Antje Guertler

Bronze Medal Awarded to NIRS Member

Antje Guertler – December 11th, 2018

NIRS Bronze Medal Award:

It was with great pleasure that President Maureen Denny presented the American Rhododendron Society Bronze Medal to Antje Guertler on December 11th, 2018. The ARS Bronze Medal is awarded for outstanding contributions to a chapter and is the highest commendation awarded by a local chapter in the society.

Antje, with late husband Peter, supported the North Island Rhododendron Society even before they joined the club in 2006. We were introduced to these avid and very skilled gardeners when they agreed to have their beautiful property on our annual Mother’s Day Garden Tour. Their knowledge of soil development, plant care, pruning, and design are evident in the overall health and beauty of their colourful and multi-roomed garden. Over the years they have allowed their special place to be on tour many times, to the delight of our members and the tour-going public.

As active members of the NIRS, Antje and Peter participated fully in all our club events. They worked at the Rhodo Sale each year, bringing their down-to-business attitude and smiling enthusiasm to any task given to them. When not hosting a tour of their own garden, they loved to attend the open gardens both locally and throughout District One. As part of club tours, as well as on their own, they travelled to our ‘sister’ Chapter on Whidbey Island in Washington State, enjoying the gardens and hospitality of our southern neighbours. Their interest in Rhododendrons and garden development led them to attend a number of ARS conventions both here and abroad, making friends with members throughout the Society. Following one of the conventions that took place primarily in Germany, the Guertlers were encouraged to share their experience and made a wonderful presentation to the club at our chapter meeting. In addition to their general support, they have always been exceedingly generous with their now legendary baking. A highlight of our meetings was to see the Guertlers arrive, typically holding some delicious cake or torte to share with the members.

Antje is modest and efficient, typically working quietly in the background. She has exceptional organizational skills and, in 2017, Antje agreed to chair the NIRS Social Committee. Managing supplies, keeping things in order, and getting any job done well are a fundamental part of her makeup. The club can rely on Antje and her team to ensure that the social aspect of any function runs smoothly.

Interested in all aspects of gardening, Antje joined the NIRS Propagation Group. From the beginning, and over the years, she has assumed more responsibility for the practical aspects of its success. She has been a regular and dependable part of the plant-care maintenance team, spending many hours making sure our developing plants are doing well.

We thank Antje for her many contributions to the club and congratulate her on being awarded the ARS Bronze Medal by the North Island Rhododendron Society.

The Bronze Medal was presented as part of a framed certificate stating:  “The American Rhododendron Society North Island Chapter Recognizes Antje Guertler for the Bronze Medal Award for her many years of service and continued dedication to the Society December 2018

Return to the Bronze Medal Awards Gallery or Choose to return to the NIRS Home Page.