When the ground becomes workable and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to start dusting off those garden and lawn tools and get ready to make some beautiful additions to your property. Gardening offers many benefits, from promoting physical and mental wellness to fostering a stronger sense of community. This is why the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, Build a Better Boyertown, Mosaic Community Land Trust, and other supporting organizations have come together to create the annual Regional Home Garden Contest, “Grow for It.”
The contest, open to all ages and skill levels, celebrates the pride that residents take in making their neighborhoods more beautiful and vibrant. The contest and tour, a self-guided tour open to the public, showcases some of the area’s most stunning private gardens from the 2024 Gardens Contest. The tour is a fantastic opportunity to see the creativity and beauty of the community’s gardens and gain inspiration for your own. The contest has several categories to choose from, including:
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- Small, General Garden
- Large, General Garden
- Pleasant Porch
- Outdoor Oasis
- Pocket Garden
- Curb Appeal
- Edible Garden
- Youth Gardener
These categories cater to all types of gardeners, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out. The contest encourages residents to showcase their unique style and creativity in their gardens. Gardening is not just about aesthetics; it also has a significant impact on our physical and mental health. Being outdoors and surrounded by nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. By participating in the contest, residents can not only showcase their garden but also promote their health and happiness. The contest is open to residents of the boroughs of Pottstown and Boyertown, and the townships of Douglass (Montgomery and Berks counties), New Hanover, Upper Pottsgrove, Lower Pottsgrove, West Pottsgrove, North Coventry, East Coventry, and Colebrookdale. Residents can register for the contest at no cost and can find more information on the contest website.
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Small, General Garden | $50 |
| Large, General Garden | $100 |
| Pleasant Porch | $75 |
| Outdoor Oasis | $150 |
| Pocket Garden | $25 |
| Curb Appeal | $50 |
| Edible Garden | $200 |
| Youth Gardener | $10 |
The contest is also open to youth gardeners aged 18 and under, with prizes awarded in the youth category. First place winners in the youth division will receive $100, while second place winners will receive $75, and so on. “Gardening offers so many benefits — from promoting physical and mental wellness to building a stronger sense of community,” said organizers of the annual contest. “This contest celebrates the pride residents take in making their neighborhoods more beautiful and vibrant.”
The contest and tour is a collaboration between the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, Build a Better Boyertown, Mosaic Community Land Trust, and supported by generous sponsors, including Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (Gold Leaf Sponsor), Jermacans Style (Silver Leaf Sponsor), and Trellis for Tomorrow (Green Leaf Sponsor).
“Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature and with your community. We hope that this contest will inspire residents to get outside and make a difference in their neighborhoods,” said Sam Mariachi, Marketing Communications Specialist for the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation.
The Regional Home Garden Tour is a self-guided tour open to the public, showcasing some of the area’s most beautiful private gardens from the 2024 Gardens Contest. The tour will take place on July 12th, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. The contest and tour will also include an awards luncheon for contest winners and participants, taking place on September 21st. This event will celebrate the community’s hard work and creativity in gardening. Registration is free and open to gardeners of all ages and skill levels, so there’s no reason to hold yourself back from participating. Sign up at tinyurl.com/RHGC-Register. In conclusion, the Regional Home Garden Contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase their gardening skills, connect with their community, and promote their health and happiness. By participating in the contest, residents can make a positive impact on their neighborhoods and gain inspiration for their own gardens. So why not get started today? Dust off your gardening tools and join the fun!
