Four outstanding community gardens from across the United States have been chosen to receive 2012 Nature Hills Nursery Green America Awards. The winning gardens were determined by votes on Nature Hills Nursery’s Facebook page.
Winners of the contest were determined by Facebook votes after contest administrators chose a slate of eight finalists. The finalists paired off in weekly voting contests, with the winner advancing to the next round. All winners are nonprofit gardening projects that make a difference in their communities.
Ojai Valley of the Moon Community Garden in California won first prize and $2,000 in plants from the nursery. This thriving community garden grows food for local families and seniors, and it also serves as a training garden for Ventura County Master Gardeners.
Selected by Facebook voters for the second place award of $1,250 in plants was Taylor Elementary Literacy Garden in Tennessee. This new elementary school garden will include plants that attract beneficial insects, rain barrels for collecting rainwater, and vegetables and herbs that can be harvested in both spring and fall.
Burrows Pilot Park in San Francisco won third place and $750 in plants. The plants from Nature Hills Nursery will help establish a new garden designed to deter dumping, graffiti and other illegal activities in the heart of the Portola neighborhood.
Senior Butterfly Gardens in Colorado took fourth place and $500 in plants. Butterfly Pavilion staff and volunteers will create new gardens at three senior care facilities, filled with perennials from Nature Hills that will attract butterflies and enable seniors to spend time with nature
"We are proud to support these local efforts to create and expand gardens that foster education, beautification and food independence in urban environments," said Jeffrey Dinslage, president of Nature Hills Nursery in a release. “This year’s crop of Nature Hills Nursery Green America Awards winners proves once again that gardening and horticultural stewardship makes the world a better place."