2021 Mayor’s Garden Contest now open

Mayor Kim Janey and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced that the 25th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest is now open, following COVID-19 public health guidelines. The competition provides the opportunity to recognize the gardening skills of Boston residents who contribute to the beauty of the city’s landscape. Participants have until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, to register. The contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, shrubs, and, in the process, helped beautify Boston’s neighborhoods. The grand prize of two round trip tickets on JetBlue for non-stop travel from Boston is provided by JetBlue. Additional support will be provided by Mahoney's Garden Centers.

“Boston’s gardens and green spaces bring so much joy to our residents,” said Mayor Janey. “I am incredibly grateful to the Mayor’s Garden Contest participants for your role in enhancing the natural beauty of our city. This annual event is a perfect example of our recovery, reopening and renewal as the weather gets warmer and as our public health metrics continue to improve.” 

Gardeners or those nominating their favorite gardeners may find printable and online nomination forms on our website. Alternatively, gardeners may request an application by emailing their name and address to gardencontest@boston.gov. While online applications are preferred, paper submission forms are available upon request; all paper entries must be postmarked by July 8.

First place winners will receive the “Golden Trowel” award, while second and third place winners will be awarded certificates. The traditional awards ceremony is anticipated to occur in late August, depending on the COVID-19 public health guidelines. See a list of winners from last year. Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years will be automatically entered into the Hall of Fame. These distinguished Hall-of-Famers are not eligible to enter as contestants but are invited to return as judges.

The safety of gardeners and contest judges is the top priority of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. Gardeners should follow all current advisories from the Boston Public Health Commission and the City of Boston. Visit our COVID-19 website for the latest public health guidance.

Please call 617-635-4505 or email gardencontest@boston.gov for more information. To stay up to date with news, events, and construction projects in City of Boston Parks, sign up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and follow our social channels: @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.