By Peter Lyons Hall
Tuesday night, June 17, 2025, was an exciting one for the Warwick Valley Gardeners as members gathered to kick off their biggest event of the year—the annual Garden Tour—and to present their 2025 scholarship award.
At the meeting, the club warmly welcomed this year’s participating homeowners who have generously agreed to open their gardens for the tour, which takes place on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Garden Tour is WVG’s primary fundraiser and a beloved summer tradition in Warwick, made possible by months of behind-the-scenes preparation and the generosity of local residents.
The evening also recognized WVG’s ongoing collaboration with the Warwick Art League, led by Sarah McHugh, who coordinates artists to be stationed in each garden painting “en plein air.” These works add a special dimension to the tour experience and culminate in a public art exhibit at the Warwick Library in September, featuring pieces inspired by the gardens.
But perhaps the most rewarding moment of the evening was the presentation of the Warwick Valley Gardeners Scholarship, awarded each year to a local student pursuing studies in environmental science, horticulture, or a related field. This year’s recipient is Angie Ortiz, a recent graduate of Warwick Valley High School.
Angie was selected for her academic excellence, leadership, and passion for plant science. Through the high school’s Science Research program, she collaborated with a Cornell University researcher to study cover crop breeding and was invited to a national conference for her work. Angie will attend Cornell University this fall to study Plant Science, with the goal of earning a doctorate and shaping future agricultural policy.
She also led the Warwick Valley Book Club and participated in FFA, where she presented a speech on agricultural subsidies—an issue she sees as vital to sustainable farming. Before heading to college, she’ll serve as a counselor at the Starlight Salvation Army Camp, continuing a role she began after years as a camper and educator.
“I am trying to learn as much as I can with the little time that I have,” Angie said—a quote that reflects both her mindset and the mission of WVG to nurture future stewards of the land. The Warwick Valley Gardeners take great pride in awarding this scholarship each year and supporting the next generation of environmental leaders.
About Warwick Valley Gardeners
Founded in 1992, Warwick Valley Gardeners is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State and the National Council of State Garden Clubs. In addition to maintaining nine public gardens, the club leads special projects such as the Youth Gardeners Program, Arbor Day events, Railroad Green beautification, and seasonal community decor. Proceeds from the Garden Tour help fund these initiatives and support the annual scholarship program.
Photo credit: Penny Chow
Photo: Members of the Warwick Valley Garden Club Committee (from left to right): Linda Garcia, Robin Sobliech, Marcela Gross (Chair), Angie Ortiz, Mary Berrigan, Karen Fisher, Bettye Hill, Nancy Colgan
