Important! Homeowners Take Note!

While it's wonderful to see the enthusiasm among homeowners eager to embark on their home projects, please remember the vital role the Architecture Committee plays in maintaining the unique character and charm of Forest Hills Gardens.

To preserve the architectural integrity that makes our community so special, please remember that all exterior work—

whether it be simply painting your front door, restoration work or a new addition—requires an application submission along with any necessary sample materials to the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation (FHGC) Architecture Committee for approval. This process not only ensures that all projects align beautifully with our neighborhood's aesthetic but also helps preserve property values and enhance the overall quality of life for all residents.

Please take the time to read the following steps for a successful and approved home improvement project: 

-Apply to the FHGC Architecture Committee for official approval for your project.

Application forms are easily obtained by visiting www.fhgc.org, emailing info@fhgc.org or calling the FHGC office at 718 268-2420.

-Obtain advance written approval from the Architecture Committee BEFORE any work starts.

• Duplication alone does not guarantee approval since original design work must be prioritized.
• A contractor's promise to perform work in accordance with FHGC standards is not a substitute for the submission of an application by the property owner.
• Please share the details of your FHGC approval letter with your contractor. 

-And yes, all exterior work requires FHGC approval!

• If you are unsure about whether you need to submit an application, reach out to the FHGC Office; the staff is there to answer any questions and provide guidance during the application process.

The key takeaway: Our community's charm and high home values depend on everyone's willingness to protect, preserve, and maintain its original design. 

Gardens Received Notable Recognition - Level I Arboretum

Working Towards Getting to Level II

As reported in the May, 2024 newsletter, the Gardens received a very notable recognition as a Level I Arboretum, a prestigious distinction by ArbNet, a global arboretum registry in September, 2022. It is a requirement to have at least 25 species to qualify as a Level 1 Arborteum - the Gardens identified 79 different species within our grounds at the time of our accreditation.

In its ongoing care of our invaluable trees, the Tree Committee has continued its work with our external consultant, Liz Sargent HLA, whose firm assisted in crafting our cultural landscape report (CLR) and treatment plan. They continue to guide the Tree Committee in its tree selection and placement, in collaboration with Almstead Tree, Shrub, and Lawn Care.  

As of March, 2025, our “TreePlotter” inventory system identified 81 different species within our grounds. While a Level II arboretum status requires 100 species - and we aspire to that milestone, inching closer with each year's plantings - let's take great pride in our current national recognition.

Arbor Day/April 25/Garden Cleanup

Friday, April 25th marks Arbor Day, and what better way to celebrate than by stepping outside and tackling the fallen branches and debris that have accumulated over the winter months? Think of it as a scavenger hunt for nature’s little treasures! So grab your gloves and your favorite rake and let’s show Mother Nature some love while sprucing up our neighborhood.

Spring in the Gardens

In contrast to winter, spring in the garden is the busiest time of the year and for many also the most pleasurable. The bulbs that were planted back in the fall, our Daffodils, Hyacinths, Tulips and Iris are now in full bloom, bringing some much-needed color and cheer after the long dreary winter months.

The host of plants beginning to push through the soil and develop new foliage uplifts all our spirits! Now is the time to rush to the nursery to buy shrubs including roses, clematis, peonies and azaleas to pop straight into your garden; dig a nice deep hole that will completely submerge the roots of the shrub and water and

feed regularly for at least a few months.

It is also the time to divide any perennials that have multiplied like Hosta’s, Rudbeckia, Coneflowers and Astilbe. Gently dig the plants out of the soil and very gently separate the root system before replanting and watering. It is amazing how many new plants you can add to your garden through this process!

Pots and other containers can also be filled with pansies this month, but please wait until mid-May to plant annuals like Geraniums, Petunias, Impatience, Zinnias. Any unexpected cold

snap will damage these sun lovers!

If your grass is showing bare spots, now is also a great time to re-seed. Once again, water is vital for the seeds to germinate and flourish.



Happy Gardening and Happy Spring!

2025 Committee Chairs Selected

In accordance with our bylaws, we are excited to announce the selection of our Committee Chairs for 2025, each of whom plays a crucial role in the Gardens. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Steve Thomas and Sid Rose for their leadership in Architecture, to Christine O'Brien Beydoun and Fouad Beydoun for their work in Communication, to Bob Lehrman and Sue Gregg for their stewardship in Finance, to Matthew Mandell for his work with the Law Committee, to Bruce Eaton for his commitment to Membership, Sid Rose and Tony Barsamian for their work with Parking issues, to Fouad Beydoun and Tony Barsamian for their efforts in overseeing our Security contractor, Larry Pearlstein and Anthony Oprisiu for their oversight of the Tree Committee, and to Art Masella and Rob Webb for their attention to the Corporation's Upkeep. 

Red-tailed hawk atop The Leslie Apartment Building on a sunny day

The Red-tailed hawk is one of the most common hawks in North America and is a regular sight in our neighborhood where we have at least three in residence.

They like to survey their prey from the highest of perches, hence their regular presence in our tall trees and apartment buildings. Interestingly, the females are typically much larger than their male counterparts. Red-tailed hawks can live up to 30 years.