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Garden Contest emphasizes growing endeavors

Jim Jecmen, 1768 Brookside Blvd., built the pond guardian out of old tractor parts. His yard was named the August 2008 Yard of the Month.

By Michelle Brooks
mbrooks@newstribune.com

Published: Sunday, April 26, 2009 10:59 AM CDT

Yards and gardens do not have to be perfect to be considered for the Capitol Area Garden Contest, nor do lawns have to be weed-free. And vegetable gardens are welcome.

However, the judging criteria includes an entire lot, not just the front or back spaces, said contest coordinator Gail Cummins.

“A well-landscaped garden or yard makes the setting of their house more beautiful,” said Cummins.

Neither the front or the backyard has to be “grand - just well-groomed,” she said.

And although lawns are expected to be mowed to a proper height and edged, “to be totally weed-free is not a prerequisite,” Cummins said.

The judges will be eager to see well-kept vegetable gardens this season, as edible gardening has seen an increase in interest in the last year, she said. A vegetable garden doesn't have to be a certain size or in rows, however it should be mulched to keep weeds from hindering growth.

“We're thrilled when we find someone with a fine-looking vegetable garden,” Cummins said.

More than 25 applications were received last year for the six-month contest season. Organizers hope more garden owners or their friends and neighbors, will submit applications this year.

Applications are available at area nurseries.

The first winner will be announced in May for a spring garden. June and July winners will be selected for summer gardens.

The August winner will feature a water garden. And fall gardens will be selected for September and October winners.

The Central Missouri Master Gardeners and the Bittersweet Garden Club, which host the contest, will display a sign in the winner's yard. Cummins said she hopes that recognition will be an incentive for neighbors who haven't thought about dressing up their yard.

“We want all of our neighborhoods to look very nice,” Cummins said.

The contest, also known as Yard of the Month, is hosted by the Central Missouri Master Gardeners and the Bittersweet Garden Club, and uses the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri guidelines for evaluating gardens at www.gardenclubsofMissouri.org.

Other instructions include:

* The garden must be within three miles of the city limits.

* Gardens should be maintained by the owner.

* Elements such as retaining walls, ponds or structures will not disqualify the applicant.

* Applicants may apply for one or more categories, but are eligible for only one award in 2009.

* An evaluation tour will be arranged.

* Winners must be willing to let the public view the garden.

* A sign will be displayed in the winner's yard.

Applications, including name, phone number and address should be mailed to Capitol Area Garden Committee, 121 Summerhill Dr., Jefferson City, Mo., 65109.


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Garden Contest emphasizes growing endeavors

By Michelle Brooksmbrooks@newstribune.com

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By Michelle Brooks
mbrooks@newstribune.com