Good Growing Gardens and the McKean County Adult Probation Program in Smethport has been awarded a Blue Ribbon in the Urban Farm category out of more than 300 gardens in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey that were entered in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Gardening and Greening Contest.
The participants were among a diverse group of gardeners ranging from the 3G Program and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd’s Shepherd Garden in Wilmington, DE.
“This is really a big honor for our 3G Program and we’re very proud of the Blue Ribbon,” said Mike Barnard, on-site coordinator and community service coordinator for the Adult Probation Department in a brief telephone interview with The Era. “It is really a team effort with support from Judge John Pavlock and the Adult Probation Department and the workers.”
The entries included colorful flower gardens, bountiful vegetable and community gardens, combination, school and container gardens, urban farms, garden blocks and public spaces, such as parks and community centers.
“The Gardening and Greening Contest brings together such a diverse, talented collection of individuals and community groups who are passionate about enhancing our world through horticulture,” said Matt Rader, PHS president. “We are so proud of these gardeners’ accomplishments and hope their participation will inspire their neighbors and fellow community members to start gardening and enter next year’s contest, one of the many ways PHS engages people with horticulture and the joys of gardening.”
A reception will be held for this year’s winners at PHS headquarters, 100 North 20th Street, Philadelphia from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.
More than 63 panels of judges visited 313 gardens throughout the tri-state area to view the beautiful, well-designed spaces filled with a variety of color and texture. Gardens were judged on maintenance and horticultural practices, as well as the variety, color and suitability of plantings. Judges also considered the design and total visual effect of the gardens and awarded extra points for imaginative ideas and creativity.
“The judges didn’t travel here to evaluate our gardens,” Barnard said. “When they realized where we’re located, they said, ‘That’s too far for us to travel,'” Barnard said. “Instead, they requested photos and a video, which we submitted.”
The Good Growing Garden Program was initiated in 2011. The program’s three main objectives are to provide a sentencing alternative to the court, further the rehabilitative needs of the participants and reduce costs to the county.
Two years later, 3G began showing significant progress and returns in the 3G Barn and garden along Route 6 west of Smethport, according to Barnard. “What was once a field of dandelions and grass is now a vibrant garden producing Swiss chard, tomatoes, lettuce, garlic, green peas and a variety of other fruits and vegetables.”
The 3G Barn, once in disrepair and unsafe, has been refurbished and houses a classroom and several workstations.
Other 3G projects can be found at the Bradford 219 Garden and at the McKean County Fairgrounds.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural society is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 1827, whose programs connect people to horticulture and collaboratively creates beautiful, health and sustainable communities.
PHSs best-known activities include the Philadelphia Flower show, street tree planting and maintenance, community gardening, public beautification and the PHS Pop Up Gardens.
PHs is supported by individual members and supporters, foundations, partners and government grants. Its programs bring together people from diverse backgrounds to engage in horticultural projects that advance social equity, environmental sustainability and urban livability.
