The Front Yard Tulip Particpants

Background:

Over half a century ago, The Woman's Club of Albany (WCA) created the "Front Yard Planting Contest" as an integral part of Albany's annual Tulip festival. The purpose of the contest was to increase public awareness of Albany's Dutch heritage and to improve the appearance of the streets of Albany by encouraging the planting of tulip bulbs.  At its inception there were thirty entries and within twelve years it grew to 300. The age-old tradition remained for decades with the help of several WCA members, including Evelyn Sturdevan.  Evelyn was a flower enthusiast and she especially enjoyed the activities surrounding Albany's Tulip Festival including the Front Yard Tulip contest, which she maintained for roughly a quarter century before her death in 2004.

In recognition of Evelyn's dedication to the city and her enthusiasm for so many causes, including the Albany Tulip Festival, the Woman's Club will present the "Evelyn Garden" award to the Albany home or business that has fashioned a garden adorned with tulips worthy of Evelyn's name.  The Woman's Club garden committee is looking forward to continuing the tradition for many years under its new name; The Evelyn Sturdevan Front Yard Tulip Contest.

This year, four distinct garden categories will be awarded recognition by the WCA garden committee to further support beautification efforts in the City of Albany. This contrasts to previous years when only a single winner was selected for the Front Yard Tulip contest.  These four categories include:  The "Evelyn Garden" award, best display of tulips in an urban setting, best display of tulips for a business participant and best display of tulips for a community planting project.

The Woman's Club of Albany was responsible for visiting the gardens and selecting this year's winner's The "Evelyn Garden" award winner:  Aimee Allaud,  Melrose St.

Best display in an Urban setting:  Wish to remain anonymous, Catherine St and Oneida St

Best display for business participant: Evelyn Agmam, Wellington St

Best display for a community effort:  Friends of Hudson & Jay Park Neighborhood, Hudson and Jay Park

The People's Choice tulip for 2008 with over 130 votes submitted is:  Blushing Lady

Blushing Lady