Garden enthusiast in the Ekurhuleni region should start preparing their gardens in preparation of the 2009 Ekurhuleni Garden Competition. In an effort to create environmentally vibrant surroundings the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality introduced the annual competition aimed at promoting bio-diversity, greening of the environment and the beautification of the municipal area.

Gardens are judged under various criteria focusing on design and layout, plant choice, maintenance as well as water wise aspects and can be entered into one of the eight categories.

Unlike last year when the competition was run regionally to determine the finalists this year it will run on a Customer Care Centre basis with CCC winners competing for the main prizes at the 2009 Ekurhuleni Garden Competition.

Previously, garden competitions were held in various towns as joint ventures between the parks departments and, horticultural societies and garden clubs. The first regional garden competition in Ekurhuleni took place in 2007 in the Eastern Region. The success of that competition led to Council approving a Metro wide competition in 2008 which gave Ekurhuleni gardeners the opportunity to compete in an even bigger and better competition. In 2009 the competition will take place during October / November. Prizes will be awarded to the best gardens in each category in each CCC and overall in Ekurhuleni.