South San Francisco, CA August 10, 2016 City of SSF Press Release
Photo: ssf.net
It’s no secret that Americans love their gardening-in fact, national research shows an estimated 90 million households (75% of all US households) participated in do-it-yourself lawn and gardening activities last year. The City of South San Francisco (SSF) has proven its own commitment to horticulture by bringing home three Blue Ribbons for its competitive entries in the Garden Landscape Department of the 2016 San Mateo County Fair.
The wins stemmed from SSF’s Improving Public Places Committee, IPP, which competed in the event against entries from master gardeners, schools, and garden clubs. The Committee’s submissions in the competition were recognized with top marks:
Restoration of Our County’s Natural Landscape – Won 1st Place for SSF’s Planting and Mulching event at Westborough Park.
Community Landscape Beautification – Won 1st Place for SSF’s Earth Day Cleanup and Mulching event along Centennial Way.
Amateur Garden — Won 1st Place Best in Show, 1st Place Horticultural Distinction, 1st Place Conservation Award, and 2nd Place Use of Color for SSF’s Pollinator Garden, designed by Master Gardener David Venturini.
Alongside the Blue Ribbons that the Committee earned was a total monetary prize of $2,050 that will be used to purchase plants, trees, and supplies for upcoming IPP events.
“I’m pleased that the efforts of South San Francisco’s Improving Public Places Committee to enhance green spaces are recognized and appreciated by others outside of our city community,” said Karyl Matsumoto, South San Francisco Councilmember.
The Improving Public Places Committee is a group of people sharing a common vision of beautifying various public places in South San Francisco. These places include City parks and facilities, as well as other highly visible public areas within the City. The Committee is run by volunteers and host quarterly plantings and clean-up events.
“Our Improving Public Places Committee is passionate about giving back to the community and we are delighted to bring awareness to our wonderful public program by sharing news of our Blue Ribbon wins at the County Fair,” said IPP volunteer, Marie Patea.
Upcoming events from the South San Francisco Improving Public Places Committee include:
October 2, 2016: Combined planting and “meet and greet” event at Francisco Terrace Park from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
December 4, 2016: Annual Wreath Workshop, hosted at the Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event features a do-it-yourself wreath-making workshop. Register through the Parks & Recreation Department Activity Guide.
For more information about IPP or the events, contact marie.patea@ssf.net or call 650-829-3837.