Categories
The judges will review and recognize exceptional design, installation, and/or maintenance in the four categories below. All entries will be judged on their attention to detail, degree of difficulty, and overall appearance. More than one award of equal value may be given in each category (Grand, Distinction, and Honorable Mention). Contractors that have designed and installed a project may enter it as Design/Build. Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Residential
Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship Design/Build
Outstanding examples of craftsmanship in landscape construction (e.g., walls, decks, gazebos, waterfalls). Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Front Residential Planting and Entranceway
Front Residential Planting and Entranceway Design/Build
Front yard and entranceway. Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Outdoor Living Area
Outdoor Living Area Design/Build
Backyard or special area of a single-family residence. Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Total Residential Contracting
Total Residential Contracting Design/Build
Front and backyard of a single-family residence. Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Residential Maintenance
Single family residence. Programmed care 12 months prior to entry. Minor duties may be performed by owner. One-time projects are not considered maintenance.
Commercial
Commercial Landscape Installation
Commercial Landscape Installation Design/Build
Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Commercial Maintenance
Programmed care 12 months prior to entry.
Ecological Plantings
Ecological Plantings Design/Build
Projects that involve the restoration, reclamation, or creation of natural landscapes that include function and value similar to native landscapes. Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Green Roof
Green Roof Design/Build
- An extension of the existing roof involving high-quality waterproofing and root repellant system, drainage system, filter cloth, lightweight growing medium, and plants.
- Involves creating “contained” green space on top of a human-made structure. This green space could be below, at, or above grade, but in all cases, the plants are not planted in the ground.
- Components may be modular (prepared in movable, interlocking grids) or installed separately.
- Does not include rooftops utilizing free-standing containers or planters.
Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Interior
Interior Containerized Plantings
Interior Containerized Plantings Design/Build
Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Interior Landscape Installation
Interior Landscape Installation Design/Build
Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.
Interior Landscape Maintenance
Programmed care 12 months prior to entry.
Special Events
Special Events
Special Events Design/Build
Short-term projects (both interior and exterior) that exhibit creativity in displays (e.g., Christmas planting, banquet, showroom, exhibit). Design/Build adds an additional level of judging criteria.