WHO:   The St. Charles Beautification Commission in conjunction with the Suburban Journals of St. Charles County will sponsor a Bicentennial Gardening Contest for residents and business owners within the city limits.  Interested parties may pick up applications and native seed packets (including the city flower – the purple Coneflower) at the Information Desk located in the lobby of City Hall.

WHAT:   Applications for the gardening contest will also be available online via the city’s website at www.stcharlescitymo.gov.  The contest will be broken down into six categories:
  . Small Residential                            . Large Residential
  . Small Business                               . Large Business
  . Small Community Organization        . Large Community Organization
Small gardens are considered a garden contained in a pot or planter.  Large gardens are an expanse of green space visible from the street.  Gardens may include shrubs, flowers, trees, etc.

WHERE &   St. Charles City Hall – 200 North Second Street
WHEN: Applications and seed packets to be available at City Hall
All applicants must be residents of the City of St. Charles.  Applications are due in Mayor York’s office (4th floor) by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009.

ALSO:   Small plants are available at local nurseries.  Judging will take place during the month of August with award winners to be announced at the Bicentennial St. Charles City Council meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tues., October 13, 2009.    All gardens must be visible from the street, contain a minimum of 50 percent native plants, and include the city flower, the purple Coneflower. Gardens containing mostly native plants will be given preference.  For more information regarding native plants and native plant gardens, access www.grownative.org.