Young Horticulturalists 'Sprout' at Statewide Competition

Winning a category at a statewide event is a tremendous achievement.

Being part of a group that had all of its 51 entrants take away an award is remarkable.

That’s exactly what happen with the Long Valley Garden Club’s Sprouts group recently at the New Jersey Flower Show in Edison.

The Sprouts have 10 members ages six to 14: Adeline Autry, Nicholas Fezenko, Christopher Gelo, Kaitlyn Murphy, Kiley Murphy, Emily Tamburrino, Abby Brown, McKayla Brown, Charlize Sinko and Kailey Sinko.

The young horticulturalists began preparing for the event in September of last year, creating concepts and practicing designs, not to mention growing their own arrangements.

Of their 51 entries, 22 were awarded first place; 18 took home second place; and 10 grabbed third place. There was also an honorable mention in the group.

Youth Awards – the top achievement for a participant at the show – were given to Abby Brown and Emily Tamburrino for their “Puddle Jumping” foliage plants. Charlize Sinko also was awarded for her “Beachcombing” shell floral design.