Originally posted on Pollinators Paradise Project blog
Do you garden for nature? Does your patch of earth include habitat for bees and butterflies and other pollinators? Then you are invited to apply to the Hamilton Monarch Awards!
The Monarch Awards recognize Hamilton gardens and gardeners for their contribution to a bio-diverse, sustainable environment.
Originating with a group of gardeners, the idea for an “alternative” garden awards program quickly gained momentum.
The organizing committee includes volunteers from the Crown Point Garden Club (with Bev Wagar, the initiator and visionary behind the Awards) and the Royal Botanical Gardens as well as staff from the Hamilton Naturalists Club and Environment Hamilton.
Last year, due to lack of resources, the Awards were only offered to wards 1 to 4. This year, properties in wards 1-10 and 13 (Dundas) are eligible. Gardens must be residential, not on business or commercial properties. Entrants do not need to own the property but do need to be primary person responsible for how the gardens look and function.
A winner and finalists will be chosen based on judges’ scores over six criteria categories that include soil health, water conservation, native plant species and aesthetics.
Please visit http://monarchawardshamilton.org/ for competition details and rules.
Entry deadline is midnight Sunday June 18, 2017. Good luck!!