Recognition

Awards & Judges

Recognition

Awards We’ve Received

Each year the Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs recognizes member clubs for their civic, conservation, and horticultural work. Garden Gate’s recent honors:

DFGC Awards · 2024-25

  • 1st Place

    Civic Achievement

    Recognition for outstanding civic achievement in the community.

  • 1st Place

    Conservation

    Recognition for outstanding conservation efforts.

  • 1st Place

    Horticulture/Garden Therapy

    Recognition for excellence in horticulture and garden therapy programs.

  • 1st Place

    Yearbook

    Recognition for the best club yearbook.

  • 2nd Place

    National Garden Week

    Recognition for National Garden Week participation and programming.

  • Special Achievement

    Increased Membership

    Special achievement recognition for increasing club membership.

For Our Members

Awards We Give

CEW Training Award

Ongoing

The CEW Training Awards were initiated to recognize and honor extraordinary contributions to Garden Gate Garden Club by members. CEW represents the last names Curtis, Ericson, and Witterholt — esteemed members who were responsible for the development, education, and stewardship of the nationally recognized Memorial Garden for Families of the Fallen at Dover Air Force Base.

Judging Criteria

  • Purpose: To encourage active members to enhance and advance their knowledge of floral design, garden study, environmental study, and landscape design by attending accredited schools and learning experiences sponsored by National Garden Club and other accredited institutions.
  • Two study awards valued up to $500.00 for each application, awarded biannually with primary consideration for NGC courses.
  • Eligible members must have been active for two or more years, be in good standing, and have held a position on the Garden Gate Garden Club Board.
  • Funds of up to $500.00 for course and expenses disbursed upon receipt of documentation. Receipts for travel, course tuition, and accommodations should be included.
  • After course completion, recipients are expected to present a Club program on their experience and knowledge gained.
Accredited Expertise

Certified Judges

Our accredited judges have completed training through the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and bring expertise in horticulture, floral design, and landscape evaluation.

Active Judges

  • Joy Ericson Master Judge
    Active
  • Marty Rushlow Master Judge
    Active
  • Anne Aleman Accredited Judge
    Active
  • Bob Howatt Accredited Judge
    Active
  • Meg Spurlin Student Judge
    Active

Emeritus Judges

  • Elaine Pataky Emeritus Judge
    Emeritus