Grow-Off, Show-Off Contest Winners

Lettuce & Laughter

Christopher Brandow; Pasadena, Calif. (Third Prize, eco-friendly clothing from Patagonia). Brandow planted his vegetable garden in the front yard due to space constraints. He’s since watched both the vegetables and his community friendships grow, with neighbors dropping by to inquire and sample periodically. Christopher says he now grows conversation, laughter and community among his tomatoes, eggplant and artichokes.

By Crikey, Let’s Grow Food!

The Hills and Plains Seed Savers; Adelaide, South Australia (Fourth Prize, a $100 gift certificate to Johnny’s Selected Seeds). The Seed Savers have connected with thousands of new and experienced gardeners, locally and — via their blog — internationally. They are “truly making a difference, by telling our own stories, and linking people to Web sites all over the world that offer new and interesting ideas,” at hillsandplainsseedsavers.blogspot.com.

Kids Dig In

The Children’s Garden at Kachina Country Day School; Paradise Valley, Ariz. (Fifth Prize, organic fertilizer from Neptune’s Harvest). SunflowerOcity.com members revitalized this neglected garden in August 2007. The garden project has sparked additional kitchen garden efforts, inspiring the school to sponsor an “Adopt a School Garden Contest” of their own.

For more information about the contest, visit www.GrowOffShowOff.org.