We want to hear about your native plant project and what make it special…to discover what wonderful and interesting things you are doing that support native plant habitats in small gardens or large restoration projects across the continent. To share and celebrate these efforts, NANPS has created the NATIVE PLANT GARDEN AWARDS!
What NANPS wants to Celebrate:
NANPS is looking to celebrate those member’ projects that best relect NANPS mandate To study, conserve, cultivate and restore North America’s native flora.
Using this principle as a guideline, submissions should address:
Plant communities and habitat creation. Good plant combinations are more than just aesthetically pleasing…they provide continuity and sustainability for a host of organisms throughout their life-cycles. If the plant combinations in your project mimic natural plant communities found in your area…tell us! Plants form the basis of habitat and we hope to learn how your project reflects that.
Suitability. It is important that your planting fits into its location or environment. As well, this construction should not disrupt or destroy other environments (eg. The obtaining of materials from a natural area, such as rocks from an escarpment or alvar, in order to recreate a similar area in your backyard).
Diversity. Does your creation offer a range of species or habitats?
Genetic Provenance. A native plant is only truly native when obtained from locally originating stock. While a species be native to your area, if the parent plant originated more than 200 km from your location, slight differences in genetic makeup may make it an unsuitable choice for your garden and may weaken gene pools of nearby wild stock.
Ethics. Seeds and plants are ethically obtained (ie. Plants are not dug from the wild unless via a plant rescue). See NANPS Sources Guidelines for more detailed information.
Aesthetics. Community and neighbourhood acceptance of native plants is key to their long term survival. Your project should attempt to project a positive image of indigenous species. It might even serve as a “demonstration garden”, reflecting possibilities for the integration of native species back into your piece of the planet.
What NANPS will do with your submission:
NANPS will review all submissions and, where feasible, arrange a site visit.
Annual submission deadline is July 31st
Photos and descriptions of the best entries will be posted on NANPS website and in the Blazing Star. How often or how many entries will be posted will depend on the quantity and quality of your submissions.
Award recognition will include a garden plaque, certificate, and pewter NANPS logo pin.
Official recognition and the presentation of the certificate and plaque will be made at NANPS Annual General Meeting.
Please note:
Submissions, including photos / other documentation, will not be returned.
Submitter must either own or have written permission of the owner to enter.
Submitter confirms that the information sent in is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge.
Submissions become the property of NANPS and may be used in its webstie or other publications.
NANPS is interested in learning about your project.Tell us:
While you needn’t address each of these components, the additional information you provide will serve to strengthen and support your submission. Please be sure to include your list of native plants (by species & common name), and how/where you obtained your plants, as best you can. Also include a sketch of your garden indicating the general layout with photographs of key features. These resources may be helpful in completing your submission:
or contact your local native plant society for more advice. | This Checklist is provided for your convenience. If you wish to, download and include with your submission, or simply use as a reference point to help describe your project. Please include any relevant additional information. Location: _____________________________Closest Urban Centre:__________ State/Province:_____Type of location:___ Urban___ Suburban ___ Rural ___ Yard (approx size):_______ ___ Acreage (approx. size):__________ What type of project:___ Garden / Restoration / Other___ Alvar ___ Shoreline ___ Prairie ___ Meadow ___ Alpine ___ Tundra ___ Forest: Carolinian, Deciduous, Boreal…________ ___ Desert ___ Wetland: Fen, Bog, Swam…________ ___ Other ___________________________
Is there a water source for wildlife?___ Lake___ Pond ___ Stream ___ Birdbath/fountain ___ Other: _______________
Do you use
Reason for last application: _____________________ Reason for last application: ________________________________ Watering:___ Rain barrel or natural water collection only(eg. ___ Well, stream, pond). ___ Use municipal (treated) water ___ Drought watering only ___ More frequent: How often ____________ Soil type(s): Clay Sand Loam Silt General Conditions:Sunny & Dry Shady & Dry Shady & Wet…. ____________________________________________ |