Pennsylvania Horticultural Society contest winner is a tree that grows in Camden

An entry submitted by a Camden, N.J., resident about a weeping willow that grows in a community garden has been chosen as the first-place winner in the “Tree of the Year Contest” hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Plant One Million partners in New Jersey, Pennsylvania  and Delaware.

Roberts submitted an essay written by her 17-year-old granddaughter, Marion Roberts, and a photo of the tree. The willow was planted five years ago in the Cooper Sprouts community garden with the help of the New Jersey Tree Foundation as part of the Urban Airshed Reforestation Program. In her winning entry, Marion wrote: “Our community members fight poverty every day, yet the willow tree remains a peaceful place in our community, helping our residents to see the importance of our urban canopy.”

The PHS “Tree of the Year Contest” highlights the impact of trees on individual lives and communities. This year, residents of all ages throughout the Greater Philadelphia region were invited to submit short stories, essays, or poems -- of 200 words of less -- that explained why a particular tree is important to them.

A reception to honor the winner and other contest entries will be held Wed., Sept. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the Camden Children’s Garden, 3 Riverside Drive, Camden.

Speakers will include PHS President Matt Rader, Camden Mayor Dana Redd, Susan Bass Levin of the Cooper Foundation, Jessica Franzini of the New Jersey Tree Foundation, and first-place winners Sheila and Marion Roberts.