You can join Penn State Extension’s 35th Annual Garden Contest
The 35th annual Delaware County Garden Contest, sponsored by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Delaware County, will be held this spring and summer. The contest is open to all levels of county gardeners, from beginner to advanced.
Entrants can show off their gardens and receive helpful feedback on good gardening practices. Points are awarded for pleasing design, plants that attract insects and birds, and garden practices specific to each category. The contest’s intent is to recognize gardeners’ efforts and to promote good gardening.
Gardens of all sorts may be entered including:
* Ornamental gardens may include flower beds, formal or cottage designs, cutting gardens or container gardens.
* Vegetable gardens include edible plants grown in pots, raised beds or larger plots.
* Community gardens are those that are grown by a group. These may include schools, churches, community centers, libraries or park gardens.
* Youth gardens are encouraged to enter for the teaching of good practices, whether the gardens are grown by a group or an individual.
Master Gardeners will not only judge the gardens but also answer gardeners’ questions. Winners will be recognized at the Penn State Master Gardeners’ Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 26. There are three judging dates:
May 1: For judging ornamental gardens with spring-blooming flowers such as azaleas, bulbs and peonies. The deadline to enter is April 27.
June 26: For gardens full of annual flowers and early summer flowering shrubs and trees. The deadline to enter is June 22.
Aug. 7: For vegetable and community gardens throughout the county. Last year, the contest had many community gardens entering for the first time, mostly from churches, schools, and senior communities. The deadline to enter is Aug. 3.
Anyone interested in entering the garden contest, can go to https://pennstate.qualtrics.com /jfe/form/SV_es7cBQgX89dM43s. For specific questions, email Holly Thorpe at hat5041@psu.edu.
PHOTO/Clearinghouse
