Ville de Saint-Lazare invites its residents to demonstrate their creativity and imagination in creating ecological landscapes that are better adapted to natural conditions and require less water and maintenance in general. Registration for the competition opened in June and closes on August 31.

The aim is to reduce the number of grassy areas and increase the number of vegetated areas that benefit pollinators and biodiversity. The contest is open to all Saint-Lazare residents.

Entry criteria

• The landscaping must be located on private property within Ville de Saint-Lazare;
• The landscaping must be visible from the street;
• Only one landscape per participant;
• The landscaping must be composed of plants planted directly in the ground and include diversified, native and perennial species;
• No chemical fertilizers or pesticides may be used;
• Complete the entry form and submit 1 to 3 photos highlighting the landscaping;
• You must agree that the City may use the photos of the landscaping and the names of the participants for any purpose related to the contest, without compensation or mention;
• The landscaping must meet as many criteria as possible.

Evaluation criteria

Ecological landscaping must include :

• Native and perennial plants;
• A wide variety of species (more than 7 species);
• Several types of plants, including ground cover, herbaceous plants, shrubs or fruit trees, melliferous plants or plants for pollinating insects, trees, plants with an edible component;
• Water-saving elements and ecological management practices, for example: watering with recuperated rainwater, compost, natural mulch, wildlife-friendly environment, on-site composting of garden waste;
• The entrant must submit a short supporting text (200 words maximum) explaining how the landscaping contributes to the biodiversity of the area, provides nectar and pollen for pollinating insects, and reduces water consumption and maintenance.

Prizes

Gift cards redeemable at local merchants will be awarded to participants with the highest scores.

• $200 (first place);
• $150 (second place);
• $100 (third place);
• Three (3) $50 gift cards will be drawn at random from among the participants.

For more information on the contest and how to enter, please visit https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/fr/services-aux-citoyens/environnement/activites/concours-d-amenagements-ecologiques.