THORNHILL GARDEN & HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

You may nominate your own garden and/or nominate gardens within Thornhill that you think are beautiful. There are a few things to remember:

• Nominations do not guarantee being awarded a sign.

• Judging is done by a trained volunteer committee of TGHS using a set of standards.

• Signs awarded are placed for a period of time and then retrieved for use next year (they remain the property of TGHS).

• Our programme is run according to our Society values of respect, positive behaviour and community improvement. Negative remarks and language will not be tolerated nor responded to.

• If you think this is an important program, consider getting involved and volunteer your own time! You will learn a lot about judging and best gardening practices.

 

Consider the Garden - Scale of Points for Gardens & Special Plantings

Judges have the option of assigning a score by category or assessing each item individually to arrive at a total score. Gardens are awarded points based on their presentation on day of visit.

 

The Criteria

Here are the Categories for Judging the Gardens:​​

1. Design: creativity and originality of design; balance, scale and style of garden to building(s); use of space - placement of planting areas and design of traffic flow; successful solution to site problems including severe slopes, road salt, water ponding; use of colour and texture at time of judging

2. Selection, Arrangement, and Use of Plant Material: diversity, suitability, and sustainability - perennials versus annuals, shade and sun, clay and sand; arrangement of plants (plant relationships/composition, spacing, balance); use of plant material that encourages beneficial insects, butterflies, birds, toads, etc. with consideration being given to the use of native species; year-round appeal of plant material selected, especially winter interest

3. Condition & Maintenance: overall cleanliness, tidiness, and good state of repairs of property including buildings, driveways, parking area and storage areas (free of weeds, garbage, clutter); proper pruning of trees and shrubs; edging of flowerbeds, and proper pruning of hedges; control of weeds: overall plant health in tending to plant diseases and insect damage; lawn and /or ground covers - healthy, dense growth, well maintained, (clover and some unobtrusive weeds in the lawn are acceptable)

4. Hard Landscaping & Features: appropriate use of rockery stones, boulders, walls, and fencing; appropriate use of statuaries, garden art, containers, water features, outdoor structures, furniture, and bird houses

5. Environmental Practices: use of good environmental practices, e.g. wood chip mulch, compost, leaf mulch; evidence of environmental water management (e.g. rain barrels, permeable surface, rain gardens, green roots, xeriscaping, and irrigation systems

6. Community Contribution: how the property contributes to the beautification of the neigbourhood as viewed from the street

7. Distinction: impact and special overall appeal, the "wow factor"

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If you know of a garden that meets this criteria, nominate it by emailing: thornhillhort@live.com with the address(es). Nominations for 2025 close on June 25th.​​

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