2008 Wilmington City Gardens Contest

The 2008 Wilmington City Gardens Contest, now in its 26th year,
recognizes Wilmington gardeners for their contributions
to a greener city. Volunteers can participate by either entering
their gardens, or by judging.

No previous experience is necessary. This event truly brings
together the best of what Wilmington gardeners and judges have
to offer. Refreshments are served during judging.

For more information, contact Marcia Stephenson, Special Events Coordinator, at (302) 658-6262 ext. 105 or mstephenson@dehort.org.

The City Gardens Contest is sponsored by

Download the City Gardens Contest Entry Form Here

WILMINGTON CITY GARDEN CONTEST CATEGORIES

Individual Categories:
Flower garden - Any garden area or series of gardens consisting of ornamental and/or flowering plants, herbaceous and/or woody plants.  Garden can be any size.  Adjacent areas like lawns or vegetable gardens will not be included in judging.
Vegetable garden - Any garden area or series of gardens consisting of plants grown because they are edible, including fruits and vegetables.  Garden can be any size.  Adjacent areas, i.e. lawns, flower gardens, will not be judged on their plantings.
Container garden - A garden that is grown primarily in non-permanent containers raised above ground level.  Can be any type of plants.  Adjacent garden and lawn areas are not included in the judging.
Entrance garden - A garden area or series of gardens planted around the door into the house, especially between the front of a row home and the sidewalk. All types of plants and features are included in this category.
Landscape garden – A garden consisting of several different spaces surrounding a house. All kinds of garden elements are included in judging this category, including trees, flower beds, containers, and other features.
Water garden - A garden area planted in and around a water feature. It may emphasize water plants in combinations with any other plants. Only the water feature and immediate garden area are included in the judging.
Child's garden - A garden planted and maintained by a child or children in an immediate family, under the supervision of an adult for the purpose of learning about plants and gardening. Can include ornamental and/or edible plants.
New garden - Any type of garden started within the last three years that has not been judged in the City Garden Contest before.
Professionally designed/maintained - A garden wholly designed by a professional in the landscape trade or maintained by a professional landscape maintenance firm.
Delaware Nature Society Habitat garden - A garden composed primarily of native plants that attracts wildlife such as butterflies and birds.  The garden should also promote water conservation, composting, and correct fertilization practices.
Tree – An urban-appropriate tree that is properly mulched, watered, and pruned.  The tree should also add to the diversity of the urban forest and to the overall beauty of the neighborhood. Depending on the number of entries, prizes may be awarded to significant mature trees, to young, well-tended trees or street trees vs. yard trees as separate categories.

Community Gardening Categories:
Greenest block – A block in an area where houses have front yards (corner to corner, both sides of the street), beautified with street trees and gardens in front of each house.
Garden block – A block in an area in which there are row homes with no front yards (corner to corner, both sides of the street), beautified with window boxes, sidewalk planters, and street trees.
Flower garden - A garden planted and maintained by a group of people (other than an immediate family) whose primary plants are ornamental - flowers, trees, shrubs
Vegetable garden - A garden planted and maintained by a group of people (other than an immediate family) whose primary plants are edible - vegetables, fruits, etc.
Youth garden - A garden planted and maintained by a group of children (other than an immediate family) under adult supervision for the purpose of learning about plants and gardening.  Can include any type of garden.
Organization garden – A garden at a small business, church, or non-profit, tended by a volunteer or an employee.  Includes all types of gardens.