Zen in Bloom

Naples Islands Garden Club's Annual Flower Show

Catherine Steisel with her Judges Favorite Award and the Garden Show Favorite Award

Once again, the Naples Islands Garden Club (NIGC) showcased members’ florals, fauna, and horticulture specimens in the fifty-second annual Flower Show and luncheon on April 8, 2026. This year’s theme “Zen In Bloom” captivated all 110 in attendance at the waterfront Long Beach Yacht Club.

The space was transformed into a tranquil garden with cherry blossom garland, colorful Japanese lanterns (or chochin) and dramatic Kyoto landscapes. The table settings featured fresh flower centerpieces with orchids, mums and fern; pink fortune cookies and folding cherry blossom paper and bamboo fans for all guests to enjoy. Subtle Asian music enhanced the event’s ambiance.

Our club’s president, Linda Frame introduced several special guests including, Donna Hood Director of Orange County CA Garden Clubs and Catherine “Cat” Hurston Publisher of Stroll Magazine in Naples.

There were one-hundred-eight entries in the show this year vs seventy-seven last year.  The exhibits were prepared and designed by NIGC members utilizing flowers from their gardens and the surrounding area. Three dedicated judges awarded ribbons for first, second, third and honorable mention in each category. Both the Judges Favorite Award and the Garden Show Favorite Award were given to Catherine Steisel for her theme entry “Zen Waters in Bloom”.

This wonderful day was organized by Lisa Mauck, Event Chair and her fantastic committee who set the stage for this fun day which finished with a raffle of centerpieces and prizes with the club raising almost $1,900 to support its philanthropic efforts.

Submitted by Trish Schooley

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