‘Garden of the Month’ awards to begin in May

LOCK HAVEN – The annual “Garden of the Month” award program, sponsored by the Dogwood Circle Garden Club of Lock Haven and The Express, will present its first award in May. This year is the 19th consecutive year for this popular community event.

The program recognizes area gardeners who live within a 10-mile radius of Lock Haven. This year’s garden categories include: commercial landscaping, pond gardens, porch and patio standouts, small eye-catching additions to the gardener’s landscaping as well as the usual street-front gardens. In order to be considered, any garden from these categories must be visible from street or alleyway.

Each month two different club members will judge and select the winning garden from nominations received. The owners of the selected garden will be asked if they wish to accept the award before it is presented. Owners of the honored garden will receive a commemorative certificate, a photograph of the owner and garden will be featured in The Express and photographs of the garden will be posted on the club’s website. In addition, the “Garden of the Month” sign will be placed in the winning garden and remain on the property for a month, until the next garden is honored.

Factors considered in judging gardens are: seasonally appropriate; street/curb appeal; variety of plants used; use of color and texture; overall design flow (height, form, harmony); integration of plantings with architectural features; and originality.

Enhancing the community, promoting community spirit and making the public aware of the relationship between landscaping and property value have been goals of the garden award program since its inception in 1994. The Dogwood Circle Garden Club is looking forward to another exciting and colorful season and the opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the pride and commitment of local gardeners.

Nominations for the month of May are welcome and can be submitted by calling May’s judges at 748-7334 or 748-8379.

For more information on the Dogwood Circle Garden Club, visit www.lhgardenclub.com.