Judges Recognize Newark’s Greenest Thumbs in City Gardens Contest

For the past 23 years, hundreds of urban gardeners and farmers from every part of Newark have competed for the distinction and bragging rights that come with being named a winner in Greater Newark Conservancy’s annual City Gardens Contest. But without the time and commitment of volunteer contest judges, there would be no competition and no awards ceremony to celebrate their efforts.

“Like many of the programs the Conservancy offers, volunteers are critically important to the contest’s success,” noted Robin Dougherty, the Conservancy’s Executive Director. “From assistance in clearing city lots to start new urban farms, to construction projects at our urban environmental center on Prince Street, to judging gardens citywide in a multitude of categories, we really appreciate their contributions.”

Sonja Dabney of Newark served as a judge in 2012 and returned to be a part of the contest again this year. A passionate gardener herself, she got involved as a judge to learn from the ideas and successes achieved by other urban gardeners. “I want to transform my garden so that something is always in bloom, with plantings of different colors, heights and more,” she concluded.

Dabney joined other judges who visited gardens at private homes and in community settings throughout the City during the second round of judging this summer. Each judge had to evaluate every garden on a long list of attributes ranging from general design and neatness to use of different plants and even the incorporation of recycled items as artistic elements. Judges award points in each category, a painstaking process that ensures all of the entrants are reviewed and rewarded based on the same criteria.

Justin Allen, the Conservancy’s Director of Community Greening, coordinated the judging and tips his hat to the dedication of the judges and the City’s community gardeners. “This year, many different people from Newark and beyond participated in the City Garden Contest including schoolchildren, teenagers, corporate employees, community residents and seniors,” Allen pointed out. “The contest is rewarding for everyone involved, and benefits the greater Newark area by promoting the connection between people and their environment which contributes to greener and healthier communities.”

Gary Campbell is hoping recognition in the City Gardens contest will pay off for the community garden on Sussex Avenue in Newark’s Central Ward that has become a major focus in bringing his neighborhood together. He believes urban gardening can help transform communities and peoples’ lives. A leader at the community garden, Campbell entered the contest in the hope that a win would inspire more people to get involved.

“To create and maintain a successful garden, particularly in a challenging environment like Newark, requires people to be connected,” Campbell stated. “People in urban communities are often disengaged from the food production process, so it is important for them to be a part of the day-to-day effort from planting to weeding, watering and harvesting to understand and be a part of a more sustainable way of life.”

The culmination of the City Gardens Contest is a much-anticipated awards ceremony that will be held this year at the NJIT Campus Center on October 17th. It’s a special night of awards presented to winners in categories including Best Home Garden, Best Children’s Garden, Best Organic Garden, Best Community Garden and Best Block in Newark.

In addition to celebrating their achievements as Newark’s top community gardeners with commemorative certificates, contest participants share numerous prizes donated by businesses, individuals and organizations that support the Conservancy including beautiful gift baskets, plants from local nurseries, and gift certificates from local businesses and restaurants. Attendees also enjoy great food and refreshments donated by some of Newark’s finest restaurants and specialty food providers.

For more information about the contest and awards ceremony, as well as other Conservancy programs, services and volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, call 973.642.4646 or visit www.CityBloom.org. You can also follow the Conservancy on Facebook.