Ajax in Bloom Garden Competition

History of Ajax in Bloom

Each spring, residents, business and school representatives are invited to nominate what they believe will become the best gardens in Town. Judging takes place mid-summer.

• Ajax in Bloom 2009
• Past Winners

The Red Rose of Lancaster

The Red Rose of Lancaster is the official flower of Ajax (adopted in 1999). It is also the official flower for Lancaster, England - the site of initial construction of the HMS Ajax, the ship for which the Town was named after. Rosa gallica ‘officinalis', the Red Rose of Lancaster (also known as Apothecary's Rose) is an antique rose dating back to the early 1600s. The early summer blooms are large, open and semi-double; traditional rose hips can be retained for fall and winter colour and to attract birds. The name suggests a red flower colour; however, growing conditions here do not match those of England. Warmer summer temperatures in this area tend to alter the colour to a deep pink.

Rules for Ajax in Bloom

An Ajax in Bloom Nominee sign will be posted on the property of all nominees. Please leave the sign on your lawn to show that you are nominated. The sign will be picked-up in the summer, so it can be reused - please do not discard it!

• Only gardens visible from the curbside are eligible.
• Judging is yet to be determined. You do not have to be home for the judging.
• The Town of Ajax reserves the right to use the names of nominees, plus photos and addresses of gardens.
• First, second and third prize winners are given an award for residential gardens in each of the four wards in Ajax. 
• Each year's winning garden (Red Rose of Lancaster Award) becomes a Garden of Distinction, and is retired from competition for five years. After this time, the garden becomes eligible to compete again. Each year, with permission from the homeowner(s), a sign will be posted noting the Garden of Distinction designation. Those with the designation will be invited to the Awards Night. Winners at all other levels may continue to compete.
• An Awards Night is hosted by the Town of Ajax in September.  The Committee appreciates the effort that goes into beautifying your home and participating in this great event, but due to the high volume of nominees, the Town limits the number of invitees to the top 25 in each ward.
• If you are one of the top 25 in your ward, you will be sent an invitation to Awards Night. Each person invited can bring one guest, and the cost for your one guest is $5.00, payable at the door. You must bring your invitation with you to Awards Night.

Get involved

Anyone interested in getting involved in the organization of the competition is welcome - novice/non-gardeners and experts alike, by contacting the Operations & Environmental Services Department at 905-683-2951 or operations@townofajax.com. Also, contact us if you're interested in becoming a sponsor or a member of the Committee.

A note on Privacy

Only gardens visible from the curb are eligible for the Ajax in Bloom Garden Competition. Please remember if you take a tour of the winning gardens, respect the privacy of those who help make Ajax more beautiful.