Scarborough Resident Recognized as Garden Crusader

Gardener's Supply Awards Roger Doiron First Place in Education Category

With a passion for teaching others about gardening, Roger Doiron has inspired his neighbors, local farmers, and town leaders to become involved in local gardens and food production. For his work teaching people how to garden and about the importance of kitchen gardening in particular, Roger Doiron has won First Place in the Education category of the 2009 Garden Crusader Awards.

Doiron's passion for gardening began when he met his wife while working on environmental policy in Europe. He began gardening, and eventually he turned his attention from working on environmental policy to working on food policy issues. When Doiron and his family moved back to his hometown of Scarborough, Maine eight years ago, he brought the concept of European kitchen gardening with him. Doiron went on to found the non-profit group Kitchen Gardeners International (KGI) which provides a social network and learning tools for gardeners.

"We want to figure out ways of connecting gardening 'haves' with gardening have-nots," says Doiron. "Whether they need information and technical assistance, space or money, we want to help facilitate that."

Martha Whitton, also a Scarborough resident, nominated Doiron for a national gardening award because, "He is the true Garden Crusader. He works tirelessly with individuals and the community to inspire sustainable, edible gardening, and he has absolutely made a difference with his work."

More recently, Doiron played a large part in the successful push for a White House kitchen garden. He initiated an online campaign called "Eat the View," and played a key role in creating public awareness about the White House garden. He has also expanded his home garden; this past year he harvested over 900 lbs of organic vegetables. Doiron and his family are "globally focused, but locally rooted" and have been able to create awareness about the benefits and importance of gardening both locally and globally.

The Garden Crusader Award, created by Gardener's Supply in 2001, recognizes individuals who make a difference in their community through their passion for gardening. A Garden Crusader is a gardener who has beautified an abandoned piece of land, fed the hungry with their produce, comforted the sick, or taught about gardening or the environment. The Crusader program donates $20,000 in cash and products every year to support community gardening.

The deadline for the Garden Crusader program is June 1, 2010. The four categories are: Urban Renewal, Feeding the Hungry, Education, and Restoration. To nominate a Garden Crusader, please visit www.gardeners.com and fill out an application or e-mail at crusader@gardeners.com or call 1-888-239-1552 to request a nomination form.

Gardener's Supply offers everything from seed-starting supplies and garden furniture to flower supports, greenhouses, and nature and garden-inspired gifts. The company is known for its exclusive and patented products and earth-friendly approach to gardening. Found at www.gardeners.com or free catalogs are available by calling 1-800-955-3370.