New England Region

NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL AWARDS CHAIRS 2011-2013

Co Chairmen

Vera Bowen

Kpbowen@att.net

Diane J. McMillen

dianemcmillen@huges.net

UNIVERSAL AWARD FORM

UNIVERSAL GRANT FORM

REGIONAL AWARDS GENERAL RULES

All awards are based on work done during the regional awards year which is June 1- May 31
The awards are competitive between the 6 New England states.
Applications for awards #1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are submitted to the state garden clubs which select the best project to enter for each award in the annual regional competition.
Awards 3, 7, and 8 do not require applications. The winner is determined from official records.
Awards # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17, 18, 20, 24 are traveling trophies/plaques held by the winners until the next annual meeting of the New England Region. Winners of these awards are responsible for having the state garden club name and year engraved on the trophy. Monetary awards #11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25 become the property of the winner. All awards except # 11 are presented at the regional annual meeting.
Presentation
Complete description of work done from June1 to May 31. A summary of prior work if project was begun before June of contest year, and/or future plans if it is continuing beyond May of contest year must be included. Supporting evidence to give judges ALL essential information.

Projects will be judged by a panel of 3 competent judges or experts in the area appointed by the awards chairman. The one best project of those submitted will be chosen by the judges as the winner. Point scoring is/may be used.
SEND BOOKS OF EVIDENCE TO: New England Regional Awards chairman, postmarked on or before September 1st. Refer to NGC Award Rules (September/October issue of The National Gardener in odd-numbered years). See NGC Awards http://gardenclub.org/Awards/AwardsList.aspx NGC NEW RULES FOR BOOKS OF EVIDENCE 3 PAGES NO BINDERS MAY BE SENT ELECTRONICALLY
Exception: Publicity Press Book, Speech and Essay Contest and Smokey Bear Poster are to be sent directly to regional representative.

Additional Rules

Due to the limited time available for presentation of awards at the annual regional meeting, it was resolved to limit the number of awards available for competition to past regional directors and Allied Organizations. Changes in, additions to, deletions from awards may be made by the regional board with a majority vote of those present at an annual meeting.

NEW ENGLAND REGION AWARDS

1. THE SEARS CIVIC BEAUTIFICATION BOWL
Donated in 1966 by Sears, Roebuck & Company for work by member clubs to beautify their communities. Each State Garden Club may submit one project selected by the State Garden Club as the most outstanding work done from June 1 - May 31 of each year in Civic Beautification.

SCALE OF POINTS

Aesthetic quality Project scope, aims, procedures, landscaping plans, financing. Results achieved as shown by before and after pictures, letters of appreciation, etc.	50
Permanency Lasting improvements; ease of sustaining the aesthetic quality. Benefits to the community.	40
Participation of the community Public and/or private contributions Ways in which each assisted the club.	10
Total:	100

2. THE LAURA WETMORE CONSERVATION BOWL
Donated in 1968 by Mrs. E. Van Dyke, Wetmore, CT for work by member clubs in environmental education and conservation. Each State Garden Club may submit one project selected by the State Garden Club as the most outstanding work done from June 1 - May 31 of each year in Environmental Education and Conservation.

Projects will also be evaluated according to the donor’s specification that, the work must have been undertaken for the specific purpose of environmental education, and may have been done for the benefit of young people, the club members or the general public.

Scope of project	35
Results achieved	20
Value to community	45
Total:	100

3. THE EVELYN R. COLE NATIONAL GARDENER TRAY:
Donated in 1972 by Mrs. Christy Hanas, CT for the greatest increase in paid subscribers to THE NATIONAL GARDENER in proportion to state garden club membership. No application necessary. Award will be determined by official records.

4. THE MARIE E. LEWIS CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES TRAY:
Donated in 1974 by the Community League Garden Club, Weston, MA for the best work to acquire, preserve or develop a natural resource. Each State Garden Club may submit one project (one club or one group) selected by the State Garden Club as the most outstanding work done from June 1 - May 31 of each year in acquisition, preservation, or development of natural resources.

Scope of project Purpose, goals, plans, financing procedures	35
Results achieved Degree of permanency. Before and after pictures. Letters of appreciation. News items, etc.	20
Value to community Short and/or long-term benefits. Impact on and involvement of general public, etc.	45
Total:	100

5. THE CORNELIA WILLIAMSON WATSON AWARD FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Donated in 1974 by Mrs. Watson, CT for the best work of lasting benefit to the community or state in the field of historic preservation Book of Evidence: Each State Garden Club may submit one project by a member club or an individual member selected by the State Garden Club as the most outstanding work done to save and restore an historic building or landmark; to preserve an ancient cemetery or private burial ground; to list old homes with history of ownership; to restore or plant a garden to enhance a restored building or area; or to assist in teaching local heritage. Project may have been done in cooperation with Historical Societies or related groups.

6. AWARD RETIRED

7. THE HELEN HUSSEY CHAMPLIN BOWL
Donated in 1977 by the New England Region to the state garden club with the largest number of new members. No application necessary. Award will be determined by official records.

8. THE MILDRED BLACK PETTIT AWARD
A pewter carafe donated in 1977 by Mrs. Petit, ME to the state garden club with the largest percentage increase in new members. No application necessary. Award will be determined by official records.

9. AWARD RETIRED

10. THE MARY STONE GARDEN THERAPY AWARD:
A plaque donated in 1980 by Mrs. Francis Stone, NH for work by members with handicapped, elderly or ill in a variety of well-balanced garden related projects. This award is given annually to the member club for outstanding work by members with the handicapped, elderly or ill, in a variety of well-balanced garden related projects, from June 1 - May 31 of the award year.

Presentation	15
Neat, concise step by step from index to summary	2
Clarity of description. Current program, brief history, future plans	3
Completeness of data, basic and supporting.	10
Membership Participation	25
Proportion of total membership working in program	12
Ingenuity and imagination shown in program planning, use of club activities as projects and low or no-cost materials.	10
Cooperation between clubs and institutions for benefit of the residents	3
Program Quality	30
Proportion of activity over service projects.	10
Scope of program - variety and balance of garden related projects	6
Number of residents/patients reached	6
State or NGC Award received	2
Achievement (value to the residents/patients)	30
Degree of participation by resident/patients.	15
Proportion of programs done with/for the same or different groups.	5
Duration - years in progress	5
Continuance - Indicate plan for next year
Total:	100

11. THE JEAN MERRIMAN WILLIAMS NGC UNIFIED PROJECT AWARD
Donated in 1984 by Mrs. Williams, VT to the state garden club which has the most outstanding or meaningful project related to the NATIONAL two-year program or project. (GIVEN EVERY TWO YEARS AT THE COMPLETION OF THE ADMINISTRATION) Each State Garden Club to present their project in competition with the other State Garden Clubs in the Region. The State Garden Club project selected as the most outstanding will receive a check in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and a Certificate of Merit to be awarded at the NER Annual Meeting.

Book of Evidence should include:
1. Complete description of the work done during the term.
2. Summary of prior work done if the project was begun before the beginning of the term and/or future plans if it is a continuing project.
3. Supporting evidence to give ALL essential information.
4. The Book of Evidence MUST be received by the NER Awards Chairman by September.

Scale of points

Depth of research	40
Educational value	30
Stimulation of participation	10
Evaluation of effectiveness	10
Presentation	10
TOTAL:	100

12. THE MARY LOUISE MARKS SMITH FLOWER SHOW SCHEDULE AWARD
Donated in 1987 by Mrs. Smith, ME for the best schedule of a flower show presented during the regional award year. A $25 annual award will be presented to the winning club. This award is for the best schedule for a Standard or Small-Standard Flower Show held in the regional year June 1 - May 31. The award donated by Mary Lou Smith of Maine in 1987 was continued in her memory by her husband, Granville Smith in 2004.

A. GENERAL INFORMATION...........................................................		7
(INFORMATION MAY BE ON COVER AND/OR TITLE PAGE) 1. NAME OF CLUB PRESENTING SHOW. 2. LOCATION OF SHOW WITH COMPLETE ADDRESS. 3. APPROPRIATE SHOW THEME OR TITLE. 4. DATE: TIMES OF OPENING AND CLOSING. 5. STATED: STANDARD FLOWER SHOW, SMALL- STANDARD FLOWER SHOW, PETITE STANDARD FLOWER SHOW, OR PETITE SMALL- STANDARD FLOWER SHOW 6. STATED: OPEN AND FREE TO PUBLIC, OPEN AND ADMISSION PRICE, OR BY INVITATION 7. STATED: MEMBER OF NGC, REGIONAL NAME, DISTRICT NO., & LOCAL AFFILIATION NAME (IF ANY).
B. FORMAT ..................................................................................		4
1. COVER AND/OR TITLE PAGE. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS (OPTIONAL), BUT ALL PAGES MUST BE NUMBERED. 3. COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN WITH TELEPHONE NUMBERS LISTED. 4. GENERAL RULES. 5. STANDARD SYSTEM OF AWARDS & TOP EXHIBITOR AWARDS BEING OFFERED. MUST BE STATED IN FULL OR WITH HANDBOOK FOR FLOWER SHOWS’ PAGE REFERENCES. INCLUDE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND SECTIONS/CLASSES WHERE OFFERED. (TOP EXHIBITOR AWARDS MAY BE LISTED WITHIN APPROPRIATE DIVISION.) 6. DIVISIONS – ORDER IS DETERMINED BY STAGING REQUIREMENTS. a. DIVISION I: HORTICULTURE OR DESIGN – SPECIFIC DIVISION RULES, SECTIONS AND CLASSES. May include an Invitational Section. b. DIVISION II: DESIGN OR HORTICULTURE – SPECIFIC DIVISION RULES & CLASSES. May include an Invitational Section. c. DIVISION III: SPECIAL EXHIBITS. MAY INCLUDE SECTIONS THAT APPLY TOWARD AN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Educational, Youth, Sponsored Groups, Gardens, AND/OR SECTIONS THAT DO NOT APPLY TOWARD AN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Artistic Crafts, Invitational, Commercial.
C. GENERAL RULES......................................................................		17
1. STATED INFORMATION APPLYING TO THE ENTIRE SHOW..	(11)
a. WHO MAY ENTER EXHIBITS IN EACH DIVISION. b. COMPLETE PROCEDURE FOR MAKING ENTRIES – IF PROCEDURE VARIES FROM DIVISION TO DIVISION, STATE WITHIN DIVISION RULES. c. DATE/S, TIME, AND PLACE FOR ACCEPTING AND REMOVING EXHIBITS. d. TIME OF JUDGING. e. SPECIFY CHAIRMEN TO BE PRESENT DURING JUDGING. f. SPECIFY OBLIGATION OF THE CLASSIFICATION CHAIRMAN. CHECKS FOR CONFORMITY TO THE SCHEDULE. g. STATE: DECISION OF THE JUDGES IS FINAL. h. STATE: AWARDS MAY BE WITHHELD IF NOT MERITED. i. CLARIFY STATE POLICY CONCERNING USE OF STATES NATIVE PLANTS/ NOXIOUS PLANTS, AND THOSE ON ITS CONSERVATION LIST. j. STATE: THERE MUST BE AN EMPHASIS ON FRESH PLANT MATERIAL. k. STATE: NO ARTIFICIAL PLANT MATERIAL IS PERMITTED IN ANY DIVISION.
2. CORRECTNESS AND CLARITY OF ALL STATED RULES ….	(6)
D. AWARDS ................................................................................		10
1. INFORMATION TO BE STATED ………………………………….	(6)
a. LIST: ALL PLACES, RIBBON COLORS & POINT VALUES WITH STATEMENT THAT THE NGC STANDARD SYSTEM OF AWARDS WILL BE USED FOR ALL COMPETITIVE JUDGING. b. LIST: ALL TOP EXHIBITOR AWARDS BEING OFFERED WITH EITHER FULL DESCRIPTIONS OR *HANDBOOK* PAGES. INCLUDE: MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXHIBITS & CLASSES REQUIRED, IDENTIFY BY SECTION/S AND CLASSES.
2. CORRECTNESS OF AWARDS OFFERED ……………………	(4)
E. HORTICULTURE RULES AND CLASSES.....................................		23
1. INFORMATION TO BE STATED …………………………………	(14)
a. ALL PLANT MATERIAL MUST BE FRESH AND HAVE BEEN GROWN BY THE EXHIBITOR. b. RULES REGARDING PERIOD OF OWNERSHIP PRIOR TO SHOW. c. ALL ENTRY CARDS ARE TO BE FILLED OUT IN ADVANCE (IF POSSIBLE), TYPED, WATERPROOF INK, LABELS, OR PENCIL ADVISE HOW CARDS ARE OBTAINED. d. SPECIFY RESTRICTIONS ON POTTED PLANT CONTAINERS. e. ALL ENTRIES ARE TO BE LABELED BY GENUS, SPECIES, AND/OR VARIETY. COMMON NAME MAY ALSO BE GIVEN. f. SPECIFY WHO IS TO FURNISH CONTAINERS FOR CUT SPECIMENS. IF REQUIRED OF THE EXHIBITOR, SPECIFY CLEAR, PREFERABLY COLORLESS, GLASS BOTTLES. INCLUDE TYPE OF WEDGING AND ANCHORING ALLOWED. g. CLASSIFICATION COMMITTEE HAS AUTHORITY TO SUBDIVIDE CLASSES AS NECESSARY. (Optional since allowed in Handbook without schedule authorization.)
2. CORRECTNESS AND CLARITY OF STATED RULES ……………	(3)
3. CORRECTNESS OF HORTICULTURE CLASSES with all botanical spelling correct ………….......................................	(6 )
F. DESIGN RULES AND CLASSES ................................................		23
1. INFORMATION TO BE STATED ………………………………	(14)
a. DESIGN MUST BE THE WORK OF ONE INDIVIDUAL (EXCEPTION: CLUB COMPETITION AWARD), BUT PLANT MATERIAL NEED NOT HAVE BEEN GROWN BY THE EXHIBITOR, UNLESS SCHEDULE REQUIRES. b. FRESH PLANT MATERIAL MAY NOT EVER BE TREATED IN ANY MANNER. c. IF DESIGNER IS UNABLE TO FULFILL ASSIGNMENT, IT IS THE DESIGNER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND A REPLACEMENT. (THIS PROCEDURE APPLIES WHEN ADVANCED ENTRIES ARE REQUIRED.) d. DIMENSIONS OF ALLOCATED DESIGN SPACE (FRAME OF REFERENCE) AND ALL COMMITTEE PROVIDED BACKGROUND/STAGING. STATE IF DESIGNER MUST/MAY PROVIDE OWN STAGING NEEDS. e. DESIGN SCALE OF POINTS (OPTIONAL) OR GIVE HANDBOOK PAGE. f. STATE FREEDOM OF STYLE, TRADITIONAL STYLE, OR CREATIVE STYLE FOR ALL DESIGNS, WITH OR WITHOUT REQUIRED TYPE., g. LIST THINGS PERMITTED WITHOUT SCHEDULE APPROVAL OR REFER TO HANDBOOK PAGE.
2. CORRECTNESS AND CLARITY OF STATED RULES …………	(3)
3. CORRECTNESS AND CLARITY OF DESIGN CLASSES ……..	(6)
G. SPECIAL EXHIBITS DIVISION......................................................		10
1. INFORMATION TO BE STATED ………………………………….	(6)
a. PHRASE OR PARAGRAPH DESCRIBING EACH EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT. b. DESCRIPTION OF STAGING FACILITIES IN ALL SECTIONS: SIZE OF EXHIBITING AREA, BACKGROUND COLOR, TABLES, RESTRICTIONS. c. COMPETITIVE OR NON-COMPETITIVE.
2. CORRECTNESS AND CLARITY OF THE DIVISION ……………	(4)
H. THEME OR TITLE EXPRESSED THROUGHOUT ENTIRE SCHEDULE		6
1. DIVISION AND SECTIONAL SUB-TITLES RELATED TO THE OVERALL THEME............................................................	(3)
2. DESIGN CLASS TITLES APPROPRIATE …………………….	(3)	_____
TOTAL SCORE		100

Please enclose two schedules (unattached) with application. Send to Awards Chairman indicating number of award and name of state on front of manila envelope.

13. THE VIRGINIA F. THURSTON LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD
Donated in 1989 by Virginia and William Thurston, MA for landscape design education program or project using good design for public benefit. A $100 annual award will be presented to the winning garden club a certificate will be presented to the state garden club and the winning garden club. Each State Garden Club may submit one project (one club or one group) selected by the State Garden Club as the most outstanding work done from June 1 - May 31 in the area of landscape design education program or in an actual project or projects using good design for the public benefit. Certificates are to be given to the State Garden Club and to the winning club. The winning club will be given one hundred dollars ($100.00) to be donated by Virginia and William Thurston.

SCALE OF POINTS:

Program or project promoting landscape design	40
a. Educational program 30
b. Project 10
Design - originality Horticulture - suitability and quality
Public Benefit	15
Distinction	10
Suitability of program or design	10
Participation by garden club members	10
Public Relations to promote general knowledge of landscape design	10
Involvement with public officials (local and/or State to insure continued support)	5
Total:	100

14. THE SUE SAUL AWARD FOR CIVIC BEAUTIFICATION
Donated in 1994 by Mrs. Saul, VT for outstanding work in civic beautification with limited resources. A maximum of $150 may be budgeted for the project. A $25 annual award will be presented to the winning club. Each State Garden Club may submit one project selected by the State Garden Club.

SCALE OF POINTS:

Design	25
Suitability to site	20
Percentage of membership participation	25
Record of expenses	20
Future plans	10
TOTAL:	100

15. THE VIRGINIA KENNEY/MAUREEN COLTON AWARD
Donated in 1995 by Virginia Kenney and Maureen Colton, RI for the best horticulture division in a standard flower show. A $25 annual award will be presented to the winning club. (Funded until 2015.) Each State Garden Club may submit one entry for the best Horticulture Division in a Standard Flower show, selected as the most outstanding by the judges. The award presentation shall contain a one-page description with four (4) representative photographs on the reverse side to be placed in one glassine protector. A copy of the schedule and other pertinent information required below shall be attached.

SCALE OF POINTS

Copy of schedule	5
Judged for correct wording See *Handbook for Flower Shows* *(current edition)*
Number of Members Exhibiting	40
Number of club members Number of exhibits
Quality of Exhibits	40
List all awards presented including number of first, second, third, and honorable mention and top award/s presented.
Relationship of Staging to Design Staging	10
Award Presentation	5
Total:	100

16. THE NANCY H. ATWELL TROPHY
Donated in 1997 by Nancy H Atwell, ME for the most outstanding publicity incorporating NGC and NER objectives. A trophy will be presented annually to the winning state garden club or member club. Each State Garden Club may submit one entry from the member club or State Garden Club as the most outstanding for “Publicity Demonstrating National Garden Clubs, Inc. or NER Objectives.”

Presentation to be:       No more than 6 pages (12 surfaces) 8 1/2” x11”
                                     Book of Evidence not required
                                     May be as little as one clipping, or video tape (copies permissible)
                                     Include copies of original material sent to publicity
                                     Information covers publicity for immediate previous year

SCALE OF POINTS

Quality of publicity (depth and knowledge shown in coverage)	45
Unusual aspect of publicity	15
Stressing NGC and NER & membership in garden club	15
Stressing NGC and NER objectives	15
Contact person's name, address and telephone number	10
Total:	100

17. THE JEANNE-MARIE PARKES AWARD
A traveling award of a plaque and certificate may be awarded to an individual, club, group of clubs, district or state garden club for creating an educational exhibit that can be displayed at a flower show, library or other public building to encourage awareness of our environmental problems.

SCALE OF POINTS

Objective/reason for exhibit	10
Educational value to the public (duration of exhibit and if used more than once, explain)	20
Involvement of club membership	25
Handouts (pamphlets, flyers, etc.)	15
Pictures with explanation of exhibit	20
Results achieved	10
Total:	100

18. THE VIRGINIA GRANDPRÉ WILDLIFE GARDENING AWARD
Donated in 1999 by Virginia GrandPré, NH for the most outstanding work in wildlife gardening. A low relief butterfly sundial mounted on a wood block along with a certificate will be presented annually to the winning member.

Each State Garden Club may submit one club project selected by the State Garden Club as the most outstanding work in wildlife gardening. The award will be presented to the garden club with the best Butterfly/Bird Garden project in a public (including schools) area. The project may be one already instituted but must have new activity during the award year - June 1 - May 31.

SCALE OF POINTS:

Presentation		10
Neat concise, complete to rules
Record		10
Beginning and after photographs	5
Step by step progress. Plant material used	5
Action		45
Proportion of total membership participating	20
Public participation/Publicity	15
Letters of appreciation/ Financial summary	10
Achievement		35
Scope of accomplishment	15
Benefit to community and wildlife	20
TOTAL:		100

19. THE LINA F. WAGNER PERENNIAL GARDEN AWARD
Donated in 2000 by Lina F. Wagner, CT, for creating and maintaining a perennial garden on
private or public land by an individual garden club member. $100.00 and a certificate may be awarded annually to the winning club member. Each State may submit one perennial garden Book of Evidence compiled by the winning state entry. The State winner will have been judged and selected by a three-person panel appointed by the State President. The panel will consist of a landscape design consultant, an accredited flower show judge, and a horticulture expert. The garden must be at least three years old.

SCALE OF POINTS:

1. Design, fitness, suitability beauty and distinction	25
2. Plant material, sustainable maintenance, suitability to site and design	25
3. Presentation	25
Documentation using colored photographs of garden before and after with descriptions. Sketch of plan listing botanic names of all plants Refer to NGC Awards Rule #8 Please note: Application not to exceed 6 pages (12 surfaces.) Table of Contents not needed.
4. Maintenance	25
TOTAL:	100

20. THE DEANNA J. MOZZOCHI CREATIVE DESIGN AWARD
Established in 2004 by Deanna J. Mozzochi, CT. Design must have been created during the NER Awards Year, June 1 - May 31. This award is for the best Creative Design of the year, exhibited by a NGC member at a Standard or Small-Standard Flower Show, arrangers group, library, museum, gallery, etc. A traveling sculpture and $50.00 will be awarded annually to the winner.

Requirements:

Design must have been created during the NER Awards Year, June 1 – May 31.
A 4” x 6” photograph or digital photograph of the design to be sent to the State Judges’ Council Chairman by August 1.
No ribbons or people should be in the photograph.
On the back of photograph (use a Post-It note) list the following:

         a. Name and date of event at which design was exhibited.
         b. Class name or title.
         c. Plant material used.
         d. Name and garden club of designer.
         e. A brief description of the design (optional).

Judging:
A panel of three Accredited judges chosen by the State Judges’ Council Chairman will
select that state’s winning exhibit.
The photograph of the winning exhibit from each state, plus the information and application
Form for Award #20 must be sent to the New England Region Awards Chairman by September 1.
A panel of three Accredited Judges from different states will select the Award winner.
The Scale of Points for Designs listed in the Handbook for Flower Shows, current edition, will be used in all judging.

21. THE MAUREEN COLTON AWARD
Established in 2005 by Maureen M. Colton, Rhode Island. This award is for the best class of designs exhibited by National Garden Clubs, Inc. members in the Design Division of a Standard or Small-Standard Flower Show. States, Judges’ Councils, districts, and garden clubs are eligible for this award. Each state may submit one entry.

A rosette and $50.00 will be presented to the regional winner.

Requirements:

The application, placed in an Oxford binder, shall contain a one-page description of the show listing the name, date, type of show and its location.
On the reverse, the class title and a photograph of each exhibit in the class.
A copy of the schedule must be included.
Two application forms #21 attached to the inside cover.

A panel of three Accredited Judges chosen by the State Judges’ Council Chairman will select that state’s winning exhibit. The Scale of Points for Designs listed in the Handbook for Flower Shows, current edition, will be used in all judging.

22. THE PAMELA C. HEBERT GARDEN OF YOUTH AWARD
A certificate and fifty dollars may be awarded annually to a state garden club project. Each state club may submit one club project selected by the State Garden Club Awards Committee. This award is designed for club members to work with children – our future garden club members and stewards of the land. This will involve a beautification and a youth educational project combined into one making the project an educational experience or venture for the youth. This is a continuance of our Unified Project 2005-2007 “SPROUTS’. “The greatest gift we can give to our children is time .. our time”…so together we can continue to encourage our children to stop – look – and learn.

SCALE OF POINTS:

Presentation:	Documentation using colored photographs (can be digital) of garden and Project (before and after) with descriptions. Sketch of garden plan	20
Plant Material:	Indicate plants used (native included) along with botanical names	10
Record:	Application not to exceed 6 pages (12 surfaces) Table of Contents not needed. Number of club members and children participated. Letter of Appreciation, publicity and financial summary.	30
Achievement:	The children are to assist in the assembly of the Book of Evidence and participate in an educational project. (Arbor Day, Birds, Butterflies, Earthworms, Hort, Design, etc.	25
Maintenance:	Plan for weeding, end of year, and care of tools, etc.	15
	TOTAL:	100

23. THE NEW ENGLAND WILDFLOWER SOCIETY AWARD
Established in 2009 by the New England Wild Flower Society for education program or project using native plants. A certificate will be presented to the winning garden club. Each State Garden Club may submit one project (one club or one group) selected by the State Garden Club as the most outstanding work done from June 1 - May 31 in the area of native plant education program or in an actual project or projects using native plants for the public benefit. Criteria for use of Native plants will be provided by the NEWFS and will be available on the NER Web site. NEWFS criteria: Native Garden must use at least 50% Native Plant Material.

SCALE OF POINTS

Program or project promoting native plants	40
a. Educational program b. Project Design - originality Horticulture - suitability and quality Sustainability- Maintenance plan
Public Benefit	15
Distinction	10
Suitability of program or design	10
Participation by garden club members or other community groups	10
Public Relations to promote general knowledge of Native Plants	10
Involvement with public officials (local and/or State to insure continued support)	5
Total:	100

24. Excellence in Teamwork Award

A Silver Tray donated in 2010 by Regional Director Kathleen Thomas for an outstanding project completed by a Garden Club in collaboration with another organization. Each State may submit one project selected by the State Garden Club Awards Committee as the most outstanding work done from June 1 to May 31 of each year.

1. Scope of the Project 30 points
Purpose, goals, financial reports

2. Results Achieved 30 points
Before and after, planning documentation

3. Value to the Community 40 points
Short and long term benefits

100 points

25. National Gardening Association Award

The National Gardening Association Award was established in 2010. A certificate of merit and a check for $100 may be awarded to a New England Regional Garden Club for their work with children or junior garden clubs who created an edible garden. The project may be one already instituted but must have new activity during the award year June 1- May 31. Only one application per state will be accepted.

To be judged based on the NGC National Awards Rule #9.

Presentation 5 pts
Neat , concise, including all information

Achievement 65 Pts
Scope of project, brief history, planning, financial report, activities to attain goal

Participation 15 pts
Size of club, involvement of members and children

Record or Documentation 15 pts
Supporting data, labeled with photo documentation

Total 100 pts.

The Virginia Thurston Civic Development Grant is for new or on-going projects that New England Regional Garden Clubs maintain. A long term maintenance program must be included with the application. The application cannot be more than 3 total pages and must include a budget and a description of the project. Photographs are encouraged. The Universal Grant Form should be used as Page 1 of the application.

Purpose: To encourage the New England Region Garden Clubs to work on community improvement projects by providing money grants for new or on-going permanent plantings. Completed projects and commercial plantings are not eligible. Up to $200 is available each year to be awarded by the awards committee. Only one application will be accepted from each state.

Procedure: Submit copy of the application no later than July 1 to your State Awards Chair (Electronic Applications are preferred). Applications are due to the NER Awards Chair by September 1.

Clubs receiving grants are expected to take an active role in the project and matching fund will be considered favorably. The club will have one year from the notification of the award to complete the project and must provide completed documentation, progress photographs, a one page report and complete financial information by December 1 of the following year. Grant money can only be used for the specific project it was granted and cannot be transferred. If the Club fails to submit reports it will be asked to return funds. One year extensions must be applied for and will be granted if the Awards committee approves. Winning Clubs may not apply the following year.