Northrim News
September 1, 2011
2011 Purple Plant Contest Winners
1st Place Flower
Dahlia submitted by Nancy Morrill
1st Place Vegetable
Purple Carrots submitted by Children’s Garden Montessori School
Northrim’s Purple Plant Contest at the South Anchorage Farmers’ Market drew more than 70 entries competing for cash and prizes in flower and vegetable categories.
In spite of occasional inclement weather, contestants kept bringing their entries, and market-goers came by to admire the results of the home horticulturalists. Fortunately, the contest took place under canopies which protected the plants from being pelted by the morning rain showers. Market-goers also found protection from the elements while perusing the contest entries.
As in years past, the flower category garnered the most entries. First place in that very competitive category was Nancy Morrill with a beautiful Dahlia. Second place was Joy Gieselman with a Clematis. Third place was given to Linda Spencer for her Heliotrope.
In vegetables, first place was won by the students of the Children’s Garden Montessori School with their submission of Purple Cosmos Carrots. Second place went to Mary Jane Blum for her Mini Purple Peppers. Third place was won by Robin Houtte with a Dwarf Hybrid Eggplant.
First place in both categories received $100, second place winners took home $50, and third place winners received $25. All winners also received a Proud To Be Alaskan hooded sweatshirt.
In the Northrim Bank Employee Division, Tori Brandon took top honors with a tall purple Delphinium. Kelly Lykins-Longlet took second place with her Ruffled Purple Pansies. Paula Duracinski won third place with her Malva plant. Each winner receives a Proud To Be Alaskan hooded sweatshirt.
Judging the competition was long-time market vendor Alison Arians from Rise and Shine Bakery and Arthur Keyes of Glacier Valley Farm. Arthur started the South Anchorage Farmers’ Market in 2006.
Northrim Bank sponsors the South Anchorage Farmers’ Market and there are plans to hold the Purple Plant Contest again next year. So, plan to grow your best purple flowers and vegetables next spring for the contest judging in August.
