SURROUNDINGS CO-OWNER DIES
LINCOLN PARK NEWSLETTER -- Charles Hudman was on vacation in Costa Rica when he died of an apparent heart attack. Services are pending.
SURROUNDINGS CO-OWNER CHAMPIONED IN LINCOLN PARK
Charles Hudman co-founded Surroundings Landscaping & Florist
Charles Hudman RIP
Charles Hudman, a familiar figure in the Lincoln Park neighborhood for 17 years, died on Friday while traveling in Costa Rica, according to friends and family.
“Such a bright light has left this earthly life,” Hudman’s niece wrote on Facebook. “Words can’t even begin to express the loss I am feeling today. My heart hurts so much and there is a huge void now.”
Charles Hudman, his partner John Kuykendall, and Francisco Sorto started Surroundings, a florist and garden market and landscaping company, in 2006 near Union Station.
In 2008 Surroundings moved to its current location in DC on the west side of Lincoln Park and, in 2023, the company opened a second location on Cobb Island, Maryland.
Two years ago, Hudman announced the sale of his property at the corner of East Capitol and 11th Street SE to Attila Suzer and Lisa Friedman, co-owners of Wine & Butter.
The owners of the two businesses reached an agreement meant to allow both of these very popular businesses to continue operating from their location, reported Rindy O’Brien at the time.
It is unclear what will happen to the business, but before the trip to Costa Rica, Charles had placed his usual large order of flowers for Valentine’s Day. It was a favorite holiday. In 2019, he told the Hill Rag, “I would choose Dutch flowers over the traditional roses if you don’t know exactly what your special someone would like.”
“I will miss our deep chats, stupid funny video sharing, our deep shared love of NoLa, him letting me know how proud he was all the time, always checking on my kids & husband (who he loved so much) & most of all: the best hugs,” his niece wrote on Facebook.
“My heart hurts for his beloved, my sweet Uncle John. 30+ fabulous years together. The great love of their lives.”
“We want to make your outdoor space as inviting and beautiful as your indoor space,” the website says. “You can think of it as a way to surround yourself in beauty.”
Charles’ experience in gardening artistry and landscaping began over 45 years ago John is an attorney with a business degree and over 30 years of legal and consulting expertise.
The store was the focus of a neighborhood controversy when Surroundings unilaterally took over public property adjacent to its building. The D.C. Department of Transportation objected but neighbors rallied to Surroundings to allow the owners to use city right-of-way for their businesses, and politicians made an exception. It is now seating for Wine and Butter.
Franklin N. Stein
TREE COLLECTION ONGOING
The Department of Public Works' (DPW) annual Christmas tree and holiday greenery collection will begin on Thursday, January 2, 2025 and run through Friday, February 28.
Residents should place their trees and greenery curbside, either in front of their home or in the tree box, for collection. Trees and greenery collected between January 2 and February 28 will be turned into mulch for distribution to residents throughout 2025.
For more information on Holiday Reduce & Reuse Tips, please visit the Zero Waste DC website.
Here’s the urn map
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1VAZgfCet1HjsOZBS8_WRa9vYzJILYqlRLcaXCnOL7Lw/edit?usp=sharing
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Through consultation with NPS, PLANTS volunteers will purchase and install plants, which will also include aromatics.
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