Native Plant Garden Awards

May 1, 2012 Application Deadline - for application form, click here

The MNPS Native Plant Garden Awards recognize outstanding efforts to use Montana native plants in gardens and landscapes in Montana. Three awards will be given each year to celebrate the gardens that best reflect the goal of MNPS:

To preserve, conserve, and study the native plants and plant communities of Montana, and to educate the public about the values of our native flora.

Awards will be given to three outstanding gardens/landscapes, with recognition for additional entries. Celebration of each of the winning gardens and their creators, including the presentation of a MNPS Garden Plaque and an award certificate, will be made during the MNPS Annual meeting at Lubrecht Conference Center in Greenough, July 1. Awardees will also be recognized in the Kelseya and on the MNPS website.

MINIMUM CRITERIA

1) 75% Montana native plant species
2) No plants listed on the Montana noxious weed list (http://plants.usda.gov/java/noxious)
3) Must be in Montana

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

All applications must include the following:
1) Application form
2) Sketch of garden layout indicating size and areas shown in photos
3) 12 color photos maximum (these may be posted on MNPS website and in the Kelseya as well as shown during annual meeting presentation)
    a. digital photos in .jpg format (high resolution preferred)
    b. Must showcase project elements
    c. Photos must be numbered and correspond to sketch of garden plan
4) Maximum two-page narrative (12-point text with one-inch margins describing the project. Narrative must address the following judging criteria:
    a. Garden concept and goals
    b. Description of how seeds/plants were obtained (must be ethically obtained - not dug from wild)
    c. Plant communities and habitats represented
    d. Percentage of Montana native species including percentage of local species
    e. Plan to maintain the health and appearance of garden
    f. Educational component
5) Plant list including botanical names. List any existing plants preserved.

Notes:

• Application materials will not be returned.

• Submitter must either own the garden, or have written permission of the owner to enter (include letter of permission with application if applicable)

• Judging will be done by members of the MNPS Landscape Committee

Submit application form and all application attachments to:

     MNPS Garden Awards, P.O. Box 761, Bonner, MT 59823
          or
     email completed application to: mnpsgardenawards@gmail.com

Submissions are due May 1, 2012.