NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL AWARDS

                                   NER Awards Due 
                                   September 1, 2008

                                              Book of Evidence (Printable, opens in new window)

Awards Application Form (PDF - Link opens in new window>

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                NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL AWARDS CHAIRS 2007-2009

Kathy Thomas 

Nancy Donaldson

REGIONAL AWARDS GENERAL RULES

1. All awards are based on work done during the regional awards year which is June 1- May 31
   
   
2. The awards are competitive between the 6 New England states.
   
   
3. Applications for awards #1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 are submitted to the state garden clubs which select the best project to enter for each award in the annual regional competition.
   
   
4. Awards 3, 7, and 8 do not require applications.  The winner is determined from official records.
   
   
5. Awards # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17, 18, 20 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 become the property of the winner.  All awards except # 11 are presented at the regional annual meeting.
   
   
6. Presentation
   Complete description of work done from July 1 to June 30.   A summary of prior work if project was begun before July of contest year, and/or future plans if it is continuing beyond June 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.
   
   
7. SEND BOOKS OF EVIDENCE TO:    New England Regional Awards chairman, postmarked on or before September 1st.  Send application form for each award secured in Book of Evidence.  See NGC Award Rule #8 for Book of Evidence requirements.  Presentation in a lightweight binder (NO LOOSE ITEMS, NO SCRAPBOOKS).  Refer to NGC Award Rules (September/October issue of The National Gardener in odd-numbered years).
   
   
8. Exception: Publicity Press Book, Speech and Essay Contest and Smokey Bear Poster are to be sent directly to regional representative.  The Regional Unified Project application should be sent to the regional director.

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.  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

Click here for application.

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

Click here for application.

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

Click here for application.

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.

Click here for application.

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

Click here for application.

11. THE JEAN MERRIMAN WILLIAMS REGIONAL 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 regional two-year program or project..   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 NGC Regional Breakfast Meeting in the odd-numbered years.

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 Director by November 1 in the   even-numbered year.  The NER Director shall extrapolate from State Garden Club reports and compile a regional Book of Evidence.  Guidelines for preparing an Award application for both State Garden Club and Region are found in the Sept.-Oct. Issue of the National Gardener  in odd-numbered years.  The NER Director may choose the method of judging, may make the selection or may appoint a committee. 
The NER Director will apply for the National Garden Clubs Award #12: CERTIFICATE
OF MERIT FOR UNIFIED REGIONAL ACTIVITY, THE EMERALD AWARD.

Scale of points

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

Click here for application.

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.

Click here for application.

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

Click here for application.

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

Click here for application.

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

Click here for application.

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

Click here for application.

Click here for application.

18.  THE VIRGINIA GRANDPRΙ WILDLIFE GARDENING AWARD
Donated in 1999 by Virginia GrandPrι, 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

Click here for application.

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

Click here for application. 

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.

Click here for application. 

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:

1. 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.

Click here for application.

Click here for application.