Pride Of New Haven, Yard Of The Month Contest Begins May 1

Earlier this year I heard rumors the New Haven City Council (NHCC) was considering a Yard of the Month contest. In March I got a call from Kathy Trentmann, City Administrator, confirming these rumors. Mark Wehner, NHCC member, was the force behind this idea. Before moving to New Haven, he lived in Ferguson where such a program greatly impressed him and the community pride it generated. The NHCC suggested a partnership with the New Haven Garden Club (NHGC) to investigate possibilities locally. I agreed to broach the subject with NHGC members at a meeting planned for late March. I contacted Sally Bocklage who I know through the Franklin County Master Gardeners. She is a leader in the beautification and the America In Bloom projects in Washington. She attended our meeting and generously shared her experience. Our members were enthusiastic about the project and voted unanimously to partner with the NHCC. The NHCG appointed an ad hoc committee, Carol Bell, Kate Haynes, Carol Martin and I, to coordinate with the NHCC. Jointly we decided to call it our project Pride of New Haven, Yard of the Month Contest and to roll it out May 1.

• The contest is open to residents living within the corporate limits of New Haven.

• The contest will run from May 1 through Sept 30.

• Applications can be picked up at Seitter’s Market or the Scenic Regional Library Branch.

• Contest entrants are only required to complete one application per season.

• Completed applications can be e-mailed to city hall; hard copy applications may be mailed or deposited in the drop box on the west side of the city hall building.

• The judging will be competed between the first and tenth of each month.

For complete information please refer to the application form.

Following the judging each month, a decorative sign, designed by Jim Eads, a local signage artist, will be placed in the winning yard. We know we have many imaginative and avid gardeners in our community. This is an opportunity for them to express their creativity and talent and be recognized for their efforts.

We appreciate the local Scenic Regional Library branch for featuring the NHGC in its display case in the entrance from May 1 through May 15. Please visit the display and learn more about the NHGC, its history and its projects. This would also be an ideal time to complete a membership in the library if you are not a member or if you are a member check out a few books.

If you are interested in joining the NHGC please contact Rosalie M Laune at coolchic@fidnet com or call 573-237-2564 for more information. New members are always welcome.