The deadline to vie for the coveted Greenest Block in Brooklyn title is fast approaching. June 1 marks the last day that residents and businesses who want to use the contest as a way to build greener communities can submit applications to enter the annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest.
The contest is a program of GreenBridge, the community environmental horticulture program of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, in cooperation with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and sponsored by Independence Community Foundation. Hundreds of the borough’s blocks have organized and already entered the lively competition, which encourages Brooklynites to beautify their blocks, build community, and make Brooklyn green. GreenBridge’s community outreach program is designed to share the knowledge and resources of Brooklyn Botanic Garden with the neighborhoods of the borough.
For the first time, block and merchant associations can enter the Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest online at www.bbg.org⁄edu⁄greenbridge⁄greenestblock. GreenBridge encourages Brooklyn residents and businesses to take advantage of its new tip sheet, “Grandma’s Recession−Proof Gardening Tips,” which will be sent to all contest entrants along with a laminated poster announcing the block’s participation. The tip sheet offers sage advice and practical ideas to keep gardens thriving during tough economic times, using the frugal planting wisdom of earlier generations and renewing it with today’s sustainable gardening practices.
Contest Information
Blocks will be judged on a variety of criteria, including color and total visual effect, citizen participation, variety and suitability of plants, soil condition, use of mulch, street tree and tree bed care, and other horticultural practices. Judging begins June 8 and continues through much of July; winners will be announced in August. Every block that enters is visited in the first round. All entrants receive a recognition certificate and free gift bags of fall bulbs at the recognition ceremony.
Entrants must be a block or merchants’ association or a civic or neighborhood organization, representing one residential block or a group of commercial blocks. For a photo gallery of past winners, contest guidelines, and contest entry materials for residential and commercial blocks, call the GreenBridge office at 718−623−7250, or visit www.bbg.org⁄edu⁄greenbridge⁄greenestblock⁄. There is no cost to enter.
