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 neighbourhood 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 going to the "Contact Us" form page with the address(es). Nominations for 2025 closed on June 25th. 2026 Nominations are not open yet.​​

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