Metro Blooms hosted their annual Garden Awards last Thursday evening at Columbia Manor to recognize those who beautify our city and protect our environment with their gardens.  The awards were a little different this year as they were a stand alone event instead of part of Blooms Day.  This allowed the awards to be a bit fancier and for our volunteers and gardeners to receive the appreciation they so deserve!

The evening began with some mingling and cocktails while all 200+ attendees checked-in.  The band the Lazy Kids performed before and after the awards and were greatly enjoyed by everyone at the event.  Once everyone took their seats the program began with a welcome from Bob Wolk, the energetic chair of Metro Blooms’ board.  Next, dessert was served and volunteers were recognized.  Craig Wilson, CEO of Sustology, presented the awards for best gardens of 2012 in categories ranging from best residential garden to best neighborhood collaboration.

All of the gardens recognized as part of the Garden Awards were beautiful, and one award, the Nate Siegel award, was given to Chris Turpen for  inspiring his neighbors to create a neighborhood collaboration of gardens and for always lending a helping hand to a gardener in need.  The Nate Siegel award is named after one of the founding board members of Metro Blooms and isn’t given out every year.  However, this year, it was well-deserved by Chris Turpen.

Guests at the garden awards were also invited to sign a “raindrop pledge” to support Metro Blooms on Give to the Max Day, which is this Thursday, November 15th.  Give to the Max Day is a day to support MN non-profits.  You can pledge your donation to help Metro Blooms improve water quality by clicking here.

You can see more photos of the event and of the best gardens on our Facebook page.