Rideau Lakes presents a perennial opportunity to honour and celebrate outstanding local gardens in the 5th year of its annual “Grow For It” garden contest in partnership with the Rideau Lakes Horticultural Society.

Residents can nominate their own garden or one in their community, whether it be a neighbour’s vegetable garden or the landscaping at a local business. Nominations will be accepted across various categories spanning residential gardens, edible gardens, and commercial gardens until Friday, July 26, 2024.

Judging of the gardens will take place from July 26 to Sunday, August 11, 2024.  Excellence in the areas of design, landscaping, use of plant material, condition and overall appearance are taken into consideration. Winners will be announced at a celebratory picnic in August in honour of all those nominated.

The contest began in 2019 as a way to recognize the beautification efforts of our residents, and it grew to include gardens at local businesses. Residents can dig deeper and see a list of previous winners and find the nomination forms at rideaulakes.ca/gardencontest

Mayor Arie Hoogenboom remarked, “The Township of Rideau Lakes is very pleased to highlight the good work of our residents and businesses in making our community vibrant and beautiful.”

Rideau Lakes is home to over 10,000 people who take pride in their communities and bring their gardening talents forward to enhance the welcoming culture of small waterfront villages that make this Township a tourism destination.

Please submit nominations online surveymonkey.com/r/growforit2024 or contact 1-800-928-2250 ext. 238 or by email at for more information.