Seed Money Overview
2013 to Date
The "Seed Money" Award to be given to an applicant(s) who submits a project that best exemplifies the mission of the Beautification Committee, "honoring the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains while seeking to reflect that beauty on the streets and in the lives of the citizens".
Focus of work must be gardening related, within Black Mountain, and adding a little something extra to our town. The money for this project is raised at the Black Mountain Garden Show and Sale. We have steadily increased the award amount each year and now the award will not exceed $750. On-going maintenance will not be a responsibility of the Beautification Committee. Members and relatives of the Beautification Committee are not eligible.
Award Recipients
- Swannanoa Valley Museum - garden in front for educational experience
- Julia Stout, a local artist - a garden at Town Hall (Julia is now deceased)
- Local book club - so they could plant milkweed
- 3rd Grade Elementary School Reading Class - created an outdoor reading area garden
- Primary School - landscaping around school
- Owen High School - environmental landscaping around campus
- Black Mountain Home for Children - drip irrigation system for vegetable gardens
- Own Middle School - plantings for an Appalachian Heritage Garden
- Black Mountain Elementary School - adding a recycled garden section in the current garden
- Adults and Students from Invisible Hands at Christ Community Church have plans to build a raised garden bed at Nana’s Place.
- Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center - built a geological garden
Process
The Seed Money Committee meets in January to start the process for the new year. The application process starts in January with information posted in The Black Mountain News, Facebook and this website. Applications are sent to everyone who had previously applied.
We allow about six weeks for applications to be received so that we can review and make recommendations before the entire committee. All applicants are contacted by March 31.
Announcing the 2018 Award Winners
The Old Depot Association
The Old Depot Association will be constructing raised planter beds with perennials and shrubs to the area between the depot platform and the railroad tracks.
[Pictured L-R, Sarah Vekasi, Martha Johnson, Board Members Old Depot Association; Lisa Wasoski, Chair Seed Money Committee]
St. James Episcopal Church
The Episcopal church will be adding a new Victoria Magnolia to their garden site surrounding their sign on W-70.
[Pictured L-R, Lisa Wasoski, Chair Seed Money Committee; Sue Murray, Tom Bailey, Rev Judith Whelchel from St James Episcopal Church]
Thank you all!
We would like to thank all applicants for the 2018 Seed Money grants. There were 10 applicants for the awards this year. The interest to help make Black Mountain even more beautiful and serve the community is inspiring!
Lisa Wasoski, chairperson for the Seed Money sub-committee says, “It was a very challenging decision as we try to review the applications with a mind as to how the available monies can best be used, and how they fit in to our mission statement. This year’s applicants had wonderful proposals and we encourage them, as well as others, to apply for our awards in 2019.”