• Gardening offers numerous benefits, including physical and mental wellness, and community building. • The contest celebrates the pride residents take in making their neighborhoods more beautiful and vibrant.
**The Benefits of Gardening**
Gardening is an activity that not only brings joy and satisfaction to gardeners but also has numerous benefits for individuals and the community as a whole. • Physical health benefits: Gardening can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and increase flexibility. • Mental health benefits: Gardening has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve mood. • Social benefits: Gardening can bring people together, create a sense of community, and provide opportunities for social interaction. • Environmental benefits: Gardening can help reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, and promote sustainability.
**The 2025 Regional Home Garden Contest**
The annual Regional Home Garden Contest, titled “Grow for It,” is an exciting opportunity for residents to showcase their gardening skills, creativity, and community spirit. • The contest is open to all ages and skill levels, making it an inclusive and fun event for everyone. • The contest and tour, a collaboration between the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, Build a Better Boyertown, Mosaic Community Land Trust, and supported by generous sponsors, aims to enhance health, connect neighbors, and add beauty to the community.
**The Contest Categories**
The contest features eight categories, including:
- Small, General Garden
- Large, General Garden
- Pleasant Porch
- Outdoor Oasis
- Pocket Garden
- Curb Appeal
- Edible Garden
- Youth Gardener
These categories cater to different types of gardens, from small and intimate to large and elaborate, and provide opportunities for gardeners to showcase their unique styles and creativity.
**The Awards and Prizes**
The contest offers cash prizes for all entrants, with the top five places receiving up to $200. The youth gardener division also offers separate prizes for first place winners. • First place prize: $200
• Second place prize: $150
• Third place prize: $100
• Fourth place prize: $75
• Fifth place prize: $50
• Youth gardener first place: $100
• Youth gardener second place: $75
• Youth gardener third place: $50
• Youth gardener fourth place: $25
• Youth gardener fifth place: $10
**Important Dates**
The contest registration opens on April 25, closes on June 20 at 5 p.m., and the garden judging period takes place from July 11-25. • April 25: Contest registration opens
• June 20: Contest registration closes at 5 p.m. • July 11-25: Garden judging period
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