NATURAL BEAUTY AND PRESERVATION AWARD
In memory of G. Keith & Jean Pickard, F.R.A.I.C., for their outstanding leadership in the
protection and enhancement of the rural landscape of Prince Edward Island.
Prize Donated by The Family of Keith & Jean Pickard.
A special Recognition Award may be made for Natural Beauty and Preservation where an entry in the various competitions has been considered to place a strong emphasis in careful blending of the home and/or buildings in order to preserve the natural aesthetic value of the area. This could mean little disruption of the natural landscape, utilizing or creating natural features such as ponds, streams, swamps/bogs, wooded areas, sand dunes, rocks and/or the use of natural materials such as Island stone, wood, bark, native plant material, etc.
All entries in the various classes of the competition will be considered for this award. If a property entered in a competition(s) listed on page 1, even though a non-winner, strongly emphasizes the preservation of Natural Beauty, the judges may grant a special award to be known as the “Natural Beauty and Preservation Award”.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT - PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
Are you proud of your Town/Municipality? Does your Town/Municipality have an abundance of community spirit? If so, your Town/Municipality could win $1000 to go towards an outdoor project to enhance your community. This is a brand-new award and unlike our other competitions, this award is not judged. Once we receive all entries, the residents of your community will be encouraged to show their community pride and vote for their community. The Town and Municipality that receives the most votes will each win the Community Spirit People’s Choice Award and $1000. each. Entry deadline: July 31, 2026.
HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPETITION
An established residence, (domestic, modular or mini home) located on no more than 10 acres of land, with or without additional buildings. A list of renovations you intend to compete must accompany the entry form as well as photographs of the property prior to renovations commencing. Renovations must be completed by September 1, 2026.
HERITAGE HOME COMPETITION
This competition is open to any established residence that was built in 1950 or earlier. Property owners will be recognized for their outstanding efforts in maintaining their dwelling, property and surroundings. Property owners will be recognized for their outstanding efforts in maintaining their dwelling, property, and surroundings. 2025 winner is not eligible to enter.
HERITAGE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMPETITION
Open to any community building in rural PEI (excluding Charlottetown and Summerside) that was
built in 1950 or earlier. Community buildings such as but not limited to: Women’s Institute, Lions
Clubs, 4-H Clubs, Churches, Community Theatres, Royal Canadian Legions, Municipal/Town offices etc.). Communities will be recognized for their outstanding efforts in maintaining the building(s), property and surroundings. If you have any history or details on the heritage of the building/property, please include with your entry.
RURAL CEMETARY COMPETITION
This Competition is open to all non-profit Cemetery organizations, or any other group interested in the care of and improvement of non-profit cemeteries. Entries should be forwarded by the organization/individual(s) responsible for the cemetery. Judges will evaluate the overall appearance of the cemetery, including the criteria noted below. Artificial flowers are acceptable in this competition only. The cemetery must be in rural PEI (excluding Charlottetown & Summerside).
COMMUNITY BUILDING IMPROVEMENT COMPETITION
Any building in a community excluding a single-family residence and auxiliary buildings, such as, but not limited to: Post Office, Schools, Churches, Church Halls, Community Buildings, etc. A list of improvements you plan to make must accompany the entry form. Photographs of the community building and surroundings before the improvements commence, must accompany the entry.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING IMPROVEMENT COMPETITION
Open to any commercial building in a community such as, but not limited to: Stores, Office Buildings, Service Stations, Apartment Buildings, Restaurants, privately owned Nursing Homes, etc. A list of improvements you plan to make must accompany the entry form. A list of improvements you plan to make must accompany the entry form.
NEW
NATIVE PLANTING & BIODIVERSITY COMPETITION
Your property is a habitat with continuous evolving biodiversity. Purposely planting native plants supports local ecosystems by providing essential food, shelter, and habitat for native wildlife like pollinators and birds, while also creating more resilient and low maintenance gardens that require less water and fewer pesticides. Planting a diverse range of native and non-native species creates a more robust ecosystem that supports a greater variety of life. A natural wild character space presenting a rugged beauty, with a layered height, 50% native plants and 3 seasons of continuous bloom supporting the pollinator’s flying seasons.
HOME OWNER FLOWER GARDEN COMPETITION
This Competition is open to properties of a homeowner living in rural areas, (excluding Charlottetown & Summerside). Entries in the Farm Home, Small Holding Improvement, and New Home Completion competitions may also enter the Homeowners Flower Garden Competition. Artificial flowers are not acceptable.
RECENTLY ESTABLISHED FLOWER GARDEN COMPETITION
It can take many years for a new flower garden to reach full maturity. It is a challenge to evaluate and compare a newly planned flower garden to one that has received attention for several years and has developed into an elaborate floral display. Flower gardens established in the year 2022, or later are eligible. Artificial flowers are not acceptable.
YOUTH GARDEN COMPETITION
Open to all youth who are 16 years of age or younger, as of December 31, 2026. Participants in 4-H Clubs, Youth Groups, Young Millionaires and similar programs are encouraged to enter. Entries can be Flower and/or Vegetable Gardens. Support and guidance from adult gardeners is permitted. Judges will evaluate the overall appearance of the garden, free of weeds, and determine if regular maintenance and general gardening practices are followed. Artificial flowers are not acceptable. Gardens must be in rural PEI (excluding Charlottetown & Summerside).
COMMUNITY VEGETABLE GARDEN COMPETITION
Open to a Town or Municipality in Rural PEI that provides space for Community non-profit Vegetable Gardens. The cash award will be provided to the Town, Municipality, or Community Group that oversees the planting and care of the Garden. The harvest may be enjoyed by the residents and/or donated to local food bank initiatives.
REUSE - RECYCLE - REPURPOSE COMPETITION
Tell us about the special projects you’re working on that help sustain or give back to our environment. Repurposing materials otherwise destined for disposal to build gardens, décor, backyard composter, fencing, etc. Salvaging old building material, cleaning and/or restoring it, then utilizing for exterior renovations or outbuildings, etc.