50 points

We are asking:

Does the property look well –cared for?

5

Are the shrubs, trees, hedges, flower beds, edges trimmed and the lawn mowed?

15

Are the driveway and the sidewalk clean and clear?

2

Are the house and the trim painted and maintained?

10

Are containers/ hanging baskets filled?

2

Are the shrubs, trees etc full and healthy without bare spots?

10

Is the property swept of leaves?

2

Is there organic mulch spread around plants to conserve moisture?

2

Is the mulch no more than 3 inch thick, and not in a mound around the base of the plants?
(over- application causes the roots to grow upwards and the plants to become susceptible to drought and cold)

2

UNITY: We are looking for a pleasant overall picture

20 points

We are asking:

Are the various plants and structures united together?

3

Does the color of the house and trim make a good backdrop for the color employed for the annuals and perennials in the landscape design?

3

Do the flowers and their foliage integrate well into the landscape to bring new color and texture to the greens of trees and shrubs?

3

Do the flowers grouped in a bed create a swath of uniform color and texture in order to make a visual impact?

3

Are the trees and shrubs well-chosen to create a unique yard that blends well into the neighborhood?

3

Are similar types of plants added to the landscape in order to expand the natural feel of the property?

2

Is the yard planted with a color theme in mind, such as  pastels, bright colors, or all white?

3

BALANCE:  We are looking for a focal point - the front door

10 points

We are asking:

Is there a balanced distribution of landscaping elements that draw the eye to the front door?

2

Do the shrubs create a transition from the house to the yard that surrounds it?

2

Do the mass and skyline of the trees in the yard give the landscape weight and form?

1

Are there soft lines in the landscape?

2

Is there an inviting entryway or porch that creates a warm atmosphere to invite visitors right to your door?

2

Is the lawn beautiful and complementing the trees, shrubs and flowers while not commanding the centre of attention?

1

PROPORTION: We are looking for plants and garden structures to be in scale with the architectural lines of the home

10 points

We are asking:

Are the contours of the house softened with a flowing design of shrubs?

2

Do the trees extend the vertical lines of the house into the landscape?

2

Does the choice of plantings complement or enhance the architecture of the house?

2

Are the corners of the house softened by plants less than 2/3 of the distance from the ground to the eaves?

1

Are the doorway plants 1/3 the distance high from the ground to the eaves?

1

Are the home add-ons well-chosen to complement or enhance the architecture of the house?

1

Are the trees/shrubs correctly sized to grow in their current location?

1

VARIETY: We are looking for an element of welcome surprise in the landscape:

10 points

We are asking:

Do the shrubs, trees provide a spectacular seasonal effect?

2

Is there an element in the landscape scheme, like the presence of an accent plant or massed beds of a single variety or color of a plant in a predominately green planting scheme?

3

Is the selection of plant containers proportional and appropriate to the home, and filled with seasonal enhancements of plants?

3

Is the variety element subtle, yet effective?

3

DEDUCTIONS:  Our yards and homes should enhance the overall appeal of the neighborhood

Minus 5 each

We will deduct points:

Is the watering of the lawn causing run-off?

Are there items which contravene the Polk Place Covenants   e.g. exposed trash can, basketball hoop etc?

Is the driveway providing adequate parking for the number of cars?

Are shrubs blocking the view of the street when backing off the drive?

Is the mailbox rusted and needing paint, and area below attractive?

Is the garage door shut?