Boston Garden Contest Accepting Entries Through July 12

By Sara Jacobi

The annual Boston Garden Contest is underway again this year, and entries are being accepted through July 12.

The contest is open to all Bostonians and business owners who have landscaped their properties and planted flowers, trees and shrubs. The contest was first introduced 17 years ago as a way to reward those who have helped to beautify Boston's neighborhoods. 

First place winners will receive the “Golden Trowel” award from Mayor Thomas Menino and prize packages from the Boston Parks Department, Comcast, Mahoney’s Garden Centers of Brighton and other sponsors at an awards ceremony held in August in the Public Garden.  

All finalists in this year’s Garden Contest will also be entered into a drawing for 
a JetBlue grand prize consisting of roundtrip flights for four to any nonstop destination from Boston. 

There are several categories, including small yard garden, business garden, shade garden, vegetable garden and more. 

Last year, two winners were from the South End: Timothy Haynes, owner of Blade Barbershop at 603 Tremont Street won first place in business store front category, for his front garden.

John Marino of Berkeley Community Garden won first place in the community garden category for his color and style garden with stone walkways, pergola, custom storage shed, granite seating area with covered trellis, vegetable garden and koi pond. He also won first place in 2010.

For the multi-year award winners, the mayor has introduced another level: The Garden Hall of Fame. Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last 10 years will be automatically entered into the Hall of Fame and will be recognized at the awards ceremony in late August.  

To enter the contest, apply online at www.cityofboston.gov/parks/gardencontest or pick up entry forms at Boston City Hall, Boston Community Centers, and Boston Public Library branches. For more information, call 617-961-3051.