The concept of starting a friendly "Flower Villages" competition occurred to developer Martin Ginsburg during a vacation in France. Enchanted by the beauty and community pride that flowers brought to villages, large and small, he returned home to introduce the idea to HRTW.

In August 1997, Rachel Ginsburg of the Ginsburg Development Corp. (GDC) told the meeting about the success of the corporation's efforts to establish Hudson River Flower Villages by donating over 70 containers of flowers in the Village of Ossining in an inaugural move.

Over the years, participants have enjoyed neighborly competition, sporadically sparring with information about suitable plant varieties, fertilizers, plant containers and watering systems, while vying to make theirs the most beautiful downtown. The municipalities take varied approaches to the competition. Some rely on enthusiastic volunteers, others depend on Departments of Public Works, and some combine the two methods. The result is pleasing to the eye and welcoming to residents and visitors alike.

Judging to pick this year's winning Flower Villages, will take place in late July or early August, when the gardens should be at their peak. Last year, the Town and Village of Ossining shared the coveted first place award with the Village of Dobbs Ferry. Second place went to the Town of Cortlandt, while Croton-on-Hudson and Peekskill tied for the third place award.

In 1998, the first year of the competition, the villages of Tarrytown and Dobbs Ferry shared top honors, with Ossining placed second and Croton-on-Hudson third. Peekskill was the winner in 1999, followed by Dobbs Ferry, and Tarrytown and Ossining tying for third place.