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2024 Update

The 2024 Monarch Awards application questionnaire is ready now. Early applications are encouraged.. The questionnaire is basically unchanged from 2022 but we’ve made some changes to streamline the process of evaluation and visits:

• the review team will be looking at applications as soon as they’re received. In the past we’ve waited until the deadline but now, we will determine whether to visit your garden (based on the rubric/standard and the information provided on your application questionnaire) right away.
• we will schedule visits immediately. All visits will happen after the June 20 application deadline, but the dates/times will be arranged with as much lead-time as possible. This will make it much easier to schedule around vacations and the busy lives of gardeners and volunteers alike.

Why did we change to a biennial format?

All the Monarch Awards volunteers really enjoy connecting with and expanding the ecologically minded gardening community here in Hamilton. However, listening to feedback and looking at recent applications, we’ve noticed that holding the site visits and awards year after year does not give gardeners and their gardens enough time to reach their full potential. Holding visits every second year will give these gardens and gardeners extra time to evolve. Many Caterpillar Award recipients work hard to “graduate” to a full Monarch Award—but it usually takes a few years to make enough changes to meet the Monarch criteria. By moving to every two years, we hope to not only recognize more novice gardeners but also see more of those caterpillars transform into monarchs!

As well, Hamilton’s Biodiversity Action Plan will be finalized by the end of 2023. Being backed up with solid public policy will be a huge advantage for the Monarch Awards in 2024. With a mandate to increase biodiversity, Hamilton will be committed to supporting ecologically functional, biodiverse, nature-friendly gardens. It’s what the Monarch Awards have been doing for the past seven years! Public consultation on the Biodiversity Action Plan happens in May and June 2023. All Monarch award applicants are encouraged to read and share your thoughts on the draft document. Stay tuned to https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/plans-strategies/strategies/biodiversity-action-plan for details.

About the awards

The six categories (soil, water, plants, materials/hardscaping, cultural practices, and aesthetics) remain the same for 2024 and judges will be looking for achievements in each of these areas.
Our judges truly enjoy the garden visits. They get to experience so many different styles and approaches. They value the opportunity to give feedback, encouragement, and suggestions, helping entrants reach the Monarch Award level.
Each year there may be a dozen recipients or only a few. If your garden meets the criteria, you receive an award. The bar is high, but not too high!

History

The first awards year was 2016. Originating with a group of gardeners , the idea for an “alternative” garden awards program quickly gained momentum. The organizing committee included staff from the Hamilton Naturalists Club, Environment Hamilton, along with volunteers from the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Crown Point Garden Club, as well as individuals. Currently (2024) our core team has key volunteer support from the Hamilton Naturalists Club, the Royal Botanical Gardens. and the Halton Master Gardeners.

For several years the Monarch Awards was a competition. Now it’s simply a recognition program. Every applicant who meets the standard receives an award.

In 2018 we introduced the “caterpillar” category, to recognize gardeners who are just starting out their native-plant journey, especially in tiny or challenging spaces.

In 2022 we decided to move from an annual to a biennial format. We continue to be completely volunteer-led.

Who can apply

All residential properties in Hamilton are eligible. Gardens must be residential, not on business or commercial properties. Applicants do not need to own the property but do need to be primary person responsible for how the gardens look and function. Gardens can be part of condominium and apartment building grounds.

How to apply (in 2024)

Visit the How to Apply page. There’s an application questionnaire to help us understand what’s happening in your garden and to level the playing field for all applicants.

After you apply

As soon as your application is received, the Monarch Awards team reviews it and determines whether your garden meets the criteria. If it does, one of our volunteers will email you to schedule a visit. Visits are informal and educational–you are encouraged to be on hand to showcase your work. Award recipients will be chosen based on judges’ evaluation of your garden in light of the six criteria categories and the scoring rubric.

Caterpillar level

Special “caterpillar” recognition will look at the efforts of:

• beginner gardeners without a lot of experience
• people making small gardens or “first try” gardens, regardless of the property size
• people with small “postage stamp” properties

Whether your garden is large or small, ambitious or modest, expert or neophyte– the application and the process is the same.
Previous Caterpillar Award recipients are encouraged to apply again. Let us know what you’ve been up to! You may already be at the Monarch Award level and we’d love to recognize your ongoing work.

2024 Dates

Application deadline is midnight on Thursday June 20, 2024 (summer solstice). Site visits are scheduled for July and August.

Questions?
Send us an email admin@monarchawardshamilton.org