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PHS ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY GREENING AWARD WINNERS
Click HERE for a full list of winners
Philadelphia, PA (Fall 2008) The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, producer of the Philadelphia Flower Show and renowned urban greening program Philadelphia Green, will pay tribute to community greening champions across the state and region 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 101 entries this year from as far west as Sharon, Pa., and with entries also coming from New Jersey and Delaware, the program will honor 76 recipients at separate award ceremonies.
“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.”
Judges visited the sites over the summer and winners were notified in late August.
Representatives from public sites will be honored at separate awards receptions on Sept. 28 in Pittsburgh, Oct. 12 in State College and Nov. 2 in Philadelphia.
For a full list of winners, please visit PHS’ press room at www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/aboutus/pressreleases.htm
Since 1975, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has invited Philadelphia gardeners to participate in a friendly competition to show off their creative urban gardens.
In 2006, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society partnered with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to reach beyond the boundaries of the city and suburbs to invite participants across Pennsylvania.
This year’s nominations included train stations, public parks, Main Street planters, church gardens, and landscapes around municipal buildings and museums. Though these landscapes were not competing against each other, it was the task of the committee to determine which plantings deserved PHS recognition.
Spaces were judged on a host of criteria, including variety of plant material, maintenance, design, visual appeal, and use of space. Each group will receive a framed certificate along with a sign to display in the garden.
Headquartered in Philadelphia, PHS is a non-profit membership organization with more than 13,000 members spanning 48 states. PHS is the producer of the world-class Philadelphia Flower Show, which will celebrate “Bella Italia” March 1-8, 2009. 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.
If you know of a planting in the region that should be recognized, or to learn more, please contact Flossie Narducci at 215-988-8897 or specialevents@pennhort.org.
For press information, information on the award winners, and photos, contact:
ALAN JAFFE, email or call 215-988-8833
LAURA BEITMAN, email or
call 215-988-8836 |
