Prior to the formation of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality some Parks Departments organized Garden Competitions in collaboration with Garden Clubs in their areas. The Council of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality approved the holding of the first Garden Competition in Ekurhuleni in the Eastern Region in 2007. The event was arranged as a pilot project and took place during January and February 2007. Entrants could participate in one of six categories with cash prizes being presented to the three best gardens in each category. Sponsors provided consolation prizes to other worthy entrants. The competition was a great success.

In 2008 the EMM Garden Competition was organized for the whole Metro on a regional basis. Two additional categories were introduced to the competition in an effort to encourage greater participation. Several new sponsors came on board in 2008. A steering committee was responsible for the final judging and organizing the prize giving function which took place at Flora Farm nursery on a Saturday morning in March. The “Best Garden in Ekurhuleni” in each category was recognized at a mayoral function. The 2008 Garden Competition organizing teams was recommended for “Team of the Year” for the Ekurhuleni Employee Excellence Awards.