UCD and UC Green Host Inspirational Gardening Award Ceremony

Philadelphia, PA – On Tuesday, October 30th, University City District (UCD), in partnership with UC Green, announced the third annual University City Inspirational Gardens award winners for commercial and residential properties within the boundaries of University City. Held at The Restaurant School, the ceremony recognized an unprecedented 24 University City gardens. UCD and UC Green strongly believe in the transforming power of green space, flowers and general beautification in urban environments, and that such efforts deserve special praise for their dedication and commitment, especially while working with difficult growing conditions.

Lewis Wendell, Executive Director of University City District, added, “This year’s winners reflect the wide range of gardeners involved in beautifying University City. Owners of apartment complexes, homeowners, community gardeners and institutions are all making an effort to contribute to the quality of life in our area. There seems to be an increase in gardening and beautification in University City over the past couple of years and UCD wants to encourage that trend.”

In addition, this year UCD recognized the hard work and inspiration of Amanda Benner, who, from 2004 until just recently, led UC Green in planting more than 1,000 trees, engaging 4,000 volunteers in over 12,000 hours of community greening, creating new gardens in Cedar Park and at Lea School, re-landscaped two traffic triangles, supporting multiple community groups with revitalized greening efforts and block improvement projects, and many other projects and activities that have revitalized University City.

Judged by the UC Green Community Advisory Board, this year’s honors recognized outstanding examples of gardening solutions for a diverse set of landscaping challenges. Each awardee’s garden illustrates a unique and creative approach to landscaping. With that in mind, UCD and UC Green commend these gardeners for their passion and commitment to revitalizing University City. And, the awards go to…

Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 48th and Baltimore Avenue – an outstanding example of collaboration between this historic community anchor and its immediate neighbors
Satellite Café & Paradise Gardens, 701 S. 50th Street – colorful perennials and annuals which pick up the bright colors in the nearby mosaics and murals
1005 S. 46th Street, Chris Leswing – a third floor balcony garden evoking the memory of the hanging gardens of Babylon
New Horizon Apartments, 46th and Chester Avenue – an outstanding example of a streetscape and courtyard landscaping featuring evergreens and annuals
1006 S. 46th Street, Brian Ratigan and Melani Lamond - lush landscaping with roses, woodies, vines, perennials and annuals
1025 Farragut Terrace, Andrew Wheeler – blooms and plantings complementing the two-stepped terrace of a Queen Anne twin
Bartram Beds (SEPTA portal lawns), 3900 block of Baltimore Avenue – developed by Baltimore Avenue in Bloom, an outstanding example of a thematic public landscape celebrating the botanical heritage of University City and West Philadelphia
200 block of S. 43rd Street (between Walnut & Locust Streets) – an outstanding example of block greening improvements lead by tenacious new homeowner, Melissa Barrett, 206 S. 43rd Street, with help from the Spruce Hill Community Association Block Improvement Grant Program, UC Green, UCD, the Tree Tenders Program of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Apartments @ Penn, Fairfax Apartments and numerous volunteers which cut the new tree pits for 13 new bare root trees planted on both sides
200 block of S. Melville Street – new trees, brick flower planters, tree surrounds and planters contributed to the renewal of a formerly barren and fire-ravaged block.
4621 Larchwood Avenue, the c. 1920 historic Garden Court twin of Ezra Wolfe - shade loving ground covers, small hedges, Japanese maples, bamboo and a stone path evoke an Asian-inspired garden theme
441-443 S. 43rd Street, Doug and Rebecca Witmer - purple, blue and chartreuse perennials and shrubs, roses and small trees snake thru the mulch and act as an outstanding example of coordinated front yard plantings by adjoining property owner
4523 Larchwood Avenue, Jessie Schwartz and Al Madrid – an outstanding example of a commissioned new front garden for a Garden Court style row, high off the street.
4611 Springfield Avenue, Liz Campion and Larry Motyka – colorful hanging baskets, real and artificial flowers, and found objects delight passerby and provide a beautiful backdrop for private gatherings.
4514 Chester Avenue, Roy Harker and Bob Rananda – a tree covered paradise with outdoor deck, patio, fountain and 100 species of shade plants.
The Ralston Center, 3615 Chestnut Street, Beverly Agard – landscaping to appeal to all senses with fragrances, horticultural therapies, cooking herbs and eye and ear filled delights.
810 S. 48th Street, Sylvia and Felipe Garcia – lush, robust pink themed annuals paired with lavender detailing of a Queen Anne stone twin.
University City High School Garden, 3601 Filbert Street, Debbie Harris – an outstanding example of a ½ acre school yard brimming with fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
252 Farragut Terrace, Matthew Reilly and Jennifer Orr – white tulips, climbing roses and clematis covered lamp posts complements a lovely paint scheme.
Campus Apartments – an outstanding example of apartment complex garden
Willow Triangle, Saunders Park neighborhood – an outstanding example of a neighborhood improvement collaboration between Saunders Park Neighbors, People’s Emergency Center, and Neighborhoods Now.
West Penn Suites, 48th and Pine Streets – an outstanding example of an apartment building with a strong greening initiative
4900 Osage Avenue – an outstanding example of a continually-improving University City block
Florence Avenue Garden, corner of Florence and 49th Street; caretaker: Maureen Tate – including a beautiful mural framed by a picket fence, this little pocket garden anchors this neighborhood oasis
Holly Street Garden, 321-3 Holly Street, Winnie Harris (and Sheila Henry and Trevor Lee) – these neighbors have taken vacant lots and made them a neighborhood amenity, involving children

Winners each received a special nameplate award plague and stake for their garden, as well as a $10 gift certificate to Greensgrow Farms, which, for ten years, has been finding ways to make food, flowers, and neighborhoods grow where once there was blight.

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University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan and advocate for University City’s diverse, urban community.

With its funky vibe and unique spirit, University City is one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. Located on the west side of downtown Philadelphia, the area is a hotbed of education, science, medicine and research. This dynamic, close-knit community is home to college students, artists, and families who coexist amid world-class universities, dining, nightlife and cultural offerings.

Release Date: Wednesday, November 7th 2007