Historic Hydrangea Trail in Atlantic City, NJ...RETURNS!
The 48Blocks Program of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation unlocked the creativity.
The Inlet Revitalization Committee asked for ideas for improving the
quality of life in the First Ward
and Beverly Constant Bromley suggested:
"Bring back the Hydrangea Trail!"
Karen Rosnick took the idea and suggested a three-year approach.
The project "grew" exponentially once Gail Karslo joined the team.
Bruce Ward made it legal!
When the work is complete we want the Hydrangea Trail 2.0 to be recognized
as one of the Gardens of the Garden State.
Welcome to Hydrangea Trail 2.0
Promoting the HT2.0 encourages knowledge of history and horticulture, conservation of native and introduced plants, and appreciation for the role of flowers to reduce stress, create beauty, fuel community pride, and attract visitors as well as residents.
Interested in reading the current issue of INN - Inlet Neighborhood News? Email [email protected]
Welcome to the IHTV website
The people who volunteer to reestablish the Hydrangea Trail are called the Inlet Hydrangea Trail Volunteers (IHTV). We're a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation.
In the first year (2022) we gathered like-minded people and began the restoration of the containers at Gardner's Basin, AC, NJ.
This project has been well received by the community, City Council of AC, & CRDA (Casino Redevelopment Authority), Leaders in Training (LIT), Oceanside Family Success Center, and Atlantic Cape Community College.
Catching the IHTV team in action
We work with an awesome team! The fact is - we're always looking for more volunteers.
Meet us on the trail!
"The trail shall prevail." Bruce Ward
Phoebe, Gail, Karen, & Bev
Ready for the 1st Fundraiser! 1/31/23
Phoebe is a volunteer and a Board Member.
Patti, Rasheema, Karen, Kelli, & Bev
Finished with Day#2 of the Mother's Day Hydrangea Sale
5/13/23
Frankie Nero & Diane DeBiasi
Accepting flower seedlings started by children at the Oceanside Family Success Center
5/10/23
Jean Muchanic is a great friend to the IHTV and a Board Member too
Jean is Ex. Director of Absecon Lighthouse. The IHTV donated six hydrangeas for the Lighthouse garden facing Vermont Ave.
6/1/23
Jody, Bev, & Pam
IHTV prepare for an event
On June 25 we are getting ready for December 25 as we create felt hydrangeas for the Boardwalk Hall Christmas tree display.
Libbie & Bruce
48Blocks, June 25, 2023
Volunteers meet at the Carriage House in Gardner's Basin to prepare for events, June '23.
It's wonderful having two restaurants close by so we can keep the volunteers happy, not "hangry."
Egg Harbor Township HS Key Club
June 25, 2023
These students came to the 48Blocks Summer Festival on June 25, 2023 to help the IHTV with crafting tasks.
EHTHS
Key Club
June 25, 2023
After an afternoon of crafting felt flowers for the IHTV Christmas tree at Boardwalk Hall the Key Club members took home real hydrangea blossoms. Ralph Hunter, IHTV Board Member joined them for this picture.
Trish
All-round bike specialist
Trish's bike expertise helped us prep the bike for the complete makeover! She is wise AND crafty! July 2023
Donna
Creative crafter
Donna "pinkified" the bike surface, spokes, rims, and handlebars with ribbon, silk flowers, and bling. July 2023
Elsa & Patti
First art bike installation
Elsa & Patti worked together to create a beautiful blue art bike. They were invested in every aspect of this project and proudly, and temporarily, installed the new blue bike next to the new blue sign.
Gardner's Basin new sign
(sparkles!)
Enhanced by the beautiful art bike installation
IHTV July 12, 2023
Originally prepared as a way to welcome the governors to AC .
Events for IHTV, Fall '23
Happy Hour, Field Trips, Farm Markets, & Art Festivals
20
September
2023
venue
The first installation of the Hydrangea Trail, outside of Gardner's Basin
location
300 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Timeline of the HT2.0 - history, horticulture, & art
In the 1940's - 1970's the first Hydrangea Trail was developed by the Garden Clubs of Atlantic City and supported by the swanky hotels, city government, and The Press of Atlantic City. It was a week-long celebration that culminated in the crowing of a Hydrangea Queen (a much coveted title).
Hydrangea Trail 2.0 encompasses community activism and connections, promotes neighborhood beautification, and encourages expressions of creativity through flowers.
2017
Sparking creativity - 48Blocks
48Blocks encourages AC residents to create and share art across the 48Blocks of AC.
Neighbors in the First Ward actively participate in this program by painting and planting colorful flowers in the large urns on Caspian Ave, yarn bombing a fence with an intricate ocean and flower scene, and planning the opening and closing parties.
2018
Expressing creativity
First Ward neighbors participate in year two of 48Blocks with plastic noodle art, neighborhood garden tours, painted art bikes, and more painting of large urns.
2019
Garden art earns awards
First Ward gardeners continue to share their artistic gardens with the community through the 48Blocks Art Festival. Additionally, the painted urns and individual gardens earn blue ribbons in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society gardening contest.
2020
Covid kills the gathering, but not the program
Garden tours became virtual and short videos were submitted and shared on the ACAF website for the 2020 48Blocks Art Festival.
2021
Adirondack chair preparation for 48Blocks
"Where flowers bloom, so does hope." Lady Bird Johnson. This quote appears on the side of the Adirondack chair painted by two founding members of the Hydrangea Trail 2.0.
2022
The Inlet Revitalization Committee embraces the concept of Hydrangea Trail 2.0
The committee was in search of ideas to improve quality of life in the First Ward and help establish safe and clean neighborhoods. The reestablishment of the Hydrangea Trail provides an anchor program for the committee work.
2023
Supporting the HT2.0
Grants supporting the HT2.0:
Atlantic City Community Fund (2022 & 2023), Thrive AC!, Sustainable Jersey, and Atlantic County Office of Cultural History Affairs. Additionally, private donations helped the Volunteers purchase plants and supplies prior to the funding awards.
Gallery of HT2.0
Pictures help to tell our story.
We love to take pictures and show them to the world.