Monday, December 21, 2009

“Garden Crusaders salute Murphy's efforts - BlueRidgeNow.com”

“Garden Crusaders salute Murphy's efforts - BlueRidgeNow.com”

Garden Crusaders salute Murphy's efforts - BlueRidgeNow.com

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 01:52 AM PST

The Garden Crusader Awards, created by Gardener's Supply in 2001, recognize individuals who make a difference in their community through their passion for gardening. A Garden Crusader is a gardener who has beautified an abandoned piece of land, fed the hungry with their produce, comforted the sick, or taught about gardening or the environment.

The crusader program donates $15,000 in cash and products every year to support community gardening.

Since 1999, Murphy, a teacher and certified horticultural therapist, has been working to transform a 12-acre former nursery into Henderson County's public horticultural center. The Bullington Horticultural Center has a variety of gardens that are used to teach school-age children, as well as adults about the styles and purposes of different types of gardens. Each year Murphy reaches almost 3,000 children and 600 adults through community programs about gardening and horticulture. Murphy also has established several programs that reach out to a variety of people such as at-risk and learning-disabled youth, and elderly and disabled members of the community.

"Working hands-on with children and adults is the best way to teach them about the importance of gardening," Murphy said. "I have worked hard to create these programs, and every day I reap the benefits of that work."

Nancy Gilchrist nominated Murphy for a Garden Crusader Award because of his "dedication to teaching school children about gardening and natural science. His work with challenged youth is inspiring and educational for gardeners who learn through volunteer work and other community members."

Murphy continues to plan, design and develop public gardens, as well as to establish a curriculum for both youth and adults. His work has been an inspiration to his community and has reached many children and adults who otherwise would never have had an experience with gardening.

The deadline for nominations for the 2010 Garden Crusader Awards is June 1. The four categories are: Urban Renewal, Feeding the Hungry, Education and Restoration.

To nominate a Garden Crusader, please visit www.gardeners.com for an online nomination or e-mail crusader@gardeners.com or call 888-239-1552 to request a nomination form.

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