What is Front Garden Recognition?

Front Garden Recognition is a program designed to beautify Richmond Hill by encouraging residents to create attractive, colourful and well-maintained front gardens. Gardens are nominated by neighbours, friends, relations or even by yourself. Following the nomination, the garden is then judged by the Richmond Hill Garden & Horticultural Society. Deserving gardens are awarded a Front Garden Recognition sign provided by the Town and Royal LePage: Your Community Realty. In 2007, more than 650 gardens received a sign.

How can my garden be nominated?

Between Sunday, June 1 and Tuesday, July 10, you can nominate front gardens by one of the following methods:
  • E-mail: parks@richmondhill.ca
  • Visit: www.richmondhill.ca to fill out an online nomination form
  • Phone: contact Mera Seyffer at
    905-884-8013, ext. 4477
  • Mail: Front Garden Recognition,
    1200 Elgin Mills Road East
    P.O. Box 300
    Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Y5

What are the criteria to receive a sign?

All Richmond Hill gardens are eligible, however:
  • You must be nominated to be eligible;
  • Only front and side gardens are eligible;
  • Gardens must have curb appeal;
  • Gardens must be well maintained;
  • Gardens must exhibit a good selection and arrangement of plant material and colour; and
  • Gardens must not contain artificial flowers or holiday décor.

NEW! Healthy yards category

This new category is designed to recognize those who eliminate pesticide use in their gardens. To be eligible you must:
  • Display a Pesticide Free lawn and garden sign in your front garden. Free signs are available at any Town community centre or the Municipal Offices. You can also call (905) 771-8870, ext. 3885, email naturalheritage@richmondhill.ca or make your own sign.
  • Be nominated in the Healthy Yards category; and
  • Ensure your garden meets all of the other Front Garden Recognition criteria.

How will the gardens be judged?

Teams of volunteer judges from our society will examine each nominated garden using the listed criteria. If the judges agree, the garden will receive a sign. If the garden does not meet the criteria, the judges will leave a letter of recognition.

As always, we thank everyone for participating and remind you that the judges decision is final.

When will the gardens be judged?

The judging will take place from Friday, July 25 until Monday, August 11, 2008.