The City of Toronto Etobicoke York District invited residents of Wards 1-7, 11-13 & 17 to participate in the 13th annual Toronto Garden Awards Contest 2011 with a deadline of July 6, 2011.
This is Toronto’s way of recognizing the efforts of residents, businesses and other property owners in making their neighbourhoods beautiful.
Winners in each area and category will be honoured at an Awards Ceremony on:
Date: Tuesday, October 11
Time: 12 to 2 p.m., official remarks: 12:15 p.m.
Location: Toronto City Hall, Members’ Lounge, 100 Queen St. W.
The Best Residential Garden in Etobicoke York will be selected from the first place winners in each area and will go on to compete for the Toronto’s City Wide Garden of the Year.
There are three categories in the contest:
- “Traditional Residential Gardens:
- gardens with a predominance of grass.
- a first, second and third place winners will be named from each area.
- Environmental Residential Gardens
- a garden that substitutes plants for lawn, or significant areas of lawn, and utilizes environmentally sensitive gardening practices.
- use of organic gardening methods including the elimination of garden chemicals is essential
- although points are awarded to gardens that have native plants and help create wildlife habitat by providing food, shelter and water for indigenous birds and animals, an environmental garden does not have to include these components
- a first, second and third place winner will be named from each area
- Commercial Gardens
- these properties will be viewed from all sides and from within property limits
- these properties will be judged by District
- a first, second and third place winner will be selected from Etobicoke York as a whole.
Furthermore, the judging criteria include:
- Design: 30% – for creativity and originality of design; balance and scale of garden to building; selection and arrangement of plant material; use of colour and texture in relation to building (at time of judging); design of traffic flow, both pedestrian and vehicular
- Use of Plant Material: 20% – that is suitable to the location; use of
perennials and annuals as to diversity, suitability, spacing and
balance; use of plant material that encourages beneficial insects,
butterflies, birds, toads etc., indigenous plant species
- Condition & Maintenance: 15% – Overall cleanliness of property including: driveways, parking areas with respect to weeds and garbage; hedges, flowerbeds, borders with respect to pruning, edging of beds, control of weeds, disease and insect damage; lawn or ground covers good colour, dense growth, well maintained; some unobtrusive weeds may be considered acceptable
- Hard Landscaping: 10% – Condition of driveway surface and walkways; appropriate use of stones, rocks, walls, fencing, statuary, garden art,containers, water features, outdoor structures and furniture, bird houses and toad houses etc.
- Environmental Practices: 10% – Use of good environmental practices such as mulches, rain barrels, compost, etc.; overall reduced pesticide use.
- Community Contribution: 10% – How the property contributes to the beautification of the neighbourhood as viewed from the street.
- Distinction: 5% – Impact and special overall appeal and special features.”
Please click here for more info about the 13th annual Toronto Garden Awards Contest.
Congratulations!
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Media Advisory
October 7, 2011
City of Toronto to honour 13th annual Toronto Garden Award recipients
The City of Toronto will present the 13th annual Toronto Garden Awards. The awards recognize residents, businesses and organizations who have contributed to the beautification of non-public spaces in the city.
Date: Tuesday, October 11
Time: 12 to 2 p.m., official remarks: 12:15 p.m.
Location: Toronto City Hall, Members’ Lounge, 100 Queen St. W.
There are three categories in the contest:
• Traditional Residential
• Environmental Residential
• Commercial
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
—————————
You may also like:
You’re Invited: The Trillium Garden Awards Presentation Today