The Tipp City Garden Club expanded their annual Gardener’s Award to three award categories this year. The categories are porch, small/medium yard, and large yard.
This year’s Award Committee was composed of Georgia Bayman, Janis Gudorf, Julie Trick and David Werts. A record nomination of 20 candidates was submitted. The primary requirement for a nomination to be eligible is that the resident at each address is “the” home gardener.
In recognition a sign was posted in each of the award recipient’s front yard and a local garden center gift card was presented.
The winning Porch Award was presented to Tom and Chris Stapleton, 414 W. Main St. The large potted plant on the front steps was welcoming and invited you to come up to see the others awaiting. The beautiful large stained-glass panel provided a filter for the west sun and beckons everyone to come and linger.
Gary and Marie Chihil of 780 Chelsea Lane were awarded the Small/Medium Yard Award. A number of topiaries watch over the colorful garden beds in the front and the mailbox. The fauna continues around the side of their home and into the backyard. There are five water features tucked here and there and solar lights throughout their landscaping.
The gardens of Gail and Mike Porto at 756 S. Hyatt were selected for the Large Yard Award. The deep front yard gives way to classic perennials and shrubs surrounding the front of the home. The gardens wrap around the side and curtain the garage entrance. It is then that the expanse of the property is realized. Several large flower beds adorn the backyard and on the hillside which overlooks a huge vegetable garden and prairie meadow field.