The PA Horticultural Society has chosen the Blue Ribbon and Gardens of Distinction winners of the “2016 PHS Gardening and Greening Contest.”

Gardeners in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties have long been celebrated by PHS.  The “PHS Gardening and Greening Contest” recognizes individuals as well as groups for their contributions to their communities.

“PHS congratulates this year’s Gardening and Greening Contest participants. This competition is one of the most exciting ways we fulfill our mission to connect people with horticulture and engage them in gardening,” said Matt Rader, PHS President.

A reception for this year’s winners will be held at PHS headquarters on November 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Fifty panels of judges visited 300 gardens throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware in search of well-designed, well-maintained, inspiring gardens. Entries were judged on design and total visual effect, with extra points awarded for creativity and sustainable practices.

Gardens were also judged on maintenance and horticultural practices, as well as the variety, color, and suitability of plantings.

Entries included home gardeners with in-ground or container gardens, community gardeners with vegetable and flower gardens, urban farms, rooftop gardens, environmental initiatives, garden blocks, public-space plantings, children’s gardens and parks. Businesses who beautified their properties, as well as municipalities that initiated environmental projects such as stormwater management, also entered.

The ten contest categories included: Children’s Garden; Combination Garden; Container Garden; Environmental Initiatives; Flower Garden; Garden Block; Public Space: Plantings/Parks; Rooftop Garden; Urban Farm; and Vegetable Garden.

All winners will receive a garden sign and two tickets to the 2017 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, “Holland: Flowering the World,” March 11 to 19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

A full list of the winners is available online.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Horticultural Society website, Like PHS on Facebook, Join PHS on Instagram and Follow on Twitter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PHS.

(Photo: Atlas Street Garden, Harrisburg.  2015 Winner Of PHS Gardening & Greening Contest.  PennLive.com.)

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