Search for the city’s best front gardens underway in Brampton

Brampton is once again calling on residents to show off their green thumbs as the city looks to reinforce the nickname that has defined it for generations — the “Flower City.”

The City of Brampton has opened submissions for its annual Gardens of Brampton Recognition Program, inviting homeowners to enter photos of their front gardens from July 1 to Aug. 1 for a chance to have their landscaping recognized.

Now in its fifth year, the program celebrates residents whose colourful, well-maintained gardens help beautify neighbourhoods while encouraging others to take pride in the appearance of their own properties.

The initiative is part of Brampton’s long-standing commitment to its “Flower City” identity, a title dating back more than a century when the community became internationally known for its greenhouse and floral industry. Today, the city continues to promote attractive streetscapes and environmental stewardship through programs that recognize homeowners who invest time and care into their gardens.

The recognition program is presented in partnership with the Brampton Horticultural Society and the Chinguacousy Garden Club. This year, Brampton Library is also joining the initiative by featuring gardening-themed book displays and bookmarks at select branches to inspire more residents to get involved.

Residents can submit one landscape-oriented photo of their front garden through the city’s online registration form. Gardens will be judged by volunteers based on visual appeal, overall design, maintenance and creativity, with successful entrants being notified in early September.

City officials say the program is about more than colourful flowers. Well-maintained front yards contribute to neighbourhood pride, create welcoming streets, support pollinators and encourage environmentally friendly landscaping practices.

The city is also offering gardening advice to help residents put their best foot forward this summer, including watering in the morning, using mulch to retain moisture, planting pollinator-friendly flowers such as Black-Eyed Susans, Salvia, Hyssop and Bergamot, pruning dead growth and keeping garbage and recycling bins neatly stored to the side of homes.

The initiative also supports Brampton’s Grow Green Environmental Master Plan, which aims to create healthier, more resilient and environmentally sustainable neighbourhoods.

Residents have until Aug. 1 to submit their entries through the City of Brampton’s website.