Feature Garden Application

Over the years, Canada Blooms has supported garden related projects that have been built across Ontario, for a sum of over $600,000. We are proud of our Tradition of Excellence as we present the best of Ontario’s Landscape and Horticultural Industry in the feature garden area of Canada Blooms. This year we invite you to join us to celebrate our 2012 theme “CityCulture”.   

We are currently accepting applications from recognized and respected landscape architects, designers and design/build firms who are interested in creating a Feature Garden at Canada Blooms, March 16-25, 2012.

Please note we have limited space available to showcase the talent, creativity, craftsmanship and professionalism of our industry members at Canada Blooms. This year we are co-locating with the National Home Show making it the largest indoor event in North America.

If you have ever considered promoting your business by building a garden feature at Canada Blooms, now is the time to let us know. Successful candidates receive assistance because although the festival will build interest for your organization, it also promotes the entire industry. Here is how we help. Successful candidates receive the following.

• Complimentary space
• Sand for construction
• Mulch for garden beds
• Access to volunteer labour
• Access to environmentally friendly propane-powered machinery
• Water for maintenance and water features
• Forced plant material, at their visual peak, at wholesale prices
• Complimentary tickets
• Promotion in the Canada Blooms magazine presented to all attendees
• Link to your organization on the Canada Blooms Website, with over 11 million visits
• Opportunity to participate in scheduled 'face to face' appointments with potential clients
• Awards that include exciting marketing campaigns for the best of the best!

No other festival in the world offers so mach assistance. The theme 'CityCulture' within the Canada Blooms context, culture will refer to not only HORTIculture, GARDENculture, but also to the liberal arts in general and Toronto ethnic diversity. Culture transforms towns and cities. Culture makes lives richer.

We are accepting design applications from September1st until October 15th. Here are some opportunities to consider:

1.      Balcony & Terraces – 15’ x 15’ hard wall backdrop provided. These gardens should be stylish and striking in their design and challenge the designer to find clever solutions to restrictions in space and conflicts of use often found in extreme environments.
2.      Juno Gardens – 27’ frontage x 15’ depth. Collaborate with a Juno award winning artist to create personalized gardens that reflect the artist’s style and genre.
3.      Urban Spaces – 500 to 1,200 square feet. The choice of materials and planting should showcase sustainable solutions to challenging conditions.
4.      Show Gardens – Gardens larger than 1,300 square feet. We actively encourage diversity of design in this category with the expectation that your garden will include 50% green space, and full accessibility to all show-goers.

Participants must submit a design proposal in the form of a sketch, rendering or drawing or any combination of these, and must consist of either: two 8.5"X11" or one 11"x17" jpeg(s). A short paragraph explaining your design is also appreciated. Hard copies can be mailed to the Canada Blooms office if preferred. Your proposal will be reviewed by the competition committee and you will be notified by email if you are selected to proceed.
You can spend thousands of dollars paying for advertising space or other media and yoiur message will only last a short time. Or you can build a garden at Canada Blooms and crate an emotional impression that will last a lifetime.

Please note that feature garden space is limited and submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.  Applicants will be notified if they are selected to summit a rendering of the design proposal that will be reviewed by the Design Committee for final selection.

If you have any questions please contact us at info@canadablooms.com.

CRITERIA FOR FEATURE GARDEN BUILDERS – 2012

The Desing Review Committee will be using the following criteria when selecting garden participants to Canada Blooms 2012:

• Submission of proposal no later than October 15, 2011.
  
• Submission of a design proposal for the garden in the form of a sketch, rendering or drawing or any combination of these.  A design description must accompany the design proposal.
• Information regarding new products, techniques etc. may be highlighted in proposal.
• Design proposal that meets the current needs of CB (ie: innovative, “wow” the crowds, theme etc).
• Plant material (living greenery) in garden to fill a minimum of 50% of gardens over 1,000 sq feet, and 30% for gardens under 1,000 sq ft.
• Company reputation of high level of workmanship.
• Innovative, creative, highly imaginative gardens designed and built at CB in the past. Includes cooperative and professional conduct in dealings with CB staff, volunteers and Direct Energy Centre staff in the past.
• Demonstration of ability to work well under pressure (tight time-lines).
• Active Landscape Ontario member in good standing.
• Access into gardens must include a ramp for wheeled vehicles OR garden must be fully on view from outside its perimeter.
• No outstanding balance with Canada Blooms for goods and services from the past.

Click to see full Hall A floor plan
Note: floor plan is subject to change