Just forget about if your Hatfield Township or Borough neighbor thinks they have a better garden or porch or front yard than you – compete over it.
The township and borough are holding a joint “Gotta Grow! Garden Contest,” with entry deadline this Friday via email to [email protected].
The idea, according to Hatfield Township Community Relations Coordinator Jay Gordon came from a similar contest in the Pottstown area.
"The group that runs that contest asked us to change the name, but blessed us to use their model. The categories/descriptions are almost identical to theirs. We want this contest to foster community pride and ownership and allow us to shine a light on the talents and efforts of residents in both Hatfield Township and Hatfield Borough," Gordon said.
Here are the details:
Residents of either municipality can visit hatfield.org/gardencontest to enter online. There are entry forms available at the respective township and borough offices.
Each entry must have between one to five photos.
Email everything to [email protected] or drop off entries in-person at your respective municipal office.
Municipal staff has offered to take photographs for residents with no access to a camera.
There are five categories to choose from, as follows:
General Garden: If your entire garden says it all and includes a little bit of everything – flowers, shade plants, shrubs, landscaping, ornamentals, even vegetables – this category is for you.
Curb Appeal: Your home’s first impression can be changed dramatically by the addition of good landscaping and lighting design. What makes people do a double-take when they drive by? Planters, fountains, walkways, or window boxes … show your home’s pretty face
Outdoor Oasis: Your home is your sanctuary, and the beauty of the outdoor space reflects that. This category is for those who have created an especially inviting spot to relax and enjoy their outdoor surroundings.
Edible Garden: Enjoy the fruits and vegetables of your labor. Grow a garden that blossoms with fresh produce.
Pleasant Porch: Your residence’s entrance is the gateway to your home. An enticing and welcoming porch makes an impact on our community. Whether it’s one plant or 20, this category is for those who make their entranceway a vibrant space.
"Our plan to is to add categories as we grow. For example, next year we plan to add a category for gardens that are tended by younger gardeners," said Gordon.
Winners will receive a yard sign announcing they won a prize in the contest.
"We have a good foundation we can build on for future years, and our plan is to have sponsors involved in the future so that we can offer cash prizes for winners. We also foresee an event at the end of the contest to celebrate not just the winners, but all of the residents who enter the contest," Gordon said. "We have seen some amazing entries right out of the gate this year, and we want to recognize the hard work of our residents. We want the garden contest to be a source of pride for all of our residents."
The judges for the contest will be the township’s Advisory Panel, described as a “who’s who” of the Hatfield garden scene: Eleanor Ruch Zell, George Didden Greenhouses; Dor Ruch, Hatfield Plant Lady; Kimberli Flanders, Landscape Architect/LEED Green Associate, CKS Engineers; Mary Anne Girard, Mayor of Hatfield Borough; Jaime Snyder, Hatfield Borough Manager; Lindsay Hellmann, Hatfield Borough Public Information Coordinator; Tom Zipfel, President, Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners; Joan DiMaria, Hatfield Township Shade Tree Commission; and Andrew Irick, Hatfield Township Public Works Plant & Tree Specialist.
