Alley Garden Award Judging
Remember that the Alley Garden Awards program is a crime prevention and environmental initiative. We appreciate elaborate gardens, but simple gardens often fit all the criteria needed to win an award. On the flip side, elaborate gardens that are not in the alley, or are accompanied by a dilapidated garage, trash, or weeds should not be awarded.
f.a.q.
Alley garden judging frequently asked questions
Read below to learn more about the Alley Garden Award Judging and email alyssa@macgrove.org if you have any follow up questions.
Most judges prefer to walk through the alleys 2-3 times so it can take anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on how efficient and quick at making decisions you are. Judges may also be asked to follow up and recheck properties after the judging period.
We recommend walking through the alleys once and marking down the addresses that are an absolute YES and an absolute NO, and those that are a MAYBE. Then you can gauge how many flags you will be distributing and get a better sense of which “maybes” should actually be awarded. Then walk through a second time to place your flags. This is just a suggestion so do what works best for you, but it has worked well for many past judges.
Yes! Businesses do just as much to contribute to the community to deter crime by keeping their alleyways clean and well kept. We want to recognize their efforts.
Gardens that are behind a fence are not considered an alley garden, even if you can see through the fence. If the garden is at ground level or above a retaining wall, easily visible from the alley, it should be considered an alley garden.
Yes, flower pots help beautify the alley too so please consider them as an alley garden, even if there is just one.
Use your judgement on this. If the landscape is generally contributing to the beautification of the alley and looks well-kept, consider it an eligible alley garden.
Winning Addresses Form
