Chicago is paying attention to CEGA! Here is a sampling of the articles and interviews various media outlets have published about the awards.
June 12, 2023 KayLeigh Padar for Block Club Chicago
“The contest is free to enter. Even if you don’t win, you’ll get a visit from an expert horticulturist and advice on how to improve your garden.”
May, 2023 Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine
10-4-2022 Kyle Garmes for The Beverly Review
“A friend’s father gifted her a cart that he insisted be called Frank—for reasons she still doesn’t know—and she puts fresh produce in the cart outside her home and gives it away for free.
‘I fill Frank up and put Frank out,” Horn said. “That was a big success.’”
9-29-2022 Monica Eng for Axios:
“The Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards handed out their top prizes at a ceremony in Beverly last weekend.
Why it matters: Gardening has exploded since the pandemic began, and these awards celebrate folks who make Chicago a greener, healthier and better place to live.”
9-26-2022 Bob Benenson in Local Food Forum:
“On Saturday, Barb and I (and our friend Gerry) had the pleasure of attending the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA) ceremony held at Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery on Chicago’s South Side. CEGA is a passion project for Mike Nowak. . .on whose radio program I’ve appeared several times to discuss our local food scene.”
6-2-2022 Monica Eng for Axios:
“Local traditions are blooming again this summer.
- One of our favorites is the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA), which resumes in-person judging this year and is taking nominations through July 1.”
5-9-2022 Patty Wetli for WTTW News:
“With more people gardening than ever, organizers of the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards are keen to see what the city’s green thumbs have been getting up to in area yards, parkways, patios, school lots and other green spaces.
5-3-2022 Bob Benenson in Local Food Forum:
“Gardening had a big upswing during the pandemic as many people found themselves with a lot more time at home, so the competition for the awards will be even stiffer than before. And — very important — community and food gardens are eligible for awards.”
6-29-2019 John Williams on WGN Radio (about 18 minutes in)
6-18-2019 Monica Eng on Worldview, WBEZ Radio
6-14-2019 Megy Karydes for Forbes.com:
“Flip through any home décor or lifestyle magazine and it’s likely you’ll see lush and manicured gardens framing splendid homes. We don’t often get a sneak peek into more traditional, but no less impressive, urban gardens grown with love and attention that rivals those larger properties. Thanks to the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards, many of those thoughtfully-designed gardens are getting the recognition they deserve.” more . . .
6-5-2019 Patti Wetli for Block Club Chicago:
“Gardening in Chicago is no walk in the park what with the unpredictable weather — either too wet, too dry, too hot or too cold — heavy clay (possibly toxic) soil, voracious wildlife and an overall lack of plantable space. And still the city’s green thumbs persist.” more . . .
May, 2019 – Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine:
“When does an event become a tradition? If the first year is inaugural and the second year is a return, is it the third year? Regardless of the label, in 2019 the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA) is starting its third season as the preeminent citywide gardening competition.” more. . .
April/May, 2019 – Kathleen Thompson for Chicagoland Gardening Magazine:
Gardeners change the world. And if you think that’s an exaggeration, you haven’t met the people who enter the Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA) each year. Some are individuals who, working alone or with their families, create oases of peace and beauty in the urban landscape. Some are teachers whose students are growing food and developing skills they can use to find jobs and live useful lives. Some approach gardening as scientists, some as artists, and some as wild-eyed dreamers. And they all contribute to making Chicago a healthier, more beautiful, and even more socially just place to live. more . . . (pdf)