Mark Comstock, Hydrangea and Bonsai Enthusiast, Receives Statewide Gardening Recognition for Volunteer Efforts

Mark Comstock will receive the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s Certificate of Individual Achievement on Oct. 22.

OLD LYME–A local bonsai enthusiast and hydrangea purveyor has been recognized with a Certificate of Individual Achievement from the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut.

The Duck River Garden Club in a press release lauded Mark Comstock, owner of Hydrangea Galore in Old Lyme, for the recognition. It will be presented at the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 96th Annual Awards Meeting and Luncheon on Oct. 22.

The honor is awarded for outstanding contributions to an individual, a garden club or a group of garden clubs.

The Duck River Garden Club described Comstock as a conservationist and an expert in hydrangeas as well as the art of bonsai. They cited various classes he has presented to multiple garden clubs, the Lymes’ Senior Center and the general public – including one on the intersection of bonsai and conservation that included a demonstration on a local pitch pine tree.

In addition to donating his plants for Duck River Garden Club sites throughout town and to the club’s garden sale each May, he recently solved a water issue by bringing in his 500 gallon water tank for the duration of the sale.

“Mark is professional, enthusiastic and generous with his vast horticulture knowledge,” the club said.

Comstock in a phone interview Monday said he was honored to be recognized.

“But I think the real honor should go to the entire Duck River Garden Club for everything that all the members do together,” he said. “We are an incredibly, incredibly active and beneficial garden club for the town of Old Lyme. And there is no other group that I would rather be serving the town with during my horticultural endeavors.”

For Comstock, membership in the club goes “deeper than horticulture.” It’s about meeting other people and learning about the town by becoming actively involved in it.

“They’re so tightly in step with what’s going on in town, and they care so much about making the town beautiful,” he said. “And those are the people I want to be around.”