About Each Planter

Here's a bit of info about each designer and planter. You REALLY have to see them in person though! Check out the map!

To bid on any of these items, go to our Facebook page.

1. Jade from Family Partnerships

We upcycle lots of things at Family Partnerships (FPC)! Some are even crafted to be sold as one of a kind decor pieces available at Blue Dragonfly! The dragonfly you see attached to our planter represents our wonderful Blue Dragonfly community. We made seven and sold out of them in one day! We’re making more! Please stop into the Blue Dragonfly gift shop to see our creations among countless gifts for you and everyone you know!

Thank you Blue Dragonfly for sponsoring.
Designer: Jade from Family Partnerships
Location: The Blue Dragonfly, 144 Broad Street

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2. William Herzfeld

Sculptor William Herzfeld formerly from Windsor CT, created this planter from an antique door that came from an old home on Windsor Avenue. Brass engraved plate commemorates the Windsor Monarch Project.Butterfly Weed, yarrow, marigolds and other plants enhance this planter. Folk Art inspired stenciled colorful pollinators on either side. Look for the gorgeous doorknobs!

Thank you GRAVA properties for sponsoring.
Designer: William (Bill) Herzfeld
Location: The Octagon at Broad St
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3. Phil Thulen

Phil Thulen local landscaper and artistic designer of Reclaimed Critters is known for his whimsical metal sculptures made from recycled materials. His awesome vintage bench with attached Arts and Crafts lantern holders is a perfect use of vintage recycled materials.

Thank you James Selig Estate Jewelry and Antiques for sponsoring.
Designer: Phil Thulen
Location: 161 Broad Street

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4. Suzanne Urban Judy Cooke Mike Urban

Illustrator Suzanne Urban, Windsor environmentalist Judy Cooke and engineer Mike Urban created this Twin bed garden planter. The lucky bidder will go home with habitat perennials in each box, a gorgeous bed planter with weather resistant pillows. And TWO handcrafted weather resistant garden boxes to fill with dirt and plant in the habitat. The perfect enclosed habitat to beckon pollinators! A wonderful piece to harbor your own unique garden plants!

Thank you Family Pizzeria for sponsoring.
Designer Suzanne Urban, Judy Cooke, Mike Urban
Location 181 Broad St
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5. Rachel Schuster

Rachel Schuster proprietor of Ewe + You a unique downtown fiber store. Only Rachel create fiber plants for this whimsical garden accent. Hand-knitted socks hold garden flowers in place, picket fence offers a wonderful standout visual for any garden.

Thank you Ewe and You LLC for sponsoring.
Designer: Rachel Schuster
Location: 261 Broad Street
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6. The Urban Family

Charming Chair planter by nationally published illustrator and writer, Suzanne Urban’s chair planter is sure to brighten up any homeowner’s front porch. Suzanne sells her art on ETSY as SuzanneUrbanArt.

Sponsored for Grace Episcopal Church by The Urban Family.
Designer: The Urban Family for Grace Church
Location: Chairy Orchard
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7. Linda McAllister

Colorful Chair Planter by decorative furniture painter Linda McAllister, Linda hails from Bethel Connecticut and sells her popular hand-painted furniture at the Elephant’s Trunk in Fairfield County.

Thank you Willa Nemetz for sponsoring.
Designer: Linda McAllister
Location: Chairy Orchard
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8. Dawn Alice Rogers

Beautiful Chair Planter by Calligrapher, doll artist and pet portrait-painter Dawn Alice Rogers. "Plant so your own heart will grow." Dawn’s doll artistry has been exhibited in NYC and Chicago gallery shows. Dawn creates colorful signs and products that she sells on ETSY.

Thank you PC Development Group for sponsoring.
Designer: Dawn Alice Rogers
Location: Chairy Orchard
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9. Robyn Wahl

Unique Chair planter by seasoned crafter Robyn Wahl. A monarch water basin attached to the arm rest for hungry pollinators. Robyn is a committed artisan who creates wonderfully whimsical totes from recycled chicken and horse feed bags. She will be selling at the Windsor Monarch Market July 9.

Thank you Carmon Community Funeral Homes for sponsoring.
Designer: Robyn Wahl
Location: Chairy Orchard
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10. Helen Davenport

Avid gardener and talented Stain Glass Window designer, Helen Davenport’s glass art finds homes all across the Connecticut landscape. Helen’s garden has been featured on the Windsor Garden Club tour twice. Helen will be exhibiting as a vendor at the Monarch Fest as well.

Thank you Windsor Garden Club for sponsoring.
Designer: Helen Davenport
Location: Chairy Orchard
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11. Allison Joanis and Patty Crowley

Passionate gardener, owner of a beautiful Antique Windsor home, WGC co-president, Allison Joanis teamed up with another Windsor Garden Club member Patty Crowley to create this charming high chair planter with Terra Cotta child perched in the seat. A great chair planter for the new grandmother or mom!

Thank you Windsor Climate Action for sponsoring.
Designer: Allison Joanis and Patty Crowley
Location: Chairy Orchard
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12. Alvin Bingham

Windsor Garden Club member Alvin Bingham’s lemon yellow antique chair holds a unique color arrangement of flowers. This not-too- small, not too big charming planter awaits your garden-scape or porch area.

Thank you for sponsoring Karen Pestana.
Designer: Alvin Bingham
Location: Chairy Orchard
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13. Valerie Allgrove

Local Monarch butterfly expert, beekeeper, mosaic artist and gardener Valerie Allgrove’s passion and knowledge of plants are nestled in this artistic gossamer statement piece; a serious love letter for our planet.

Thank you for sponsoring Margaret Taff.
Designer: Valerie Allgrove
Location: Chairy Orchard
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14. David Stender

Windsor Garden Club co-president David Stender returns again to create a gorgeous chair planter. Mr. Stender’s unique, beautiful garden was featured on the Windsor Garden club tour in 2021. Hand-painted monarchs by Carol Snelgrove-Mcomber

Thank you Windsor Station Apartments for sponsoring.
Designer: David Stender
Location: Chairy Orchard
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15. Elizabeth McVerry-Hanlon

Talented photographer and member of The Nutmeg Collective group of artisans, Elizabeth McVerry-Hanlon’s charming chair is the perfect accent for those seeking a beautiful solution to your garden. Visit her chair to read the humorous sign!

Thank you Hosting Connecticut LLC for sponsoring.
Designer: Elizabeth McVerry-Hanlon
Location: Chairy Orchard
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16. Penny Shea

Master Gardener Penny Shea returns again this year to create another a bit of summer whimsy with her blue chair planter display. Auction bidders love this designer’s 2021 planter!!

Thank you O'Malley Deneen Leary Messina and Oswecki for sponsoring.
Designer: Penny Shea
Location: Chairy Orchard
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17. Carol Snelgrove McOmber

Carol Snelgrove McOmber is new to the Upcycled Planter Challenge, and her deftly painted chair planter with witty wine theme is a winner, all hand painted by Carol herself. A lovely accent for your summer garden or patio.

Thank you Dewey’s Barrels for sponsoring.
Designer: Carol Snelgrove McOmber
Location: Chairy Orchard
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18. Katherine Tolve

Seasoned Connecticut artist/designer/collector and art educator, Katherine Tolve a,k.a. Progressive Patterns online, work blends a contemporary folk art style mixed with harmonizing bright hues. This beautiful blue planter is a crowd pleaser.

Thank you Jordan Florists and Gifts for sponsoring.
Designer: Katherine Tolve
Location: Chairy Orchard
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19. Naomi Lee

Local ESOL teacher and savvy green entrepreneur Naomi Lee joins the Upcycled Planter Design team with her gorgeous antique wood chair planter, a shabby chic accent for anyone’s garden or patio.

Thank you for sponsoring Nicole Kozak Lee, Realtor at William Raveis, First Town Real Estate.
Designer: Naomi Lee
Location: Chairy Orchard
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20. Lynda Cmara

Last Year Lynda Cmara’s chair planter drew a lot of attention. Lynda, an avid crafter and gardener, returns with a sweet antique rocker filled with purple flowers.

Thank you for sponsoring Johnson, Dowe, Brown and Barbarotta LLC.
Designer: Lynda Cmara
Location: Chairy Orchard
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21. Irene Hilbert

Local artist and reiki healer, Irene Hilbert, known for her Traveling Palette Paint Parties, returns this year with a planter of purples hues. Please visit Irene’s website to see more of her amazing paintings.

Thank you River Meadow Farm for sponsoring.
Designer: Irene Hilbert
Location: Chairy Orchard
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22. Lisa Vivarelli

Seasoned crafter and business owner of A Little Bit of This and That, Lisa Vivarelli joins the challenge with her ‘Perfect in Pink’ entry, a gorgeous mix of upcycled goods and live pollinator-friendly plants.

Thank you for sponsoring Four Seasons Landscaping.
Designer: Lisa Vivarelli
Location: Chairy Orchard
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23. DeDe Diaz

Local event designer DeDe Diaz returns this year to add her personal touch to the Chairy Orchard. DeDe’s new business creativepartyrescue.com has taken off beautifully due to her talented imagination and hard work. Her upcycled office chair is the perfect vignette for a shady garden scape. (See a video of this creation in progress on Facebook!)

Thank you Grimshaw Tree Services and Nursery for sponsoring.
Designer: DeDe Diaz
Location: Chairy Orchard
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24. Crystal Albee

Talented and prolific gardener, Crystal Albee’s upcycled vintage globe with beautiful garden plants beautifully arranged inside is the ultimate sophisticated garden accent for any home.

Thank you Stewart Equine Clinic for sponsoring.
Designer: Crystal Albee
Location: 275 Broad Street
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25. Lon Pelton

Widely known found object sculptor Lon Pelton is known for his remarkable folk-art style sculptures made from antique farm equipment. Lon’s chess planter beckons all passionate players to sit and play while enjoying a chilled lemonade.

Thank you for sponsoring Jim Duran
Designer: Lon Pelton
Location: 300 Broad Street

PS: Jim Durant has proposed chess tables be installed for public use on our town green. What a wonderful community idea!
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26. Anne and Sheri Mosher-Helmes

Local entrepreneurs Anne and Sheri Mosher-Helmes are always seeking new ways to upcycle a variety of goodies tucked in their Windsor home. This year’s bench planter is a crowd pleaser and sure to blend beautifully for those with small spaces.

Thank you Dom’s Broad Street Eatery for sponsoring again this year!
Designer: Anne and Sheri Mosher-Helmes
Location: 330 Broad Street
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27. Lon Pelton

Lon Pelton’s garden cart made from a recycled whiskey barrel and filled with Monarch friendly plants is as functional as it is beautiful.

Thank you to Scott Hoffman proprietor of Windsor Ace Hardware for sponsoring
Designer: Lon Pelton
Location: 296 Broad Street

PS - Thanks also to Scott for setting up the first small business owned habitat in Windsor.
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28. Ayse Ayral Adams

Windsor Garden Club member Ayse Ayral Adams is a master at creating beauty from recycled materials. Ayse will be manning our hand painted bird scarer booth at the Windsor Monarch Festival. She has also taught at Northwest Park. Her upcycled grill planter harbors a wealth of beautiful colorful plants to appear like flames.

Thank you for sponsoring Neill Sachdev.
Designer: Ayse Ayral Adams
Location: 282 Broad Street
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29. Lon Pelton

This upcycled whiskey barrel planter by Lon Pelton with a patriotic flair is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a timeless garden container commemorating those who’ve served.

Thank you for sponsoring Republican Town Committee of Windsor.
Designer: Lon Pelton
Location: 276 Broad Street

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30. Nicole Ciccarelli

Local ‘green’ planter designer Nicole Ciccarelli’s unique planter made from a combination of recycled goods is the perfect foil to showcase the importance of finding new life for materials that would otherwise end in a landfill. A wonderful solution for a privacy screen.

Thank you Windsor’s Democratic Town Committee for sponsoring.
Designer: Nicole Ciccarelli
Location: 250 Broad Street
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31. Kate Lange

Habitat designer for the The Windsor Monarch Project, and local realtor/landscape designer Kate Lange’s whimsical dollhouse planter nestled in a vintage wheelbarrow, is the perfect witty statement piece filled with her own curated perennials for the Monarchs.

Thank you Century 21 AllPoints Realty for sponsoring.
Designer: Kate Lange
Location: Corner of Maple Avenue and Broad Street
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32. Mondovi Group Staff

We were pleased to have The Mondovi Group staff jump on board to offer up a vintage dental chair serving as a planter full of colorful flowers, do you have a dentist in your life? Great accent garden gift for them!

Thank you Mondovi Group for sponsoring.
Designer: Mondovi Group Staff
Location: 230 Broad Street
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33. Diane Bernier

Master gardener and local garden club member, Diane Berner joins the UPC Challenge this year to create a mini-gnome garden in this vintage children’s cradle, peek inside to see the wee gnomes peeping back at you!

Thank you for sponsoring new mom Mel proprietor of The Bean@226.
Designer: Diane Bernier
Location: 226 Broad Street

PS: Congrats to Kerri too!
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34. Betty Jo Davis

When Windsor Monarch Project founder Betty Jo Davis is tasked to design an upcycled planter, she brings it to a whole new level. Heather Sloan collaborated with Ms. Davis on this phenomenal Monarch table and rocking chairs planter.

Thank you Stephanie Stone of William Raveis, First Town Real Estate for sponsoring.
Designer: Betty Jo Davis
Location: 216 Broad Street
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35. Danavan Senior

From Tire Sergion studio, artisan Danavan Senior returns to create another unique planter from recycled tires, Danavan’s hand-painted garden creations can be found in Connecticut gardens across the state, Danavan is also a highly skilled interior home bathroom renovator.

Thank you Loomis Chaffee School for sponsoring.
Designer: Danavan Senior
Location: 216 Broad Street
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36. Trish Faust-Jeffery

Trish Faust-Jeffery’s unique planter is the answer to any gardener’s wish. Known for her adept design and painting skills, Trish’s talent for seeing value in old pieces is a plus to our Windsor garden owners.

Thank you Marty McMahon of Edward Jones for sponsoring.
Designer: Trish Faust-Jeffery
Location: 176 Broad Street
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37. Rachel Floyd-Fox

Rachel Floyd-Fox’s unique planter is functional and pure perfection for the gardener. Her passion to keep our planet green, makes her a plus for this challenge.

Thank you Wabi-Sabi Yoga and Wellness Center for sponsoring.
Designer: Rachel Floyd-Fox
Location: 176 Broad Street
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38. Windsor Lions Club

The Windsor Lions Club members collaborated to create this awesome vintage wood ladder planter, the vintage galvanized water can is the perfect topper for this wonderfully whimsical planter.

Thank you Windsor Lions Club for sponsoring.
Designer: Windsor Lions Club
Location: 176 Broad Street
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