Rochester Garden Club Announces 2025 Winner of Beautification Award

Living in the Rochester area is a pleasure for many reasons, great schools, the many parks and trails, and a vibrant downtown loaded with shops and restaurants. There is another feature about the Rochester area that makes it so livable, the pleasing landscaping throughout the community in both the commercial and public areas. Each year, the Rochester Garden Club identifies the grounds and gardens that are most outstanding and bestows its annual Beautification Award. This year the winner is the beautiful gardens at the OPC Social & Activity Center (OPC).

Eleven years ago, a well-known gardener and newspaper columnist moved to the Rochester Community. She wanted to take on a garden project to keep her busy in retirement and a friend showed her the OPC gardens. Nancy Szerlag knew an opportunity when she saw it. The gardens were neglected and in a sorry state, but she threw her energy and talent at it and now there are multiple gardens that offer tranquility, beauty and a diverse number of colorful plants.

When Nancy began this project, she worked by herself but over time she found many volunteers to help take on the gardening tasks. OPC volunteers came with all different skills, many master gardeners themselves, and Nancy was able to teach anyone who wanted to learn. They proudly call themselves “The Late Bloomers Gardening Group.” With more hands and strong backs, the group was able to expand the grounds with a butterfly garden and rock garden. It is well worth the time to stop and admire such a lovely public space. Thanks to all for helping make Rochester such a beautiful place to live.