Best New Garden Category

2017 Entry Form

Best New Garden Category

Schools awarded in this category must have constructed, maintained,and harvested producefrom their garden for their first season during the 2016-2017 school year.

School/School Food Authority ______

County ______

Mailing Address ______

Contact Name ______

Contact Title ______

Contact Email ______

Contact Phone Number ______

Directions: Use the space below to answer each question about your school garden. Responses should be limited to 300 words each. Email this form to , along with any supporting documents and images. Media release forms for all individuals in the photos must accompany the application. Pictures and images, with captions, should be submitted as a single document. Higher resolution photos may also be submitted, but must be named according to the criteria they relate to. PowerPoint slides, saved as an Adobe PDF file, are also acceptable and encouraged. Submit at least three pictures that depict your entire garden layout and design with your application.

1. Appearance: Describe the basics of your garden design and how it looks. How do you classify your garden – as an outdoor teaching space, production or classroom garden? Does your garden program have a theme or special design? Brag about your garden!

1. Crop Diversity: Are you growing any distinct or unique crops in your garden? Describe the assortment of fruits and vegetables, herbsand trees, or tropical fruits in your garden. Why did you choose these plants?What factors played into your crop choices and how will you manage crop diversity in the future?

1. Curriculum Integration: How do you use your garden program to build connections within different subject areas? Do the crops you grow foster unique educational opportunities? Name any garden-based curriculum you currently utilize in your garden program. How are you integrating the garden into the classroom?

1. School Involvement: What role(s) does the garden play within the school culture? Who participates in the garden program and maintenance of the garden itself? How does your school collaborate to enhance the program and build community school spirit?

1. Novel Features: What are the unique or special features about your garden design? Tell us what’s new, fresh, or original about your garden. Is your garden nonconventional or innovative? Tell us how unique or unprecedented your garden is compared to the rest.

1. Sustainability Plan: How will your garden program be sustained in the future? Tell us the techniques or methods you will use to keep your garden green and growing. How will you ensure the garden is maintained and that your program continues? Outline your plan in detail.