2021 Award Winners
Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for Education and Leadership
The Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for education and leadership is presented by the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation and the Bowden Family to a community garden that has shown a 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.
This award is one of two that honor Dr. Bowden’s love of gardening as well as his life-long commitment to improving community health and the quality of life for citizens in central Ohio.
Winner: South Central Commons’ Community Garden
Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for Wellness and Health
The Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for wellness and health is presented by the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation and the Bowden Family to a community garden that has shown a 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.
This award is one of two that honor Dr. Bowden’s love of gardening as well as his life-long commitment to improving community health and the quality of life for citizens in central Ohio.
Winner: The Garden District
Community Garden of the Year
The Community Garden of the Year Award is presented by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company to a neighborhood gardening project for beautification and/or food production. An award of $500 will be given to the top garden in this category.
Winner: Bexley Community Gardens
Community Gardener of the Year
The Community Gardener of the Year Award is presented by GreenScapes Landscape Co. to an individual who is exceptionally dedicated to their neighborhood garden and/or the movement of community gardening in central Ohio. An award of $250 will be given to the winner to be applied toward their community gardening project.
Winner: Julialynne Walker, Bronzeville Community Garden
Education Garden of the Year
The Education Garden of the Year Award is presented by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Office of Management & Budget 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.
Winner: Sunbury Urban Farm
Paul B. Redman Youth Leadership Award
The Paul B. Redman Youth Leadership Award is presented by the Conservatory Women’s Board to an outstanding youth gardener aged 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.
Winner: Grace Chen, The Flower Initiative
Neighborhood Improvement Project of the Year
The Neighborhood Improvement Project of the Year Award is presented by Giant Eagle 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.
Winner: Franklin Avenue Community Garden
Sustainability Award
The Sustainability Award is presented by the Columbus Foundation 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. An award of $250 will be given to further advance the sustainability of the community garden.
Winner: Granby School Garden
Winners Map
What is Growing to Green?
Growing to Green is Columbus’ largest organized effort to promote and provide free community resources for community gardening and city beautification. Initiated in March 2000, Growing to Green has assisted in the start-up or renovation of more than 300 community gardens throughout the central Ohio area.
Growing to Green is Supported By Giant Eagle.