-
Does Galway City Council run a Garden Competition?
Yes. Galway City Council runs an annual Garden Competition. The competition, which has been running since 1961, is open to all private gardens, housing estates, schools, businesses and community groups in the city.
-
Who can enter the Garden Competition?
The competition is open to all private gardens, housing estates, schools, businesses and community groups in Galway city.
-
What are the competition categories?
The categories are:
- Private houses - front gardens, window boxes/floral displays
- Residential areas - less than 50 houses, 50-200 houses, more than 200 houses
- Schools
- Public and commercial buildings - Including colleges, hotels, churches and places of worship, garages, shops/supermarkets, registered guest houses, industrial estates, commercial/retail parks.
- Community projects - youth group and community group project
-
How can I enter the Garden Competition?
You can enter online using the online application form.
-
Are businesses allowed to enter the competition?
Yes. Businesses are encouraged to enter. The category available to enter is the public and commercial buildings category. Businesses are judged on shopfronts/floral displays and having a litter free area outside your premises. If you would like more information, please contact the Environment Section in Galway City Council - 091 536 400 or environment@galwaycity.ie
-
What is the closing date?
4pm Friday, 26th May 2023
-
How and when is the competition judged?
A competition judge will visit your garden in July and will award marks based on scoring guidelines developed by the Galway City Council. For the front garden competition in private houses, the city is divided into geographical areas and prizes are awarded for the 1st and 2nd place in each area. Schools will be judged in June. Please note judging dates are weather dependent.
This year judges will be awarding marks for enhancing and promoting Biodiversity and pollinator friendly spaces.
-
What are the prizes?
Residential Areas
Entries in this category must be made by a residents association. The presence and maintenance of any special features in residential areas, together with the enhancement and promotion of Biodiversity Will all be taken into account when allocating marks. The litter situation will get special attention.
The category is divided into 3: 0-50 houses, 50-200 houses and more than 200 houses.
€300 Prizes will be awarded in each category.
Houses - Front gardens
For judging this category, the city will be divided into geographical areas and prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd places only in each area.
Houses - Window boxes/floral displays
A Prize will be awarded for 1st place only.
Public and Commercial buildings
A Prize will be awarded for 1st place only for best shopfront/floral display at premises. Attention will also be given to litter in and around the premises. Public and commercial buildings include Colleges, Places of worship, Shops, Hotels, Bars, garages etc.
Community projects
Garden projects organised through community groups or youth groups, including organic garden and planting initiatives can be entered in this category.
Schools
Please note that closing date for schools is Friday, 26th May 2023 and judging will take place in June.
There are 2 school categories: one for best garden, which includes raised beds, vegetable patches etc. and one for best floral display/window boxes.
-
Is there an awards ceremony?
Yes, an awards ceremony takes place every year, usually in September/October.
-
Who sponsors the Garden Competition?
The competition is kindly sponsored by Galway City Council, Dangan Nurseries, Madden Nurseries and Galway Crystal.
-
Where can I get more information on the Garden Competition?
For more information on the Garden Competition, please contact the Environment Section on (091) 536 400 or email environment@galwaycity.ie
-
What can you do to improve Biodiversity?
In line with Galway City Councils objectives in the Biodiversity Action Plan (2014-2024) and the National Pollinator Plan (2021-2025); gardeners are being asked to enhance their gardens and green spaces for wildlife and pollinating bees and insects.
For gardens and green spaces to be good for pollinators, they need to provide food in the form of flowers, shelter for nesting and safety from chemicals.
Judges will be awarding marks for enhancing and promoting Biodiversity and pollinator friendly spaces.
For further information on how to make your garden or green space pollinator friendly visit: https://pollinators.ie/