BURLINGTON – The Burlington Garden Club won several New England and state awards recently.
The club was recognized for:
— the Joyce A. Kimball Container Garden Award, bestowed at the New England Garden Club’s Annual Meeting in Rocky, Connecticut in October 2025 — which is the first New England Award that the Burlington Garden Club has ever garnered.
— the William A. Thompson Award Win for Civic Development with the Pollinator Partnership, Education and Fundraising, bestowed by the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts at their Annual Meeting in Milford, Mass., in June 2026
— the Mary F. Brewer Award win for Roadside Civic Beautification, bestowed by the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts at their meeting in Danvers, Mass. in June 2025
— the Unsung Hero Award for Top Fundraiser for the Pollinator Partnership from the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in May 2025.
Garden Club 31-year member/former membership chair Rhody Nardella, who was the recipient of the Unsung Hero Award bestowed by the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, helped to raise more than $3,500 over the past year and half, for events including but not limited to: helping support the Garden Club for one annual high school scholarship, donating to the Burlington Science Center for elementary school children programming, and projects to support the Senior Center, such as Meals on Wheels.
“At the time our treasury was low,” Nardella said. “We wanted to be able to continue giving money and to continue (helping) kids learning more about gardening.”
In reflecting upon how she feels to receive the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts Middlesex District 2025 Unsung Hero Award, Nardella replied that she was so surprised and honored to be thought so highly of by other gardeners, especially from the Middlesex District.
“I joined this club more than 30 years ago to be better informed about my passion for gardening,” Nardella said. “I really didn’t think much about the bees until my son bought a honey business.”
Nardella explained that the Garden Club, at the time, was searching for ideas to raise money. Her son, Mark, suggested doing a fundraiser selling honey, and a Pollinator Partnership was born. She also made and sold holiday gnome arrangements in November.
“Without pollination, we would have no gardens, and our food supply would die,” Nardella said. “It seemed simple; everyone loves honey.”
With the board’s approval, she started to sell honey — and at the same time — educate the public on the vital role of pollinator bees in sustaining a healthy ecosystem.
“Education is an important tool to have,” Nardella said. “I may sell the honey, but our members are the real heroes; they make my job easy by realizing all the health benefits that come by eating honey, and they keep buying it.”
Nardella has chaired other fundraiser projects with the help of other members, which has brought so many laughs and made her so proud to be able to contribute to a great club — being recognized by others was a bonus.
Her son, Mark, is a co-owner at Aquidneck Honey. Approximately 750 jars of honey were sold to win this award. Fudge honey and wildflower honey are the most popular flavors.
“Giving back to the community is a core value at Aquidneck Honey,” Mark Nadella said. “I was raised in Burlington, and my parents instilled in me the importance of supporting your neighbors and helping others whenever you can.”
He added that principle continues to guide how they run their company today.
“We are proud to work with the Burlington Garden Club, and any school, nonprofit, sports team, or community group looking to raise money,” Mark Nadella said. “These partnerships also give us an opportunity to raise awareness about the vital role bees play in our gardens, food supply, and environment.”
Garden Club member/Civic Development/Suzanne Raposo won the Joyce A. Kimball Container Garden Award, bestowed at the New England Garden Club’s Annual Meeting in Rocky, Connecticut in October 2025 for designing and building eight container garden lanterns on the common, one adjacent to the town common across from Northern Bank and one on a traffic island at the intersection of Winn and Center streets. They are currently decorated for America’s 250th birthday (pictured).
“We’re always looking for something new when creating different displays,” Raposo said. “I drew my inspiration from Pinterest, and it took a few months to make.”
This is the club’s first regional award in its history, according to Nikitas. Raposo was the designer and creator of this Civic Development project.
Raposo added that it felt nice to have their efforts recognized for something that they love to do for the community and that it was appreciated by others. She said many people stopped and thanked the members, as they were walking by.
Burlington Science Center Director Wendy Pavlicek Tyburczy said they are grateful to the Burlington Garden Club for their continued support for the community.
“The Burlington Garden Club has made a yearly donation for over 25 years to support the plant science curriculum for kindergarten to grade 5 classrooms in Burlington Public Schools,” Pavlicek Tyburczy said. “The donation goes towards seeds, soil, or flowers that are used in various hands-on activities for students.”
Garden Club co-President Christina Nikitas, who is an eight-year member, said the Burlington Garden Club is blessed with so many talented and dedicated members, and she couldn’t be more proud of Nardella and Raposo for earning state and New England award recognition.
“Their vision, creativity, ingenuity, unwavering commitment, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit remind us how much impact volunteers can actually have, not only in our own community, but across Massachusetts and throughout New England,” Nikitas said. “These remarkable women are great stewards of our community, and their accomplishments elevate our club and inspire each of us.”
Nikitas added they are so grateful to be recognized, and she is delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate their well-deserved successes.
The Garden Club consists of 75 members, with 66 years in operation.
“I’m proud of my Garden Club members for their drive, creativity, dedication,” Nikitas said. “Fingers crossed, we’re working hard and may be elevated again for another New England pollinator partnership award in October.”
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