Elk River Debuts Garden Gem Awards to Showcase the Landscaping of Residents and Businesses

The Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and the Beautification and Public Art Committee are excited to announce the creation of the Elk River Garden Gem Awards, which celebrate exceptional gardens and landscaping efforts across Elk River. Individuals and businesses alike can be nominated for these awards to be recognized for their beautification contributions to the city.  

“So many people in Elk River are passionate about living here and want the community to look its best,” says Josh Mollan, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Elk River. “They also care for the natural environment and have shown that they are eager to invest in landscaping that supports the bees, birds, and butterflies.”

Anyone may submit nominations, including neighbors, contractors, friends, or the gardeners themselves. Learn more about the different categories and how to participate. 

Choose the Category That Best Fits Your Building

Elk River is a diverse community with various housing options and commercial structures. The Garden Gem Awards are sorted into different categories depending on the type of property. They include:

• Single-family homes built before 2000.
• Single-family homes built in 2000 or later. 
• Townhomes.
• Neighborhoods where residents or volunteers manage monument sign landscaping, cul-de-sac landscaping, or a community garden. 
• Commercial properties, professionally managed businesses, or retail/business park monument signs.

The garden or landscape nominated for a Garden Gem Award must be located in Elk River, should be well-maintained during the growing season, have a positive visual impact on the neighborhood, and feature flowering plants, trees, shrubs, and natural ground cover. Previous winners are ineligible to win in the subsequent two years. 

Nominations Run Through July With Judging in August

Nominations for the Garden Gem Awards open in May and run through July 31. The judges will tour the gardens in August, and winners will be recognized in September. The judging will be based on overall attractiveness, design, plant variety, creativity, maintenance, and environmental impact.

The inaugural Garden Gem Awards winners will receive a personalized garden keepsake, formal recognition during an EDA or HRA meeting, a yard sign to display, and possible additional awards. 

These Awards Support Community Involvement While Celebrating Residents

The Elk River EDA and HRA are excited to participate in the Garden Gem Awards because of the economic development value these beautification efforts provide. When residents and businesses take pride in where they live and work, their landscaping efforts make the City look better. This can attract people to the community because they see Elk River as a beautiful place to be.

“With this new program, we hope to promote Elk River as a beautiful place to live, work, and visit,” says Mollan, “Pride in one’s landscape is a benefit for all.”

There’s no guarantee that spending your afternoons gardening will bring your favorite restaurant chain to Elk River, but investing in how your community looks can spur future growth while creating a sense of belonging in living here. 

Nominate a Garden You Love Today

Celebrate your favorite gardens and landscapes by nominating them for the Garden Gem Awards. You can nominate a garden here and learn more about this fun initiative!  

You can also discover other beautification projects by the Elk River EDA that support the region's quality of life. These include the commissioning of the mural Where Energy Flows and the City Beautification Award. We can all work together to keep Elk River a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.