"Growing Together" is what the Mississauga in Bloom program is all about!

Recently developed under the umbrella of the national program Communities in Bloom, Mississauga in Bloom builds upon the Communities in Bloom motto of 'People, Plants and Pride, Growing Together' and works to strengthen community partnerships, encourage civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification of the city.

More Information - Email us at mississauga.blooms@mississauga.ca

Streetscape Mississauga was introduced in 2009, as a program of Mississauga In Bloom, and is Mississauga's first, annual, city-wide garden contest.

In partnership with The City of Mississauga, the volunteers have created and operate Streetscape Mississauga, which provides residents, horticultural societies and gardeners the opportunity to share expertise and to showcase the beauty of Mississauga.

Streetscape continues to grow for the benefit of a more liveable Mississauga and helps reinforce the ideals, expressed by thousands of residents, that shape Mississauga's Strategic Plan.

contest overview

Open to all city residents, the contest focuses on front gardens only. Entering your garden is a wonderful opportunity to share your enthusiasm, expertise and personal gardening style and to encourage others to beautify their own little piece of the neighbourhood.

Judging will begin on June 25, 2010 and run through to early August. Gardens will be judged by volunteers from local horticultural societies and the City of Mississauga's Parks Division staff. There will be three classes of garden - large, small and townhouse. Prizes will be awarded in each class.

Your garden may be a simple green retreat or a dazzling display of colour - both have their own unique magic. So show us your meandering pathways, your prize roses, your calming fountains or your special collection of plants, but above all - show us your love of gardening!

You don't need to be an expert to enter - all experience levels are welcome, from the beginner to the seasoned gardener!

what we are looking for

The judges will be evaluating each garden under the following criteria:

Visual Appeal: The overall visual impact; a pleasing sense of harmony of scale, colour and texture.
Overall Design: A good use of space; design coordination between plants and other elements.
General Maintenance: The quality of care in pruning and weed and disease control; evidence of environmental practices such as mulching.
Originality: The WOW factor; creative use of special features such as ponds and rockeries; unique styles such as theme gardens.

Helpful Download: The Do's and Dont's of a Winning Garden (pdf)

prizes

First, second and third place winners will be selected in the large and small garden classes.

First prize: gift certificate, value - $200
Second prize: gift certificate, value - $100
Third prize: gift certificate, value - $75

One winner will be selected in the townhouse garden class. Best townhouse garden: gift certificate, value - $100 Winners will also receive a year's free membership in the horticultural society of their choice, a commemorative garden plaque and - of course - neighbourhood bragging rights, value - priceless! All winners will be notified by August 15, 2010, and will be invited to a special event to receive their awards.

contest rules

• The contest is open to all Mississauga residents, with the exception of last year's first prize winners.
• Entries must be received by June 18, 2010.
• Late and incomplete entries will be disqualified.
• Front gardens ONLY will be judged, with as much of the side garden as is visible from the street.
• Judging will be in three classes.
• Measurements are from lot line to lot line.
  Large garden: frontage 51 ft. (15.5 metres) or larger
  Small garden: frontage 50 ft. (15.2 metres) or smaller
  Townhouse garden: any size
• Gardens may be entered in only one class. Judges reserve the right to reclassify a garden, if necessary.
• Gardens planted by the owner/resident must have been maintained by the resident for at least one year (12 consecutive months) prior to the contest, with the exception of lawn care professionals.
• Professionally planted gardens must have been maintained by the resident for at least two years (24 consecutive months) prior to the contest, with the exception of lawn care professionals.
• Judging will begin on June 25, 2010.
  No advance notice will be given of specific judging times.
• Entrants must not be present in their gardens while judging is taking place.
• Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be presented in the large and small garden classes.
  One award will be presented in the townhouse garden class.
• The decision of the judges is FINAL.
• By entering this contest, residents agree to allow judges to walk through their gardens for the purpose of judging.
• All gardens and personal property therein shall be displayed at the risk of the entrant. The City of Mississauga or its designates shall not be held liable for any loss or damage from any cause whatsoever.
• Names and addresses of winners, and any photos taken of winning gardens shall remain the property of the City of Mississauga and may be published as necessary for promotional and awards purposes.

last year's winners

The Front Residential Garden Contest was our first Streetscape contest held to showcase the diversity of gardens in Mississauga. Each garden was evaluated based on visual appeal, overall appearance, general maintenace and individuality. From large, formal, sweeping landscapes to jewel-boxes of colour, from cottage style gardens to smaller innovative, non-traditional gardens, they are all unique and inspirational. Here are the six winning gardens.
Large Garden Category
		1st Place - Lucy and Eric Unger, 1562 Knareswood Drive Stepping into this garden is like entering a wonderful botanical oasis. Every element is in harmony; from the inviting entranceway to the beautiful mature plantings, this is a garden of fabulous textures, boldly grouped plant combinations and meticulous attention to detail. The grand, sweeping borders create an elegant flow throughout the garden, resulting in an atmosphere that is both intriguing and calming.
		2nd Place - Liz and John O’Neil, 1228 Minaki Road If you want something out of the ordinary, this is the garden for you! In a total departure from the average suburban garden, this garden has no lawn and no hard surfaces; but instead offers meandering bark mulch paths through hills and valleys of colourful perennial plantings. Surprise accessories hide in unexpected places and help to make this a garden that the viewer can’t resist exploring.
		3rd Place - Teresa and Albert Wong, 560 Meadow Wood Road This traditionally formal garden has lovely, flowing lines that soften the angular architecture of the house, with bold plant material and pops of vibrant colour that contrast beautifully with the large evergreens. The judges particularly liked the charming shaded arbour off to one side and the wrought iron fence that enhances the view of the lovely back garden.
Small Garden Category
		1st Place - Patricia Griesser and Loren Bandiera, 572 Drymen Crescent This garden is a jewel and reveals the wonderful design sense of its creators. Most of the final judging group said that it made them want to go home, rip out their gardens and start all over again! The ditch rockery looks as if it’s been there forever, and the main garden, with its flowing lines and use of colour and texture, delights the eye and leads the viewer to a tantalizing glimpse of the back garden beyond.
		2nd Place - Rosemary and Robert Malone, 42 John Street South The judges felt that this delightful small garden beautifully complemented the architecture of the house, with its cool greens and old fashioned roses. The front porch, surrounded by greenery and accented with antique touches, is reminiscent of days gone by and seems like the perfect spot to sit, with a cup of tea, and shake off the cares of the day.
		3rd Place - Monika and Henry Schouten, 2715 Quill Crescent This tiny front garden is a perfect example of what can be achieved in a small, exposed, suburban lot. The restrained use of foundation plantings is enhanced by selective hits of exuberant colour and the whimsical scree garden at the side of the driveway is the perfect way to lead the viewer beyond the garden gate. This garden is proof that, sometimes, simple can be better.