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

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 our Town was named. 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. We will pick up the sign late in the summer, so we can reuse it next year - please do not discard it!

Nomination Form (also available by contacting the Operations Department at 905-683-2951)

• 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 reserves the right to use 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 will be hosted by theTown of Ajax on September 13, 2007.  The Committee appreciates all the effort that goes into beautifying your home and participating in this great event, but due to the high volume of nominees we will be limiting invitees to the Awards Night 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 to Awards Night can bring one guest and the cost for your one guest is $5.00 which is payable at the door.  You must bring your invitation with you to Awards Night.

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!