Out of 100 essays from Chittenden County residents, Tom Tucker of Shelburne won third place in a Lawn to Garden contest sponsored by the Lawn to Garden Campaign. The Lawn to Garden Campaign is an Intervale Compost Products initiative in partnership with Chittenden Solid Waste District, Burlington Permaculture, Grow Team O.N.E., Gardener’s Supply Company, High Mowing Organic Seeds, and Red Wagon Plants.

As third place winner, Tucker received a $50 gift certificate to Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg, soil for his gardens, a free soil test, seeds, and transplants. Tucker sent in his essay in mid-April, and the winners were announced on Earth Day. Since the announcement, Tucker and his young neighbor helpers have created three raised bed gardens in the front of his lawn with flowers, cucumbers, peas, watermelon plants, tomatoes, corn, and broccoli to name a few.

Tucker was thrilled with the prizes and is looking forward to seeing how his gardens produce in its first year.

For more information about transforming your lawn into a garden, call 660-3138.