PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary Hines
(617) 635-4587
PARKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES 2010 GARDEN CONTEST
Two new categories added
Boston’s local gardeners have until July 16 to register for Mayor Menino’s 2010 Garden Contest presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and sponsors Comcast and the Boston Herald.
Launched 14 years ago as part of Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s citywide beautification initiative, the contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, and shrubs, and, in the process, beautified their own small piece of Boston.
Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to nominate their own or a neighbor’s garden, window box, or front, back, or side yard. Only gardens planted by amateur gardeners are eligible to take part in the contest. No professionally contracted work will be allowed to enter. Entrants must submit photographs of their garden with an official entry form. Judges will use the photos to narrow the entrants to five finalists per category. Site visits by contest judges will determine the winners.
First place winners in eleven categories will receive the coveted “Golden Trowel” award from Mayor Menino and prize packages from the Parks Department, Comcast, and other sponsors at an awards ceremony in late August. Two new categories have been created for this year’s contest: Storefront, Business, or Organization, which includes retail businesses as well as schools, churches, and other institutions; and Senior Gardener Garden for green thumbs 65 years and older.
For information on how to enter, gardeners may call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 961-3039 or download an application at www.cityofboston.gov/parks.
