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BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ CELEBRATES FORSYTHIA DAY

Photographs by Laura Geiser

In photo from left: Borough President Markowitz presents a proclamation to Judith Zuk, President of BBG and Earl D. Weiner, Chair of the BBG Board of Trustees.

On Sunday, April 3, Borough President Marty Markowitz joined the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) to celebrate Forsythia Day. A symbol of brotherhood, unity and understanding, forsythia was declared the official flower in Brooklyn in 1940. Brooklyn residents were encouraged to plant the flower in their gardens and neighborhoods.

“On behalf of all Brooklynites I extend warmest thanks to Judith Zuk in her 16th year of exemplary service as president to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden,” said Brooklyn Borough President Markowitz. “I commend the BBG for its extraordinary contribution to Brooklyn horticulture, for its tireless efforts to cultivate nature’s breathtaking beauty, and its commitment to education, research and community outreach. Congratulations to the Forsythia Award winners — Simeon Gluckson, Daniela Cannizzaro and Donald Carswell of blessed memory.”

The forsythia planting tradition was inspired by the late Mrs. Edward C. Blum – long-time benefactor of Brooklyn Botanic Garden. She envisioned the planting effort as a means of encouraging a sense of community and mutual understanding in the borough. Each spring, through an endowment created by Mrs. Blum, BBG continues the tradition of Forsythia Day by recognizing outstanding individuals.