CONTEST CORNER/\ (NAPSA)—Can beautiful gardens help communities grow? A growing numberof people say “yes.” Community garden programs have helped bring friends and neighbors together for a common cause, classroom gardens can help a student’s interests in science bloom and volunteers can help makelocal streets beautiful. Based on the belief that gardens help create healthy communities, The Scotts Company kicked off its third annual Scotts Give Back to Grow Awards. The program salutes individuals who take pride in giving back to their communities through gardening. The national awards program provides support for—and promotes participation in—gardening that grows community pride, adds beauty to the world and helps maintain a healthy environment. The contest awards prizes in four distinct categories: “Classroom Gardener of the Year” (honoring teachers), “Urban Greenup Gardenerof the Year” (addressing inner-city needs), “Community Beautification Gardener of the Year” (promoting environmental stewardship), and “Good Neighbor Gardener of the Year” (honoring Plant A Row for the Hungry participants). Anyone may nominate a gardener who has done outstanding work in these categories. First place winnersin each categorywill receive $5,000 and twofinalists in each category will receive $2,500. vA iY: i The Scotts Give Back to Grow Awards honor people who have improved their communities through gardening. “The competition honors local heroes who have reached out to their communities through gardening,” says Jim Hagedorn, president and CEO of The Scotts Company. “The awards give them a national platform to share their success stories about how gardens can make communities better, safer places to live.” Nominations will be accepted through December 6, 2002. Nomination forms are available at www.scotts.com or by calling 1-800551-5971 and asking for a Scotts Give Back to Grow representative.
