The Growing to Green Harvest Awards honors the dedication and hard work of many Central Ohio communities and individuals within urban agriculture and community gardens. Nominations and applications may be made by anyone. The Growing to Green Harvest Awards are officially bestowed at the annual Harvest Award Ceremony.
The 2025 Harvest Award Ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 9 at the Wells Barn.
Bill Dawson Community Gardener of the Year award is presented to an individual who is exceptionally dedicated to their community garden and demonstrates leadership within community gardening in Central Ohio. An award of $250 will be given to the winner to be applied toward the community gardening project of their choosing.
2024 Winner: Ms. Julialynne Walker
Community Garden of the Year award is presented to a neighborhood garden or program that encourages and strengthens community while benefiting biodiversity, wildlife and diversity in the population it serves. This garden will exhibit high marks for all priority areas: partnerships and collaborations, sustainability and resilience, community impact, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and leadership. An award of $500 will be given to the top garden in this category.
2024 Winner: Garden for All
Education Garden of the Year award is presented to a school or other organization that utilizes garden projects for educational purposes. An award of $500 will be given to the top garden in this category.
2024 Winner: State Street Courtyard Garden
The Paul B. Redman Youth Leadership Award is presented by the Women’s Board of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, this award is given to an outstanding youth gardener age 18 or younger. An award of $250 will be given to the winner to further their education and interest in gardening or to make improvements in their community.
2024 Winner: Daryl Lamont Willis Jr.
The Sustainability Award is presented to a garden that is utilizing sustainable community gardening practices, including community-building activities, sustainable garden design, and utilization of green practices (e.g. rain barrels) and/or has proven sustainable over the long term. $250 will be awarded to further advance the sustainability of the community garden.
2024 Winner: Van Buren Center Community Garden of Hope
The Community Collaboration Project of the Year award is presented to a Community Garden, Urban Farm, park, gateway, streetscape, school or other community beautification or food project. An award of $250 will be given to the project that has done the most to benefit its surrounding community.
2024 Winner: Salem Garden Collaborative
The Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for Wellness and Health is presented to a community garden that has shown significant and sustainable impact on the health and vitality of the community while developing connections to Nutrition, Wellness, and/or Food Production. An award of $750 will be given to further impact the community and garden project.
These awards honor Dr. Bowden’s love of gardening as well as his life-long commitment to improve community health and the quality of life for citizens in Central Ohio.
2024 Winner: Patrick Kaufman Memorial Learning Garden
The Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for education and leadership is presented to a community garden that has shown significant and sustainable impact on the health and vitality of the community through children’s education, job training and/or celebrating culture. An award of $750 will be given to further impact the community and garden project.
These awards honor Dr. Bowden’s love of gardening as well as his life-long commitment to improve community health and the quality of life for citizens in Central Ohio.
2024 Winner: The Charles Madison Nabrit Memorial Garden
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