QBG’s Annual Gala Spotlights Urban Sustainability and Community Leadership in Queens
Flushing, NY — [May 12, 2026] — Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is set to host its annual Rambling Rose Gala on Monday, June 1, 2026, honoring Howard Freilich, founder of Blondie’s Treehouse, and the life of Yanny “Mama” Lie, a founding member of QBG’s Tai Chi Group. The Garden’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the night brings together leaders in sustainability, design, and the Flushing community to support QBG’s mission of environmental stewardship and cultural connection.
Media are invited to attend photos and interviews from 5:30 to 6 pm. Limited media seats will also be available for the Gala.
Taking place during peak rose season, the Rose Gala invites guests to experience the Garden at one of the most vibrant times of the year. Attendees will enjoy curated food and drinks, a silent auction, “rambling” tours through the Rose Garden led by QBG’s Horticulture team, and a preview of QBG’s new Education Center site, currently under construction.
All proceeds from the evening will support Queens Botanical Garden’s living collections, sustainability initiatives, and educational programming.
This year’s honorees reflect the Garden’s commitment to the Queens community and environmental stewardship in NYC.
Howard Freilich is the founder of Blondie’s Treehouse, Inc., an internationally recognized horticultural design-build firm he launched in 1979 with just $100 worth of plants and a watering can. A Certified Landscape Professional, Freilich has spent decades shaping the field of interior and exterior landscape design, with work featured in leading publications and recognized with more than 75 national and international awards. A longtime advocate for green infrastructure, including green roofs and living walls, he is also a dedicated philanthropist and serves on the advisory board of Queens Botanical Garden.
Yanny “Mama” Lie was born in Bandung, Indonesia in 1940. She was a graduate of Beijing Normal University. After immigrating to the US in 1976, she and her husband successfully ran a Chinese restaurant for many years. Her association with QBG started in mid-1990’s, where she found kindred spirits among members of the Tai Chi Group. She also devoted herself to many causes in her retirement. Her volunteerism has garnered recognition from numerous organizations including the New York City Council and the NY State Senate.
“We look forward to honoring two outstanding individuals, Howard Freilich and the late Yanny ‘Mama’ Lie, both of whom have long ties to Queens Botanical Garden,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, QBG’s Executive Director. “As we celebrate them, we also celebrate this cherished, beautiful space which serves as an exemplar for innovative programming and best practices to support ecological resilience and environmental sustainability.”
EVENT DETAILS
What: Queens Botanical Garden Rambling Rose Gala
When: Monday, June 1, 2026
Photos & Interviews: 5:30 – 6 pm
Food Stations Open & Garden Tours Begin: 6 pm
Remarks: 7:15 pm
Silent Auction Drawing: 8 pm
Where: Queens Botanical Garden Visitor & Administration Building Terrace
43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY 1135
RSVP (Required):
Corinna Burford
Senior Communications & Marketing Manager
[email protected]