Congratulations to you and your organization on receiving a GRO1000 grant from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company!

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1 Dear Grant Recipient, Congratulations to you and your organization on receiving a GRO1000 grant from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company! Public greenscapes offer numerous life-changing benefits for the neighborhoods in which they are created. Scotts Canada, a part of Scotts Miracle-Gro, in partnership with Communities in Bloom and Plant a Row Grow a Row; applaud your initiative to create a garden or green space within your community. And we look forward to hearing more about your project and its successes. We encourage you to share the news of your garden or green space publicly Enclosed are support materials aimed at generating awareness for your GRO1000 Grassroots Grant and project with your local media and/or on your own website. An electronic version of these materials has also been provided for your convenience. We hope you find these materials helpful as you further develop your garden or green space and begin to share its beauty and many benefits with your local community. Again, congratulations on your grant. Sincerely, Karen Stephenson Director, Regulatory Affairs and Stakeholder Relations Scotts Canada Ltd Argentia Road, Plaza 5, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 2R7 Tel: 905/ Fax: 905/ Website:

2 Media Outreach When promoting your project with the media or generating awareness for an upcoming event, consider the following questions: - What is the news? o Is this a new space? o Is the concept for this space unique or new to your community? o How will the community benefit from this project? o Are there key community leaders involved with the project? o What are the unique stories tied to the space, such as an interesting volunteer or beneficiary or an interesting struggle to get the project off the ground? - If you are hosting an event, such as a work day or dedication program: o What is its purpose? o Who is hosting the event? o What will happen at the event? o When will the event take place, including date and time? o What activities will take place at the event? o Where will the event be held, including the location name and full address? Provide the media with as many answers to these questions as possible. The press release template(s) provided can help serve as a guide for compiling this content. Be sure to include your name, telephone number and address, including a phone number for the day of the event, if applicable. It is also useful to identify a spokesperson to represent your organization to the media. If you aren t sure who the appropriate spokesperson is, consider someone with the following characteristics: - Comfortable speaking with strangers (media) - Knowledgeable about the garden/green space - Available to talk with the media before, during and after the garden or green space is installed * Note that when you act as a spokesperson, you are representing your organization, and the purpose is to discuss the new garden or green space. Should media want to contact Scotts Canada for details or additional questions, please contact Karen Stephenson at karen.stephenson@scotts.com.

3 When beginning outreach, compile a list of the local print, television, radio and online media in your area, including contact information. Generally, media have a website with a Contact Us or About Us page where you will find lists of who is responsible for writing on each topic. Look for the name, , fax and phone number of each contact you want to reach. If you are unable to find contact information on the Internet, call the outlet s general information line and ask who should receive the information. When reaching out to print and broadcast media, the best method is usually . If the address is not available, try to fax the information. Each type of media operates on a slightly different schedule. To maximize your efforts, consider reaching out to the following outlets in the timeframes suggested below: - Community Newspapers about 1-2 weeks before the event - Daily Newspapers about 5 to 7 days before the event - Broadcast (TV and Radio) 3 days before the event Contact the outlets again the day before the event to remind them of your event and provide them with any additional newsworthy information. If you secure coverage in a print publication or on the television or radio, please share it with, Karen Stephenson at karen.stephenson@scotts.com.

4 GRO1000 Program Resources For more information about the GRO1000 Gardens and Green Spaces Program, please check out the following resources or contact GRO1000 Social Media Channels If your organization is active on social media, on Twitter to receive the latest news, insights, stories and resources about sustainability, environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility from ScottsMiracle-Gro. Additionally, posts, photos and videos shared on social media should include the hashtag #GRO1000. By adding the GRO1000 hashtag to anything shared publicly, information about your garden or green space will be shared with others. In 2014, ScottsMiracle-Gro launched an online resource for community gardeners, Gro & Chat ( Gro & Chat is a place for fellow community gardeners to discuss everything from planting to coordinating volunteers. By joining, you can add to discussions, offer expertise or ask questions. To join, simply visit create a free account, and start posting and sharing! Media Tools The following media tools can help your organization communicate information about your project. Please review these materials and update the templates with the facts relevant to your project. If you are not planning an event or do not plan to generate awareness for your project with local media, these templates can also serve as an announcement for your website, social media or newsletter. News release: A news release informs the media about an upcoming event or possible story opportunity. It should be one to two pages and provide all the essential information about your event or program. General gardening and green space facts: In addition to information about your particular garden or green space, media often appreciate additional general facts within the same subject matter that may allow them to plug into a larger story. Backgrounder: Backgrounders often give the media a quick snapshot of the entire program, including its history.

5 LOGO GUIDELINES The Scotts Miracle-Gro Logos The Scotts Miracle-Gro logos are comprised of two logos: The Scotts logo and the Miracle-Gro logo. Logo Download in JPG format: To save the logos on a PC, right click on the image and Save As To save the logos on a Mac, ctrl + click on the image These logos may be used: to support the GRO1000 Grassroots Grant newspaper articles ads that support these projects websites merchandise, where it relates to the project supported Who may use The Scotts Miracle-Gro Logos? a) A recipient of the GRO1000 Grassroots Grant b) By accredited media reporting on the GRO1000 Grassroots Grant c) Credited companies for use of GRO1000 Grassroots Grant d) Accredited sponsors, supporters and friends of GRO1000 Grassroots Grants projects e) Anyone who has received permission from Scotts Canada Why should The Scotts Miracle-Gro Logos be used? a) Use is encouraged to help a community promote and celebrate its designation as a winning community of a GRO1000 Grassroots Grant b) To encourage its citizens to participate in community improvement projects c) Use is encouraged by sponsors / supporters of GRO1000 Grassroots Grant projects d) Use is encouraged by individuals of a participating community in support of a Scotts Canada event.

6 News Release for a Garden Project <insert your group s logo here> <insert group name> to <Develop or Enhance> Local Community Garden with Support From Scotts Canada Ltd. GRO1000 Grassroots Grant Grant program to help local communities through garden and green space development <insert city>, <insert province> (Month Date, 2013) <insert organization name(s)> is proud to announce the <installation or dedication> of its community garden in <insert specific location>. This garden was made possible through GRO1000, an initiative of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, designed to create 1,000 gardens and green spaces throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe by 2018, the Company s 150 th anniversary. <Group name> received a GRO1000 Grassroots Grant award to <insert specifics on how the grant dollars will be used>. It was one of more than 100 organizations across North America to receive funding for a garden or green space build. Once the project is complete, <insert plans for the garden>. According to <insert spokesperson, title, organization>, We were thrilled to receive the grant support for the <insert name of the garden>. It is our hope that through the development of this space, we can bring our community even closer together, while educating our residents about the benefits of gardening. Community gardens and public green spaces play an important role in towns and cities. The garden in <insert city name> will provide a place for the community to gather and work together to grow fresh produce. A recent report by Food Banks Canada reported that the number of people receiving food from food banks in Canada is 31% higher than in Children and youth, though only 21% of the population, make up 38% of those helped by food banks. <If an event or photo op is occurring, insert those details here and let the community know if they are invited to the particular event>. To learn more about the <insert city name> garden, visit <insert website link, if available>. ### Contact: <insert name of community organization contact name> <insert name of community organization> <insert phone number> <insert address>

7 News Release for a Green Space Project <insert your group s logo here> <insert group name> to <Develop or Enhance> Local Community Green Space, with Support From Scotts Canada Ltd. GRO1000 Grassroots Grant Grant program to help local communities through garden and green space development <insert city>, <insert province> (Month Date, 2013) <insert organization name(s)> is proud to announce the <installation or dedication> of its community green space in <insert specific location>. This green space was made possible through GRO1000, an initiative of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, designed to create 1,000 gardens and green spaces throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe by 2018, the Company s 150 th anniversary. <Group name> received a GRO1000 Grassroots Grant award to <insert specifics on how the grant dollars will be used>. It was one of more than 100 organizations across North America to receive funding for a garden or green space build. Once the project is complete, <insert plans for the green space>. According to <insert spokesperson, title, organization>, We were thrilled to receive the grant support for the <insert name of the green space>. It is our hope that through the development of this space, we can bring our community even closer together, while educating our residents about the benefits of green spaces. Community gardens and public green spaces play an important role in towns and cities. The green space in <insert city name> will provide a spot for local groups to meet outdoors and offer young people without yards somewhere to play. A recent study showed that children living in neighborhoods with more green space gained 13 percent less weight over a two-year period than children living amid more concrete and few trees. Studies also show that over a three-decade period vandalism decreases noticeably in communities, neighborhoods and housing projects where landscaping projects are promoted. In addition, green spaces have environmental benefits, by serving as a habitat for animals, insects and more, and by trapping air pollution and absorbing water that would otherwise run off hard surfaces. <If an event or photo op is occurring, insert those details here and let the community know if they are invited to the particular event>. To learn more about the <insert city name> community green space, visit <insert website link, if available>. ### Contact: <insert name of community organization contact name> <insert name of community organization> <insert phone number> <insert address>

8 THE BACKGROUNDER About GRO1000 Our commitment to garden and green space development in Canada includes GRO1000, a community outreach initiative that we launched in GRO1000 will result in the creation of 1,000 community gardens and green spaces in Canada, the United States, and Europe by 2018 the company s 150th anniversary. Scotts Canada Ltd. a subsidiary of ScottsMiracle-Gro has partnered with Communities in Bloom, Plant a Row Grow a Row, and Nutrients for Life with the hope of bringing together national and local groups to collectively advocate for and demonstrate the benefits of gardening and green space development. Public GRO1000 garden and green space installations are created across Canada by awarding grants to communities. Through the development of community gardens, the GRO1000 initiative encourages and provides a mechanism to directly address the challenge of hunger and access to fresh produce in participating communities by donating a portion of each harvest to a local food-distribution organization. Statistics show that one in six Canadians cannot afford to live and eat, with the number of individuals using food banks doubling over the past 20 years. GRO1000 edible gardens serve as a visible reminder to give back to those less fortunate. Scotts Canada awards two types of GRO1000 grants each year: GRO1000 Showcase Grants. Scotts Canada has partnered with Communities in Bloom, Plant A Row Grow A Row, and Nutrients for Life to offer this exciting initiative in Canada. The Showcase Garden Grant winner is selected from amongst a group of invited communities. Showcase Grants are awarded to communities for the installation of innovative edible gardens, public gardens, and green space development. GRO1000 Grassroots Grants. Grassroots Grants help to foster community spirit and public service through garden and green space projects. Grassroots Grants of up to $1,500 are awarded to local communities to help bring edible gardens, flower gardens, and public green spaces to neighborhoods across Canada.

9 Communities that will join Scotts Miracle-Gro and its partners in the development of community gardens and green spaces will also reap the environmental, social and physical benefits commonly associated with environmental enhancements, such as offsetting pollution, increased physical activity and lower stress. Studies have also shown vandalism decreases noticeably in communities and neighborhoods where landscaping projects are promoted. The GRO1000 initiative is an integral program within the Scotts Miracle-Gro Give Back To Gro philanthropy platform. As a Company, we are dedicated not only to the development of gardens and green spaces but also to overall environmental stewardship. GRO1000 Garden Winners - Canada 2011 The Chinguacousy Children s Garden (Brampton, Ontario) The Children s Garden (Kitimat, British Columbia) The Community Learning Garden (Drayton Valley, Alberta) The Chris Hadfield Community Garden (Milton, Ontario) Les Jardins Escouminois (Escoumins, Quebec) 2012 Kamloops Community Showcase Garden (Kamloops, British Columbia) Coaldale Community Garden (Coaldale, Alberta) Community Garden/Outdoor Classroom (Wood Buffalo, Alberta) Weeding Out Hunger, Agape Centre (Cornwall, Ontario) McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario) Jardin Sens Action (St. Hyacinthe, Quebec) Children s Garden Y Pointe St. Charles (Montreal, Quebec) Community Garden (Quispamsis, New Brunswick) 2013 Goodwill One Tomato Community Garden (Sarnia, Ontario) Growing for Good Children's Garden (New Westminster, British Columbia) Parkland School Division Health Champion Growing Project (Stony Plain, Alberta) St. Elizabeth Community Garden (Humboldt, Saskatchewan) Fabulous Fall Event Project (London, Ontario) Roots to Harvest (Thunder Bay, Ontario) Le jardin des campeurs (Rawdon, Quebec)

10 Jardin communautaire École Clément-Cormier (Bouctouche, New Brunswick) Chedabucto Place School Garden (Guysborough, Nova Scotia) 2014 Cathy Wever Extreme Park Makeover (Hamilton, Ontario) Britannia Urban Garden, Britannia Secondary School, Vancouver, British Columbia Garden of Growth, Boys and Girls Club of Leduc, Alberta Cree Green Dream Catcher, Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Saskatchewan Community Garden Sharing the Growth, South East Helping Hands, Steinbach, Manitoba Dig In! Campus Agriculture's Demonstration Garden, University of Toronto, Ontario Community Gardens, Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative, Ontario Potager urbain au Foyer Rousselot, Mercier-Ouest Quartier en santé, Montreal, Quebec Serre-à-tous : un jardin communautaire intergénérationnel, Dieppe, New Brunswick Therapeutic Garden, Common Roots Urban Farm, Halifax, Nova Scotia Lewisporte Community Garden, Environment and Beautification Committee, Lewisporte, Newfoundland & Labrador

11 Facts and Benefits of Gardening According to recent polling, 91% of Canadian homeowners maintain a flower garden and 67% of Canadian gardeners also have an outdoor edible garden, either in-ground or in containers. Gardens encourage people to eat healthier and are cost-effective. The Public Health Agency of Canada (2008) has stated the two main health benefits that community garden participants experience are physical activity and stress relief. Gardening is considered a moderate to intense form of exercise. The Toronto Youth Food Policy Council reports that the average Canadian household throws away nearly one third of the food they buy. Hunger Count 2012 conducted by Food Banks Canada reported that the number of people receiving food from food banks in Canada is 31% higher than in 2008, Children and youth, though only 21% of the population, make up 38% of those helped by food banks. Facts and Benefits of Green Spaces A recent study showed that children living in neighborhoods with more green space gained 13 percent less weight over a two-year period than children living amid more concrete and few trees. For adults, green space has been linked to longer life for seniors, faster recovery from injury, lower body mass and less stress. Studies over a three-decade period have revealed that vandalism decreases noticeably in communities, neighborhoods and housing projects where landscaping projects are promoted. Green spaces provide habitat for a variety of birds, fish, animals, insects, and other organisms, while also providing corridors and greenways to link habitats. An acre of grass will absorb hundreds of pounds of sulfur dioxide per year. Trees have been shown to absorb pollutants; as few as 20 trees can offset the pollution from a car driven 60 miles per day.