PHS Announces 2009 Community Greening Award Winners

Philadelphia, PA (October 2009) The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, producer of the Philadelphia International Flower Show and renowned urban greening program Philadelphia Green, will pay tribute to community greening champions across the state this fall.
           
The Community Greening Award, a collaboration of PHS and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, recognizes individuals, garden clubs, civic associations, businesses, municipalities and community groups who have created and maintained public green spaces that enhance their communities. Drawing 84 entries this year from as far west as Erie, Pa., and with entries also coming from New Jersey and Delaware, the program will honor 66 recipients at award ceremonies Nov. 1 in Pittsburgh and Nov. 8 in Philadelphia.

“We would like to congratulate all of the Community Greening Award participants for the impact they have made in their communities,” said Blaine Bonham, executive vice president of PHS.  “Studies show quality green spaces enhance the health, beauty and economic vitality of an area and often serve as meeting places. This award represents a mark of excellence.”

Several entries this year included innovative ways to capture storm water runoff such as rain gardens. Nominations included train stations, public parks, Main Street planters, church gardens, and landscapes around municipal buildings and museums. Spaces were judged on a host of criteria, including variety of plant material, maintenance, design, visual appeal, and use of space. Though these landscapes were not competing against each other, it was the task of the committee to determine which plantings deserved PHS recognition. Each group will receive a framed certificate along with a sign to display in the garden.

For a full list of winners, please visit the PHS website at PHSonline.org.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, PHS is a non-profit membership organization with more than 16,000 members spanning 48 states. PHS is the producer of the world-class Philadelphia International Flower Show, which will celebrate “Passport to the World” Feb. 28- March 7, 2010. Philadelphia Green works in partnership with agencies, corporations and community groups to transform derelict vacant land, streets and parks into vibrant, stabilized and well-managed open spaces. These efforts contribute to the quality of life throughout Philadelphia, serve as economic stimulus for communities, and provide a model for similar efforts nationwide.

 

For more information Contact:
Alan Jaffe at 215-988-8833
Laura Hoover at 215-988-8836