POTTSTOWN PA – Veteran gardeners, as well as first-timers plotting initial plantings for 2024, all are being welcomed to compete in this year’s “Regional Home Garden Contest.”
The home garden contest is sponsored by the Mosaic Community Land Trust, Building A Better Boyertown, and the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation. Its scope has been expanded this year to encompass not only Pottstown and Boyertown boroughs, but also the neighboring townships of Colebrookdale, Douglass (Montgomery), Douglass (Berks), New Hanover, Upper Pottsgrove, Lower Pottsgrove, West Pottsgrove, North Coventry, and East Coventry.
Registration for the contest won’t open until April 26. But as many gardeners know, it takes plenty of planning, potting, and ground preparation for many gardens to reach their peak potential. Mark a calendar with the entry date, the Health & Wellness Foundation suggested in its recently published Community Benefit Report, and start considering a garden layout.
The contest website offers abundant help to current and new gardeners on a series of gardening resources pages. They include photos, videos, and written content about planning, building, and designing a garden; container gardening, garden management, organic gardening, and other assistance. It also includes examples of past contest entries.
Choose one of seven categories
The home garden contest allows competitors to excel in any one of seven different categories, and cash prizes will be presented to five finalists in each. Prospective contestants will be asked to abide by qualifying rules. The categories are:
- General Garden. “If your entire garden says it all, and includes a little bit of everything – flowers, shade plants, shrubs, landscaping, ornamental plants, and even vegetables – this category is for you.” It’s reportedly the most competitive category in the contest.
- Outdoor Oasis. A home is a personal sanctuary, “and the beauty of the outdoor space around it reflects that. This category is for those who have created a special inviting spot to relax and enjoy their outdoor surroundings.”
- Pleasant Porch. A residence’s entrance is the gateway to any home. “An enticing and welcoming porch makes an impact on our community. Whether it’s one plant or 20, this category is for those who make their entranceway a vibrant space.”
- Pocket Garden. “Making the most of minimal space, pocket gardens can be in the ground, in raised beds, pots, or surprising containers such as a wagon or pair of old boots. All you need is a “pocket” of space and healthy plants of any type.”
- Curb Appeal. A home’s first impression can be drastically changed by the addition of a newly painted front door, good lighting design, and, of course, landscaping. “What makes people do a double take when they drive by? Planters, fountains, walkways, or window boxes …” show off a home’s pretty face!
- Edible Garden. “Enjoy the fruits and vegetables of your labor! Grow a garden that blossoms with fresh produce! Your garden may feature any combination of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers including begonias, day lilies” and others.
- Youth Gardener. Gardeners age 18 and younger (who must be the primary gardener) can get their hands dirty “and grow a garden that beautifies your home, produces food, or attracts beneficial bugs.” Garden choices can include “a fairy garden, container garden, in raised beds, or in the ground. Have fun, and be creative … the sky’s the limit!”
For more information about the “Regional Home Garden Contest” use the form on its contact webpage, or call foundation representative Rose Walters at 610-323-2006, or send her an e-mail at rosewalters@pottstownfoundation.org.
Photos in collaboration with Diana Light on Unsplash+, used by Travels With The Post under license
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