specimens and designs, but a prime opportunity to capture the wonder and minds of the viewing public and club members. Flower shows stimulate interest in growing and showing horticulture, creating floral designs, and expressing creativity. It can be an invaluable way to educate and share knowledge of National Garden Clubs from local organizations to national goals and objectives. A flower show can be as simple as an intimate gathering or be a large celebration of horticulture. At any scale a flower show brings community members together to learn, grow, and display.