Conservancy celebrates City Gardens

October 20, Greater Newark Conservancy had their annual City Gardens Awards Ceremony at NJIT. In the crowd were gardeners and home farmers from every area of Newark, all ages and all skill levels. There were many categories of the awards ceremony, but the most impressive fact was the diversity of its winners.

Niruban Bahetharan won the Children's Garden category - he's a past recipient but was just as excited. He had created unique planters and containers from boots and even basketballs and soccer balls. The big winner of the night was Mrs. Moses (top photo) who left with her new garden additions. Although Mrs. Moses had been gardening for years, this was her first time competing and loved it winning New Garden, Organic Garden and Combination Garden. Below you can find a cool space for Newark - a rooftop deck by Stephen Hutchins and Tara Raye Russo in the Ironbound section. They started with 10 containers and are now up to 40. Tara, an artist, has also made their "Tar Roof Garden" the site of 3 art installations - more info on her site http://tararayerusso.blogspot.com/.



UMDNJ staff members were also recognized by the Conservancy for creating an oasis outside of the employee cafeteria. It was started 6 years ago representing different departments from throughout the hospital. Kitty Donohue, UMDNJ employee, told us that the area outside of the cafe was an eyesore and the creation of a garden brought together a group of people that otherwise would not connect within the hospital.



The most touching part of the night was Kathy Rivera (above with her mom) who won in the "Art in the Garden" category. Kathy squealed in surprise and shed a tear upon hearing her name. She shared that her husband and herself had just been placed on disability and would have to sell their home that they can no longer afford - she hopes that the future homeowner will enjoy and appreciate the love that she has put into it.

The Conservancy also celebrated groups and organizations that are putting green into vacated lots; volunteers that helped judge and even the Greenest Council Person - Ron Rice and the West Ward were the winners! It was a great night and a wonderful introduction to all that the Conservancy does. Learn more at www.citybloom.org

Here is the complete list of 1st Place winners:
Green Council Member: Ron Rice
Volunteers of the Year: Lynn Kosobucki, Eliza Jacobs, Maria Goetschalckx
Green Super Neighborhood: Mt. Prospect Partnership
Children's Garden: Niruban Bahetharan
New Garden: Mr. & Mrs. Frank Moses
Home Garden: Teresa Simoes
Master Garden: Lula Gilyard
Organic Garden: Mr. & Mrs. Frank Moses
Vegetable Garden: Angelo & Pauline Tibaldo
Combination Garden: Mr. & Mrs. Frank Moses
Organization Garden: Pastor Moacir
Container Garden: Charles & Eula Anglin
Individual Flower Barrel: Clive Vassell
Art in the Garden: Kathy Rivera
Community Garden: Phyllis Bradley
Best Block In Newark: James Street