Grimsby Garden Club and the Town of Grimsby
2021 Summer Trilliums Program
Nominations will be accepted in June and should be submitted to: Grimsby Trilliums 2021, Grimsby Garden Club, P.O. Box 321, Grimsby, ON L3M 4G5, or scan/photograph the completed nomination form and email to grimsbytrillium@gmail.com
DOWNLOAD THE 2021 NOMINATION FORM HERE
Trillium Sponsors 2021:
We are most grateful to our sponsors who support us in making this program possible. Please support their businesses and keep Grimsby growing!
Check out Trillium Criteria Explained
Gardens are nominated on the basis of their front landscaping, viewable from the street. Nominated gardens are assessed using the following criteria:
- Curb Appeal
- Landscape Design
- Unity/harmony
- Balance
- Scale/proportion
- Rhythm/sequence
- Focal area
- Landscape Maintenance
- Small Plants, Perennials, Annuals and Lawn Grass
- Trees, Evergreens and Shrubs
- Hardscape and Property Maintenance
Judging Criteria Detailed Description:
- If the exterior looks inviting, welcoming and attractive
- If the property creates a good first impression
- If the property catches your attention immediately
- exterior decorations
- colour scheme
- attention to landscaping
- Unity and harmony
- unity is achieved by repeating objects or elements that are alike; there is repetition of shrubs or a colour scheme
- Balance
- can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical
- Scale and proportion
- scale refers to the size of an object in relation to the house and property
- proportion refers to the size of parts of the design in relation to each other and to the design as a whole
- Rhythm and sequence
- smooth blending of different elements
- garden is one unified scene
- property has year-round appeal
- Focal area
- plants or structural elements that accent a given area
- can be achieved using an entryway, front door or a certain location in the garden such as a pond, fountain, arbour, birdbath, pots, rockery or stairway
- Line:
- this is eye movement or flow
- can be achieved by bed arrangement or vertical changes in heights of plants, trees or shrubs
- can be straight or curved and free flowing
- Form:
- individual plant growth or planting arrangement in a landscape such as upright, oval, columnar, spreading or weeping
- Texture:
- describes the surface quality of an object that can be seen or felt
- can include buildings, walks, walls, ground covers and plants
- can be fine, course, bold or medium
- adds interest to the garden throughout the seasons
- Colour:
- should be complex, personal and have a strong effect on the landscape
- may include some flowers; however much of the colour should come from foliage
- using green for continuity along with some colour variety in foliage adds interest
- should direct attention to the landscape and compliment the house
- consideration will be given to year round interest, not just to seasonal colour
- adds interest
Small Plants, Perennials, Annuals and Lawn Grass
Judges will check to see if small plants, annuals and perennials:
- are well maintained
- have healthy colour and foliage
- have been dead headed
- are part of a colour scheme
Judges will check to see if:
- groundcover such as moss or ivy is well maintained
- grass is mowed and edged, weed and disease free and without brown patches (except in rural areas or when a water ban is in effect or drought conditions)
Judges will check to see if trees, evergreens and shrubs are:
- pruned
- shaped
- maintained (deadwood, weak, diseased or damaged branches and stems have been removed)
Judges will check to see if:
- property is maintained
- walkways, driveways, fences are in good condition and contribute to the appearance of the property
- landscaping is maintained and free of litter and weeds
- elements and structures compliment the landscape and are in working order
- the built environment is weed free, clean and well kept
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q. What kinds of gardens are included in the Trillium scope?
A, All front gardens and balconies of residential, commercial, condominium, rental and town house properties. Excluded are buildings located on private lanes and roads, not accessible to the public. Condominium complexes are on private roads and are accessible to the public, so are included. These all must be located within Grimsby boundaries. Please note that the criteria for residential and non-residential are separate.
2. Q. Do the judges walk around the residence’s front garden to view it?
A. The judges do not walk around the front garden. They view it from the street and front sidewalk. They walk along the street or the sidewalk. The Trillium scope is the front garden viewable from the street/sidewalk. Where there is a long driveway to the house, it can be difficult to complete an assessment of the garden. Judges do not walk up driveways. If the street side garden is significant, then it will be assessed. We try our best to include every garden.
3. Q. Do I need to know the owner’s name to nominate a garden?
A. It is not mandatory to include the name in the nomination. It is mandatory for the nominated garden owner to provide their name(s) and give permission for photos and for publishing their name(s) and address. So please consider nominating a garden address, and we will do the rest.
4. Q. Are side gardens included in the judging where there are corner properties?
A. The Trillium scope is a front garden viewable from the street. Where the side garden is viewable from a straight-on front street view, it will be included. The judges do not walk around the corner and view the side garden when it isn’t viewable from the front street view.
5. Q. How long does it take to judge a garden?
A. Typical viewing/assessment times are between 10 to 20 minutes for a garden. Judges use an assessment checklist and scoring form. They have been trained and are skilled in making an assessment. The checklist for assessment is available on the Grimsby Garden Club website.
6. Q. How do you decide the residence’s front garden – it is where the house number is?
A. There are 2 possible front gardens – the part of the house with the number on it, or the part of the house with the front door. The judges look to see where the front seems most likely and use that for judging. This accommodates newer housing sections where the house number is on one street with the garage and the front door is around the corner.
7. Q. Are artificial plants a detriment in the judging criteria?
A. The presence of artificial plants can be a solution for a porch or balcony situation where there is low light. In particular, artificial boxwood is sometimes used in these settings. Artificial flowers can integrate as accent features in the landscape or the container. However, the use of artificial flowers and plants as substitutes for living garden material is discouraged.
8. Q. Is artificial turf allowed?
9. Q. How do judges assess different sized properties – particularly small gardens?
A. Judging different sized properties takes skill and expertise. Judges receive training in applying the assessment criteria in a consistent way. One might think that a small garden has a better chance of scoring higher – for example it likely is less effort and time to maintain to high standards. However, in a small plot of say, 15x20 feet, the effect of each plant and element is critical. One plant out of scale has a medium to high impact. This is the case for mismatched or poor colour integration. Each item contributes to balance, unity and harmony. In a large garden, one plant or element out of place would not have a high impact on the design. In this scenario, groupings and flow of plants and elements are evaluated.
10. Q. Can a garden get a Trillium every year?
A. Yes, there currently are no limitations to the number of trilliums a garden can receive. Beautiful gardens can be awarded a Trillium each year.
11. Q. If a house is recently purchased can it receive a Trillium?
A. Yes, there are currently no rules disqualifying a garden because it has been recently purchased.
12. Q. Is there a way for the public to choose the best gardens in Grimsby?
A. There currently isn’t a popular choice award. We are looking into the possibility of a popular vote, and will keep you up to date on any developments.
13. Q. Can I submit a nomination after the deadline?
A. Yes - this year - 2020 - COVID-19 caused changes in our processes and submissions. These were special circumstances that caused delays in the mail. At other times, the deadline may be moved for things like power outages, weather warnings, and other circumstances that affect everyone in the town. Individual circumstances may also exist: this might be an illness, being away, or a special circumstance. Typically a grace period of a few days will be allowed.
14. Q. How do I know if my garden should participate?
15. Q. My garden is on a busy road – how do you assess it?
16. Q. How do I interpret the assessment criteria and the numerical rating scale?
A. To get a sense of the assessment rating numbers and what they mean, use the following rule of thumb:5 – excellent to outstanding
4 – very good
3 – good
2 – fair
1 – poor
0 – not present/missing
17.Q. How do I become a Trillium judge?
18. Q. Are professionally designed and/or professionally cared for gardens allowed to be nominated?A. The Program allows all front gardens to be nominated - regardless of the designer or caretaker. This program recognizes and supports gardeners in all forms.
FAQ's Updated August 5, 2020
A, All front gardens and balconies of residential, commercial, condominium, rental and town house properties. Excluded are buildings located on private lanes and roads, not accessible to the public. Condominium complexes are on private roads and are accessible to the public, so are included. These all must be located within Grimsby boundaries. Please note that the criteria for residential and non-residential are separate.
2. Q. Do the judges walk around the residence’s front garden to view it?
A. The judges do not walk around the front garden. They view it from the street and front sidewalk. They walk along the street or the sidewalk. The Trillium scope is the front garden viewable from the street/sidewalk. Where there is a long driveway to the house, it can be difficult to complete an assessment of the garden. Judges do not walk up driveways. If the street side garden is significant, then it will be assessed. We try our best to include every garden.
3. Q. Do I need to know the owner’s name to nominate a garden?
A. It is not mandatory to include the name in the nomination. It is mandatory for the nominated garden owner to provide their name(s) and give permission for photos and for publishing their name(s) and address. So please consider nominating a garden address, and we will do the rest.
A. The Trillium scope is a front garden viewable from the street. Where the side garden is viewable from a straight-on front street view, it will be included. The judges do not walk around the corner and view the side garden when it isn’t viewable from the front street view.
5. Q. How long does it take to judge a garden?
A. Typical viewing/assessment times are between 10 to 20 minutes for a garden. Judges use an assessment checklist and scoring form. They have been trained and are skilled in making an assessment. The checklist for assessment is available on the Grimsby Garden Club website.
6. Q. How do you decide the residence’s front garden – it is where the house number is?
A. There are 2 possible front gardens – the part of the house with the number on it, or the part of the house with the front door. The judges look to see where the front seems most likely and use that for judging. This accommodates newer housing sections where the house number is on one street with the garage and the front door is around the corner.
7. Q. Are artificial plants a detriment in the judging criteria?
A. The presence of artificial plants can be a solution for a porch or balcony situation where there is low light. In particular, artificial boxwood is sometimes used in these settings. Artificial flowers can integrate as accent features in the landscape or the container. However, the use of artificial flowers and plants as substitutes for living garden material is discouraged.
8. Q. Is artificial turf allowed?
A. Judging different sized properties takes skill and expertise. Judges receive training in applying the assessment criteria in a consistent way. One might think that a small garden has a better chance of scoring higher – for example it likely is less effort and time to maintain to high standards. However, in a small plot of say, 15x20 feet, the effect of each plant and element is critical. One plant out of scale has a medium to high impact. This is the case for mismatched or poor colour integration. Each item contributes to balance, unity and harmony. In a large garden, one plant or element out of place would not have a high impact on the design. In this scenario, groupings and flow of plants and elements are evaluated.
10. Q. Can a garden get a Trillium every year?
A. Yes, there currently are no limitations to the number of trilliums a garden can receive. Beautiful gardens can be awarded a Trillium each year.
11. Q. If a house is recently purchased can it receive a Trillium?
A. Yes, there are currently no rules disqualifying a garden because it has been recently purchased.
12. Q. Is there a way for the public to choose the best gardens in Grimsby?
A. There currently isn’t a popular choice award. We are looking into the possibility of a popular vote, and will keep you up to date on any developments.
13. Q. Can I submit a nomination after the deadline?
14. Q. How do I know if my garden should participate?
15. Q. My garden is on a busy road – how do you assess it?
A. To get a sense of the assessment rating numbers and what they mean, use the following rule of thumb:5 – excellent to outstanding
4 – very good
3 – good
2 – fair
1 – poor
0 – not present/missing
See the presentation of 2020 Trillium recipients here at Grimsby Trilliums 2020.
2020 Trillium Recipients Named
The Grimsby Garden Club has announced the 2020 Trillium Award recipients.
This annual garden recognition program is co-sponsored with the Town of Grimsby and recognizes Grimsby’s most beautiful front gardens, viewable from the street. Gardens include residential, retail, commercial, condos, townhouses, apartment buildings, and other non-residential properties.
Chair, Sue Rigato reports that this is the fifth year that our Trillium Program is based on nominations. Anyone can nominate a garden for the Trillium program, including the garden owner. More than 200 gardens were nominated. There are 70 Trillium recipients this year.
Residential winners are:
6 Admiral Circle - Pete Budd,12 Baker Rd South - Heather & Gary Roest, 6 Bal Harbour Dr - Barry & Ann Millar, 14 Bell Ave - Ken & Margaret Styles, 9-11 Birchpark Dr - Steven Roxburgh, 366 Book Road - Sarah Schneider, 23 Burgess Dr - Tim & Teresa Pieprzak, 36 Chardonnay Place - Melissa Jarvis, 7 Chestnut Dr - Doug & Lorna Banting, 7 Cheval Dr - J. Davis, 60 Conrad Place - Chris & Nancy Clarke, 16 Deer Park Court - Zoi Ouzas, 112 Dorchester Dr - Amanda & Andy Fraser, 260 Dorchester Dr - Mac & Cathy Rideout, 264 Dorchester Dr - Ruth Kelly-Freake, 60 Driftwood Court - Donna & Marty Tyre, 41 Elderberry Ave - Anna Krupicka, 34 Elgin St - Deena Errampalli & Andrew Piggott, 13 Fair Ave - Susan Pearce, 17 Fair Ave - Kelly Kaulback, 32 Garden Dr - Mary Allan, 31 Golf Woods Dr - Susan & David Manuel, 12 Heathcote Court - Leanne & Kevin Wallace, 12 Hewitt Dr - Sharon & John Bowler, 6 Highland Dr - Lynn & Richard Jones, 14 Jacob's Landing - Lenore Zettel, 17 Kerman Ave - P Phelps, 322/324 Lake St - Donna Cobbledick, 19 Lake St, #13 - Jerry Farrell & Pierrette Robillard Farrell, 19 Lake St, #14 - Diane Archibald, 59 Lakeview Ave - Joan Hill, 204 Livingston Ave - Joel & Suzie Morris, 209 Livingston Ave - Josephine Bono, 125 Main St E - E. Pilato, 135 Main St W - Brenda Mater, 9 Mary Dr, #2 - Clint & Elaine Thompson, 23 McNab Dr - Nancy & Steve Bowen, 78 Morrison Cres - A. McQuillan, 23 Nelles Rd N - Dan-yelle & Alec Lozecki, 11 Nelles Rd S - Sue & Bill Gemmill, 35 Orchard Parkway - J. Fuller, 11 Parkwood Rd - Rebecca & Brian Schmidtt, 28 Parkwood Rd - Joanne & Murray Clarke, 36 Parkwood Rd - Elizabeth & David Staples, 113 Peach Tree Lane - Anna & Ted Wallace, 142 Peach Tree Lane - Marilyn Potocic, 271 Ridge Rd W - Barb & Larry Gibson, 64 Roberts Rd - N Gaidola, 14 St Andrews Ave - Adeline & Ian Finlay, 36 St Andrews Ave - Sue Dodds, 5 Sunnylea Cres - Connie & Larry Kratofil, 6 Sunnylea Cres - Laurie-Ann & Tom Braun, 18 Sycamore Cres - Vi & William Blackwood, 21 Tamarack Court - Gail & Keith Penfold, 82 Terrace Dr - Walt & Janie Civiero, 87 Terrace Dr - Joe & Sharon Fisher, 91 Terrace Dr - Klaas & Anne Bokma, 94 Terrace Dr - Leon Laskowski, 11 Tuer Ave - Tim Moleski & Nancy Nolan, 29 Tunbridge Cres - Josie Hull, 99 Vinifera Dr - Vanessa & Patrick Shaw, 472 Woolverton Rd - Liza Fuller
Trillium Recipients, Non-residential Category:
295 Hunter Rd - John Deere, 88 Livingston Ave - Dr. Charles Daly and Associates Dental Care,147 Main St E - Cole’s Florist & Garden Centre, 275 Main St E - Evergreen Terrace, 372 Main St E - Grimsby Animal Hospital - Dr Suzi Peters, 22 Main St W - Casa Toscana, 41 Main St W back unit - Darryl Allen Salon, 398 Maple Ave - Ed Sobkowich Greenhouses
Circle of Excellence Award for Community Beautification, Non-residential Category:
