Community

‘Officers Choice’ Garden of the Month award to begin in May

LOCK HAVEN -- The Dogwood Circle of the Lock Haven Garden Club announces their annual "Garden of the Month" for the summer of 2024. No particular theme will be looked for by the judges.

The club's current officers will be honored for the 30th year of the garden award -- President Bonnie Hannis, Vice President Judy Walker, Secretary Chryslynne Gray, Treasurer JoAnn Bowes, last remaining Charter Member Marion Hoffman and Program Booklet, Svitlana Budzhak-Jones.

Judging is done the last week of the month preceding the award month. Nominations should be in before this last week.

The award program recognizes area gardeners who live within a 10 mile radius of Lock Haven.

This year's garden categories include: commercial landscaping, pond gardens, porch and patio standouts, small eye-catching additions to the gardener's landscaping as well as the usual street front gardens. In order to be considered, any garden from these categories must be visible from the street or alleyway.

Each month, members will judge and select the winning garden from nominations received. The owners of the selected garden will be asked if they wish to accept the award before it is officially presented. Owners of the honored garden will receive a commemorative certificate, a photograph of the owners and garden will be featured in The Express and photographs of the garden will be posted on the club's website.

In addition, the "Garden of the Month" sign will be placed in the winning garden and remain on the property for a month, until the next garden is honored.

Factors considered in judging gardens are:

-- Seasonally appropriate

-- Street/curb appeal

-- Variety of plants used

--Use of color and texture

-- Overall design flow (height, form, harmony)

-- Integration of plantings with architectural features

-- Originality

Enhancing the community, promoting community spirit and making the public aware of the relationship between landscaping and property value have been the goals of the garden award program since its inception in 1994. The Dogwood Circle Garden Club is looking forward to another exciting and colorful season and the opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the pride and commitment of our local gardeners.

Nominations for the month of May are welcome and can be submitted by calling May's judge, Bonnie Hannis, at 570-660-4002.

For more information about the Dogwood Circle Garden Club, please visit www.lhgardenclub.com. New members are always welcome.