Providence Veterinary Hospital Community Awards

PHS ANNOUNCES 2010 COMMUNITY GREENING AWARD WINNERS

Philadelphia, PA (October 2010) The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, producer of the Philadelphia International Flower Show and the renowned urban greening program Philadelphia Green, will pay tribute to community greening champions across the state this fall.

The Community Greening Award recognizes businesses, municipalities, civic associations, community groups, garden clubs and individuals across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware who have created and maintained public green spaces that enhance their communities. Drawing 84 nominations this year, the program will honor 61 recipients at award ceremonies Oct. 10 in Pittsburgh and Nov. 7 in Philadelphia.

"Studies show quality green spaces enhance the health, beauty and economic vitality of an area," said Drew Becher, President of PHS. "This award represents a mark of excellence. We congratulate all of the Community Greening Award participants for the impact they have made in their communities."

Spaces were judged on a host of criteria, including variety of plant material, maintenance, design, visual appeal and use of space. Though these landscapes were not competing against each other, it was the task of the committee to determine which plantings deserved PHS recognition. Each group will receive a framed certificate along with a sign to display in the garden.

Some of this year’s honorees included Philadelphia’s Germantown Friends School, which showed great sustainable practices and maintains two green roofs, Johnstown, Pa.’s Kernville Community Garden, which brought neighbors together, Venetia, Pa.’s historic Enoch Wright House, Gettysburg Pa.’s Lincoln Square, outfitted with hanging baskets and beautiful plantings, Boyertown, Pa.’s Sandy Neiman Cancer Center, Lewes Del.’s Gateway Garden, and several gorgeous traffic islands across Pennsylvania.

For a full list of winners, please visit the PHS website at PHSonline.com.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, PHS is a non-profit organization with more than 17,000 members spanning 48 states. PHS is the producer of the world-class Philadelphia International Flower Show, which will celebrate "Springtime in Paris" March 6-13, 2011. Philadelphia Green works in partnership with agencies, corporations and community groups to transform derelict vacant land, streets and parks into vibrant, stabilized and well-managed open spaces. These efforts contribute to the quality of life throughout Philadelphia, serve as economic stimulus for communities, and provide a model for similar efforts nationwide.