Grimsby Garden Club: Trillium Awards

Trillium Recipients Announced - August 9th 2021

Grimsby Garden Club has announced its 2021 Trillium Award winners. The annual garden recognition program, co-sponsored by the Town of Grimsby, recognizes Grimsby’s most beautiful front gardens, viewable from the street. All recipients are based on nominations from the community.

2021 Trillium Recipients
295 Hunter Rd-John Deere
88 Livingston Ave-Dr. Charles Daly and Associates Dental Care
147 Main St E-Cole's Florist and Garden Centre
272 Main St E-Grimsby Animal Hospital-Dr Suzi Peters
22 Main St W-Casa Toscana
100 Main St W-Trinity United Church
398 Maple Ave-Ed Sobkowich Greenhouses
20 Hillview Dr-Laurie & Bruce Mackenzie
6 Admiral Circle-Pete Budd
20 Admiral Circle-Irene Wallis & Nick Brown
33 Aspen Dr-Gardener
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
31 Book Rd, #21-Sharon Stanshall
23 Burgess Dr-Tim & Teresa Pieprzak
18 Cedar St Unit 12-Mark Taliano
10 Chardonnay Place-Kimberly & Kevin Marsh
36 Chardonnay Place-Melissa Jarvis
7 Chestnut Dr-Doug & Lorna Banting
60 Conrad Place-Chris & Nancy Clarke
16 Deer Park Court-Zoi Ouzas
260 Dorchester Dr-Mac & Cathy Rideout
264 Dorchester Dr-Ruth Kelly-Freake
6 Driftwood Court-Graham Rickard
60 Driftwood Court-Donna & Marty Tyre
28 Elderberry Ave-Bob & Terry Attwood
41 Elderberry Ave-Anna Krupicka
34 Elgin St-Deena Errampalli & Andrew Piggott
39 Elm Tree Rd W-Carolyn French & Andrew Thies
13 Fair Ave-Susan Pearce
9 Forest Rd-Diane Tuck
32 Garden Dr-Mary Allan
37 Garden Dr-PJ & Marg Vermeer
27 Golf Woods Dr-Joanna Suan
31 Golf Woods Dr-Susan & David Manuel
12 Heathcote Court-Leanne & Kevin Wallace
23 Heathcote Court-Brian Love
12 Hewitt Dr-Sharon & John Bowler
6 Highland Dr-Lynn & Richard Jones
12 Hillview Dr-Roy & Carol Drenth
14 Jacob's Landing-Lenore Zettel
20 John St-Niagara North Condo Assoc-Rita Walmsley
12 Kelson Ave N-Gubter & Chris Deess
17 Kerman Ave-Wendy Phelps
55 Kerman Ave, Unit 29-Debbie Newton
322 Lake St-Donna Cobbledick
19 Lake St, #13-Jerry Farrell & Pierrette Robillard Farrell
19 Lake St, #14- Gardener
19 Lake St, #15-Kim & John Parrott
19 Lake St, #16-Elizabeth Fisk
32 Lakeview Ave-Mae Rawcliffe
204 Livingston Ave-Joel & Suzie Morris
209 Livingston Ave-Josephine Bono
125 Main St E-E. Pilato
243 Main St E-Jerry & Judy Heeringa
275 Main St E-Evergreen Terrace
344 Main St E, Unit 2-Lynn Faragher
93 Main St W-Carol & John Dinsmore
135 Main St W-Brenda Mater
9 Mary Drive, #2-Clint & Elaine Thompson
78 Morrison Cres-Andrew McQuillan
21 Nelles Blvd-Sheila Louisy
24 Nelles Blvd-Karin McDonald & Ernie Nash
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
18 Parkwood Rd-Tricia & Chuck Bindner
36 Parkwood Rd-Elizabeth & David Staples
111 Peach Tree Lane-Marino Tonan
113 Peach Tree Lane-Anna & Ted Wallace
142 Peach Tree Lane-Marilyn Potocic
6 Peachwood Place-John & Lynn VandenBroek
14 Robinson St S-Mrs David Parkinson
6 Sophie Court-Roger Sicard
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
78 Terrace Dr-Joan, Dan & Jesse Dominick
82 Terrace Dr-Walt & Janie Civiero
87 Terrace Dr-Joe & Sharon Fisher
91 Terrace Dr-Klaas & Anne Bokma
94 Terrace Dr-Leon Laskowski
13 Viking Dr-Heather & Clayton Jessome
26 Vintners Lane-P. Rossi
472 Woolverton Rd-Liza Fuller

To see the Trillium recipient gardens click on the link to the presentation on Issu HERE.

Address Only List of Residential winners are:

6 Admiral Circle, 20 Admiral Circle, 33 Aspen Dr, 12 Baker Rd South, 6 Bal Harbour Dr, 14 Bell Ave, 9 & 11 Birchpark Dr, 31 Book Rd, #21, 23 Burgess Dr, 18 Cedar St Unit 12, 10 Chardonnay Place, 36 Chardonnay Place, 7 Chestnut Dr, 60 Conrad Place, 16 Deer Park Court, 260 Dorchester Dr, 264 Dorchester Dr, 6 Driftwood Court, 60 Driftwood Court, 28 Elderberry Ave, 41 Elderberry Ave, 34 Elgin St, 39 Elm Tree Rd West, 13 Fair Ave, 9 Forest Rd, 32 Garden Dr, 37 Garden Dr, 27 Golf Woods Dr, 31 Golf Woods Dr, 12 Heathcote Court, 23 Heathcote Court, 12 Hewitt Dr, 6 Highland Dr, 12 Hillview Dr, 14 Jacob's Landing, 20 John St - Niagara North Condo Assoc, 12 Kelson Ave N, 17 Kerman Ave, 55 Kerman Ave, Unit 29, 322 Lake St, 19 Lake St, #13, 19 Lake St, #14, 19 Lake St, #15, 19 Lake St, #16, 32 Lakeview Ave, 204 Livingston Ave, 209 Livingston Ave, 125 Main St E, 243 Main St E, 275 Main St E - Evergreen Terrace, 344 Main St E, Unit 2, 93 Main St W, 135 Main St W, 9 Mary Drive, #2, 78 Morrison Cres, 21 Nelles Blvd, 24 Nelles Blvd, 23 Nelles Rd N, 11 Nelles Rd S, 35 Orchard Parkway, 11 Parkwood Rd, 18 Parkwood Rd, 36 Parkwood Rd, 111 Peach Tree Lane, 113 Peach Tree Lane, 142 Peach Tree Lane, 14 Robinson St S, 6 Sophie Court, 36 St Andrews Ave, 5 Sunnylea Cres, 6 Sunnylea Cres, 18 Sycamore Cres, 21 Tamarack Court, 78 Terrace Dr, 82 Terrace Dr, 87 Terrace Dr, 91 Terrace Dr, 94 Terrace Dr, 13 Viking Dr, 26 Vintners Lane, 472 Woolverton Rd

Non Residential winners are:

295 Hunter Rd - John Deere, 88 Livingston Ave - Dr. Charles Daly and Associates Dental Care, 147 Main St E - Cole's Florist and Garden Centre, 272 Main St E - Grimsby Animal Hospital, 22 Main St W - Casa Toscana, 100 Main St W - Trinity United Church, 398 Maple Ave - Ed Sobkowich Greenhouses

Special Awards:

We are pleased to participate in our Town’s Carolinian Capital initiative. This year’s Trillium recipient of the Most Inspiring Natural Garden goes to 20 Hillview Drive - Laurie & Bruce Mackenzie.

And a special Trillium for Garden Club Contribution goes to 6 Peachwood Place - John & Lynn VandenBroek.

Small Gardens:

We made a special call-out for small garden nominations and received well over 20. Here are the small garden recipients:

31 Book Rd, #21 Sharon Stanshall

18 Cedar St #12 Mark Taliano

41 Elderberry Ave Anna Krupicka

28 Elderberry Ave Bob & Terry Attwood

13 Fair Ave Susan Pearce

19 Lake St #16 Elizabeth Fisk

19 Lake St, #13 Jerry Farrell & Pierrette Robillard Farrell

19 Lake St, #14 Kim & John Parrott

19 Lake St, #15

344 Main St E, Unit 2 Lynn Faragher

9 Mary Drive, #2 Clint & Elaine Thompson

26 Vintners Lane P. Rossi

To see the Trillium recipient locations on a google map click HERE.

Trillium Sponsors 2021:

Grimsby Garden Club and the Town of Grimsby
2021 Summer Trilliums Program

Gardeners who make our neighborhoods look beautiful deserve to be recognized. That’s why the Grimsby Garden Club and the Town of Grimsby sponsor and run this event. We recognize and celebrate Grimsby’s outstanding gardens.

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

Key Dates:

Nominations Accepted: Jun 1 - 30
Judging of Nominated Residential Gardens: Jul 13 - 19
Winning Garden Owners Notified: Aug 2 - 6
Publication of Winning Gardens: mid Aug

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!

We have created an overview of the Trillium Judging Criteria. We hope you find this document interesting and instructive. Let us know what you think at grimsbytrillium@gmail.com

Check out Trillium Criteria Explained

About the Trillium Assessment Criteria:

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

Volunteer judges visit all nominated gardens.

Judging Criteria Detailed Description:

1. Curb appeal:

The judges check to see:

If the exterior looks inviting, welcoming and attractive
If the property creates a good first impression
If the property catches your attention immediately

Curb appeal can be accomplished a number of ways, such as:

exterior decorations
colour scheme
attention to landscaping

2(a) Landscape design principles:

The judges check for:

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

2 (b) Landscape design elements:

These are tools used to achieve principles of design:

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

3. Landscape Maintenance

Softscape refers to the live elements including ornamental grasses, plants and shrubs. Hardscape refers to the non-living 'built’ environment including stones, rocks, pavers, structures, water elements and mulches.

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)

Trees, Evergreens and Shrubs:

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)

Landscape Maintenance:

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

Download the Criteria Overview HERE.

Download Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) HERE.

Grimsby Garden Club Trillium Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Grimsbygardenclub.ca

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?

A. Artificial turf is discouraged as a major feature in residential gardens. The Trillium program recognizes beautiful front gardens, and recommends natural, living material in a natural environment. When artificial turf is used extensively and is noticeable as a feature on the landscape, it may be considered a disqualification. Like artificial trees, bushes, and flowers, it generally falls outside the program’s purpose.

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. The answer is sometimes. In 2020, COVID-19 caused changes in our processes and submissions. These were special circumstances that caused delays in the mail and did not allow in-person submissions. 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 a special circumstance like an illness. Typically a grace period of a few days will be allowed.

14. Q. How do I know if my garden should participate?

A. The detailed and summary assessment criteria are published here on the website. The Grimsby Garden Club website and the Facebook page show pictures of some of Grimsby’s Trillium recipient gardens, or one can drive around and look at last year’s gardens, as the addresses are listed on the website. Contact the chair of the Program if you would like to have input from an experienced Judge.

15. Q. My garden is on a busy road – how do you assess it?

A. The judges will find a place to park so that they can view the garden. Grimsby has a particularly difficult constraint on roads up the escarpment. If the homeowner allows it, the judges will park in the driveway – judges will ask permission first. We want to do everything possible to include every garden in the Trillium Program and want to accommodate all the circumstances of our beautiful surroundings.

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?

A. If you are interested in becoming a Trillium judge, contact the Trillium chair, the Grimsby Garden Club President, or email the Grimsby Garden Club. The contact information is available on our website. An orientation and training session is required for all judges. For 2020 Trilliums, it will take place June 25th 2020.

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.

There is no distinction based on ownership or garden activity. This means that it could be that the front garden has been designed and maintained by the garden owner(s) or tenants or non-residential staff. They may have help from family or friends. They may use a lawn maintenance service for mowing and trimming, or a garden maintenance service for garden bed maintenance. Landscape firms may build or install garden elements such as driveways and garden beds or other landscape features. Tree trimming is often done by professional tree firms.

The program is not similar or comparable to an art competition with static items to be judged and where copyright can be ascertained and should be adhered to. Most garden design/maintenance is not static and not copyrighted. It is a living, moving art.

NEW FAQs 2021

19. Q. Are there requirements for a front garden to have flowers (annuals or perennials) to be able to get a Trillium Award?

A. There is no mandatory requirement for flowers to be in the garden material. The garden design theme sets the context for what materials are present. An “English Cottage” garden will have an abundance of floral material whereas a “Topiary Scape” may have few or no flowers. There is the expectation of plant material of various forms. An example is Japanese Forest Grass and Hostas which create textural elements, with variations on green. Even then, there are “gardens” that surprise the viewer with hardscaping that creates a garden and sculptural effect.

All styles of gardens are encouraged –minimalistic, formal, modern, traditional, Japanese (including Japanese waba sabi), Rock gardens, Prairie/Meadow. Informal and cottage style, Courtyard, and Country/rural. There is a long and wonderful history of garden styles over the centuries.

20. Q. When is a front yard not a garden?

To start with the definition of a garden:

Dictionary.com tells us that a garden is a plot of ground, usually near a house, where flowers, shrubs, vegetables, fruits, or herbs are cultivated, and that a public garden is a piece of ground or other space, commonly with ornamental plants, trees, etc., used as a park or other public recreation area

The Cambridge Dictionary says that a garden is “ a piece of land next to and belonging to a house, where flowers and other plants are grown and often containing an area of grass.”

Wikipedia says: A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, or enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature, as an ideal setting for social or solitary human life. The single feature identifying even the wildest wild garden is control. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials.

When a front yard is lacking in any plant material, e.g. is only a parking pad, it will not fare well in the evaluation. When the front yard is extremely ‘naturalistic’ – perhaps resembling a wood lot, then the design criteria will identify where the strengths and weaknesses lie.

21. Q. What if my house isn’t as attractive or as new as other houses?

A. This is an important question as people are certainly influenced by the style and size of façade of a house in general.

There are three activities in judging the garden:

a. We ask the judges to look at the front yard putting their hand over the house and evaluate it

b. We ask the judges to look at the front yard in context of the house as input to unity, harmony, balance and proportion. Check out these design elements further HERE (link to the presentation/document)

c. A third element is at play – the quality of maintenance of a house as part of the property. The front walk way, stairs and driveway should be in good repair, as should fences, gates and other external property features. When things are poorly maintained, a house can appear unattractive and even ugly.

22. Q. How many Trilliums are awarded? Is there a minimum evaluation grade required to achieve a Trillium?

A. Approximately 60 residential Trilliums were awarded in 2020. As Grimsby has grown and more houses have been built, the Trilliums awarded has increased slightly each year.

23. Q. How do structured gardens compare to more casual gardens in terms of judging results?

A. There are some exemplary structured gardens in Grimsby. These have complex plantings of shaped and topiary-shaped shrubs and evergreens. At the same time, there are exemplary casual gardens, native, naturalistic and “English cottage style” that have received Trillium awards.

There is a trend for formal and structured gardens to be neat within in the planting design so that there is ‘space’ between the plants. For casual gardens, plants can ‘spill onto the sidewalk’ or intermingle and create drift effects. This is the difference in the garden theme and style.

24. Q. Are the gardens all judged at the same time? Can my garden be judged earlier or later?

A. The Trillium Program publishes a schedule of the nomination period, the week for first judging, the week for second judging, and then the week of awards announcement. The intent is to stay within that schedule. Nominations were allowed after the published deadline in 2020, due to COVID impacts. If there are similar constraints in 2021, the nomination period may be extended.

25. Q. How do you ensure scoring of the gardens is fair, consistent and repeatable? (Here are two choices:)

A. The process of judging follows these steps:

a. Judging teams of 2 assigned

b. Each person judges separately and records the score

c. A second judging team repeats the above

d. The 4 sets of scores are averaged

B. The process of judging follows these steps:

a. Judging teams of 2 judge the property and combine their scores

b. The overall results are reviewed and second judging takes place where judges request a second look

26. Q. How do you decide on the curb appeal score – is it a personal opinion or are there criteria?

A. There are a few approaches to the curb appeal score.

a. the “BLINK Test” – Sally Cunningham co-author of Buffalo Garden Style describes this as “Look at the space for a few seconds - then close your eyes. What did you see? Describe it. The answer will tell you lots about that space: Is there a focal point? Does it have a frame or a backdrop? What colours dominate? Where was your eye directed? The answers are clues to why a design is or is not effective, interesting or special – as opposed to just blah.” Page 59

b. The “Wow” moment – this occurs when driving down a street and a front yard garden makes you stop the car to look. It stands out from all around it.

27. Q. Do big houses in newer neighbourhoods have an advantage over other smaller, older houses in older neighbourhoods?

A. It can seem like there might be an over-representation of larger, newer houses nominated for Trilliums. Facades, driveways, gardens are made of newer materials and elements, making them appear very pleasant. At the same time, larger houses are generally on smaller lots, and driveways take up a substantial portion of the yard. This can lead to issues of balance, unity and harmony in the design area. This occurs when more than 1/3 of the front yard is a driveway of paving stones. There is design imbalance that needs to be compensated for.

28. Q. Will my front yard score higher if it takes more effort to maintain my garden – where there are lots of flowers, plants, shrubs and trees, compared to other gardens with far fewer plants, or with a dominant driveway / hardscape front yard?

A. The beauty of a garden can vary based on style. Some very beautiful gardens have a minimalist approach. An example would be a Japanese Garden style. There are few plants, exquisitely placed and maintained. Rocks or sculptures may be key features to the artful display. The initial design of the garden requires great work, and the maintenance may be less in these gardens.

A botanic-garden approach, with diverse trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals will require much more maintenance to keep its appearance attractive. There definitely is a Wow factor to a botanic garden front yard. It can incorporate more colour and that is a big draw for the eye as colour plays an important factor in appeal.

Perhaps the telling criteria in deciding if a garden scores high is what its WOW factor is. If this front yard garden makes you stop the car, get out and look at the garden, then it will generally score high all-round. If you slow down when you see this garden and think that's a great garden, then that is also an excellent-scoring garden. If you drive by and 'notice' the garden, then it likely isn't going to score as high.

The key factor in high scores is Curb Appeal vs maintenance.

29. Q. How important is the condition of the grass in my front yard? Does it have to be completely weed-free, and what about brown spots? What happens when there is a drought?

A. There certainly are some Trillium winners with excellent to outstanding front lawns. This includes perfectly green, weed-free, nicely mowed to a pleasant height, and separated from the garden and hardscape areas with clear, clean edging. There’s a botanic garden sense to outstanding lawn presentation – Butchart Gardens comes to mind.

At the same time, there is an increasing concern for our environment – for managing our water usage, and for reducing pesticide and herbicides to protect our birds, insects and even our pets.

The Trillium Program would wish for a balanced approach to lawn maintenance. There isn’t a mechanism to check for herbicide and pesticide-free lawns in the judging so we must leave it with residents to be good shepherds of our natural resources.

The question arises about green vs brown lawns due to drought. This is allowable but has its disadvantages.

There have been summers where droughts have lasted so long that grass has died. Summer dormancy occurs when the grass is stressed out by intense heat and drought. It can stay in this dormant state safely for 3-4 weeks without dying. However intense drought will kill it over time. A gardener should monitor the heat and lack of rain so that the lawn does not die. Grass is a living part of the garden and to be cared for. There are various ground covers that can be used in place of lawns for those who wish to conserve water resources.

30. Q. How do I know the focal point(s) in gardens? Can there be too many?

A. Focal points are typically specimen plants, shrubs, garden ornaments, statues, gates, front doors and objects. It is a plant, container, or object that gives you an attractive visual entry point into the garden. It tells you where to look initially and then smoothly directs you to the surrounding garden. It is a plant, container, or object that gives you an attractive visual entry point into the garden. It tells you where to look initially and then smoothly directs you to the surrounding garden. A focal point can be the place where the eye lands as the final resting point. The rule of thumb is the maximum is 5 to 7 things can be focal points in a landscape. Typically there is a dominant focal point and others are subordinate.

31. Q. Can a garden be disqualified?

A. There are two criteria for disqualification: front yard not viewable from the street, nominated gardener does not give permission to release name, address and pictures of the front garden.

32. Q. Can a garden be too neat?

B. This is an interesting question. When hedges and bushes are clipped and sheared so closely that they get “burn” and are brown, this becomes a detriment in the maintenance assessment. Additionally, where the maintenance is dominant over the garden’s design, the garden’s unity and harmony would be lesser, so a lower score would result.

Updated February 2021

grimsbygardens@gmail.com

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:

20 John St - Niagara North Condo Association, 17 Main St E - The Judge and Jester

See the presentation of 2019 Trillium recipients HERE.

2019 Trillium Recipients

6 Admiral Circle, 12 Baker Rd South, 6 Bal Harbour Dr, 23 Burgess Dr, 10 Chardonnay Place, 36 Chardonnay Place, 7 Chestnut Dr, 60 Conrad Court, 16 Deer Park Court, 112 Dorchester Dr, 260 Dorchester Dr, 60 Driftwood Court, 41 Elderberry Ave, 102 Gibson St, 31 Golf Woods Dr, 12 Hewitt Dr, 6 Highland Dr, 14 Jacobs Landing, 308 Lake St, 19 Lake St, Unit 13, 19 Lake St, Unit 14, 19 Lake St, Unit 15, 59 Lakeview Ave, 2 Lawrence Ave, 202 Livingston Ave, 204 Livingston Ave, 209 Livingston Ave, 126 Magnolia Crescent, 125 Main St E, 147 Main St E, 135 Main St W, 41 Main St W back unit, 398 Maple Ave, 9 Mary Drive, Unit 2, 23 McNab Dr, 78 Morrison Cres, 23 Nelles Rd N, 35 Orchard Parkway, 11 Parkwood Rd, 113 Peach Tree Lane, 142 Peach Tree Lane, 33 Rosedale St, 14 St Andrews Ave, 3 Sunnylea Cres, 5 Sunnylea Cres, 6 Sunnylea Cres, 87 Terrace Dr, 91 Terrace Dr, 94 Terrace Dr, 42 Vinifera Dr, 55 Vinifera Dr, 99 Vinifera Dr, 35 Whittaker Ave, 472 Woolverton Rd

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Trillium Awards