Last call to recognize your neighbour’s Curb Appeal

Submit your nomination by July 4

Do you know a homeowner or business in your neighbourhood that does an exceptional job at maintaining their property? There’s still time to nominate them for the City of Vaughan’s 2023 Curb Appeal program! Submit your nomination by Tuesday, July 4 by completing the online form, calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or emailing greenguardians@vaughan.ca – be sure to include the property or business address.

The City’s Curb Appeal program celebrates the gardening efforts of residents and businesses that help beautify our community. Nominees will be visited by community volunteers who will evaluate the properties based on the following criteria:

• overall aesthetic of the property is visually appealing
• property shows the use of variety, colour and textures in plantings and landscape
• design incorporates the use of shade trees
• property uses perennials and annuals
• property shows creativity in design and materials
• design uses drought-resistant plantings and other environmental measures, such as rain barrels to collect water
• property uses mulch to help retain moisture

In July, volunteer judges will hand out 800 Curb Appeal signs for property owners to display on their lawn.

How to make your property stand out

If you are new to gardening or lawn care, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Ensure your grass is cut neatly and free of weeds. To help it grow thick and healthy, add topsoil, seed and water for long periods infrequently instead of short periods often.
• Purchase mulch in a variety of colours to make your garden pop. Not only does it keep soil healthy, mulch also holds moisture and nutrients, which will help prevent weed growth.
• Incorporate a variety of plants and flowers in your garden. Perennials, such as Bee Balms, Russian sages, Begonias and Black-eyed Susans, are low-maintenance – and pollinators love them! Annuals, like coleus and angelonia, are a great way to add height and bright colours to your garden.
• Consider adding stones or rocks in different colours and sizes.
• Include an illumination or water feature, such as lamps or a small fountain.

Remember, the City’s Water By-law 106-2022 (PDF) restricts outdoor water use from May 15 to Sept. 30 each year. This water conservation measure ensures an uninterrupted supply of water for everyone to use.

Outdoor watering is allowed from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on permitted days:

• Even-numbered street addresses are restricted to watering on even-numbered calendar days.
• Odd-numbered street addresses are restricted to watering on odd-numbered calendar days.

Apply to become a 2023 Curb Appeal judge

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer Curb Appeal judge? To apply, fill out and submit a Curb Appeal volunteer application form. Volunteers must attend a two-hour training program hosted by the City. During training, new judges will learn about the types of environmental features and qualities a home must have to receive Curb Appeal recognition. When it’s time for evaluation, the judges will visit properties throughout the city and place a total of 800 signs on homes that demonstrate exceptional effort and beauty.
 

For more details on Vaughan’s Curb Appeal program, visit vaughan.ca/CurbAppeal.

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