Creemore Blooms garden contest

Open your garden gates! The Creemore Blooms contest returns for the second year, with a few changes this time around.

This year the judges will be marking back gardens, unlike last year which focused on front gardens.

“We had trouble getting judges to drive around for two-and-a-half hours in the village,” said June Reed, Chairperson of Creemore Blooms, which puts on the event.

“If you do the front, then the problem is the same people will likely win, so this year we are doing back gardens. Next year it might be something else.”

To get into the back gardens for judging, the Horticultural Society requires entrants to fill out an application form.

Entry is open to residents of the village of Creemore, excluding Board Members of the Creemore Horticultural Society.

Gardens must be maintained by the resident of the property. Those that are professionally designed, constructed or maintained are not permitted in the competition.

Applications will be accepted at The Creemore Echo (3 Caroline Street West), the Creemore Branch of the Clearview Public Library and at the Horticultural Society’s stall at the Farmers’ Market (Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm) until Friday, June 20.

From Wednesday, July 2 to Saturday, July 5, contest judges will visit the back gardens of registered contestants.

They will rate the garden using criteria that includes use of colour, shape and texture; harmony and balance; good selection of plant material; and use of focal point.

Judges will name five winners and five honourable mentions. The prize will be membership to the Creemore Horticultural Society.

Creemore Blooms garden contest
Wednesday, July 2 to Saturday, July 5
Pick up an application form at The Creemore Echo until Friday, June 20
www.chs.gardenontario.org/application.htm