BETHLEHEM — The garden club here has created “The Golden Trowel Award” to encourage merchants and owners commercial properties to keep Bethlehem green. 

Stressing the environmental and economic benefits of planting trees, and keeping green spaces, the new award encourages businesses to maintain and make improvements to their landscaping, and recognizes those who have put forth exceptional efforts. Plantings that look pretty and encourage walkers will be noted along with sound ecological practices and a community-minded approach.

The award will be presented annually to up to six different businesses along key Bethlehem gateways, “who have exhibited exceptional garden and/or landscaping efforts, improving the quality of life in our community” the award guidelines state.

“We want to encourage tree-planting, more gardens and landscaping, good use of green space, and appealing walkways in our community,” Louise Kavanaugh, president of the garden club, said in a release. “Bethlehem is known for having charming neighborhoods and tree-lined streets, and this award recognizes those 
merchants who have gone above and beyond in enhancing our natural environment.”

During the months of July and August, members of the Bethlehem Garden Club are taking a look around properties in the greater Bethlehem community to make recommendations of merchants deserving of recognition. Their golden clipboards will include judging criteria such as Garden/Tree/Container Plantings, Neighborhood Enhancement, whether properties are Well-Maintained, Eco-Friendly, exhibit Creative Landscaping, as well as Overall Design Impression.

Container gardens, window boxes, planters, gardens, trees, shrubs, landscaping with rocks or other natural elements are all included.

Winners of the Golden Trowel Award will be announced and recognized in the fall and will receive a customized certificate and a golden trowel to display. 

For more information, visit the website: www.bethlehemgardenclubny.org.