Nominations Invited for Garden Crusader Awards

The Garden Crusader Awards were created by Gardener's Supply to honor individuals who are improving the world through gardening. Garden Crusaders are men and women who are planting trees and flowers, growing food, creating new green spaces, and teaching their friends and neighbors about the rewards of gardening.

The awards honor individuals in the United States who are improving their communities through gardening. Nominations of organizations will not be accepted. However, many organizations apply and choose one person to represent the group, with the entire group sharing the prize. There is no age requirement. Nominees may be volunteers or may be paid for their garden work. Self-nominations are accepted.

Award categories for 2008 are Education; Feeding the Hungry; Urban Renewal; and Restoration. There are five winners for each category: first, second, third, plus two honorable mentions and one grand-prize winner, for a total of twenty-one winners overall. The grand-prize winner will receive $2,500 in cash and a $2,500 gift certificate from Gardener's Supply. First-place winners will receive a $1,000 gift certificate each; second- place winners a $750 gift certificate; third-place winners a $500 gift certificate; and honorable mentions a $200 gift certificate. All prizes will be awarded to the winner's organization in his/her name.

Visit the program's Web site for complete guidelines and nomination forms.

Deadline: June 15, 2008