One of the features of East York that has always made it special has been the former borough's unique feeling of peacefulness and civility that is akin to living in a small town.

In the summertime this feeling in enhanced due to the large number of flower gardens that grace the lawns of homes and offices.

It is not that these gardens are big or lavishly landscaped, but that they show a special care and understanding of what makes a flower bloom, and how one species can compliment another when chosen properly.

Back in the 1980s the municipality decided that East York gardeners needed to receive proper recognition of their efforts, so the Mayor's Blooming Award was initiated.

The annual award was headed by respected horticulturist and East York resident Art Drysdale, who held executive positions in the East York Garden Club for many years.

The award was held in such high esteem that Drysdale and the mayor would dress up in tuxedos to hand out the honours.

Indeed, East York came to be seen as one of the pre-eminent centres of amateur flower gardening in Canada due to the high level of skill and understanding displayed here.

With amalgamation, the award ended as the new City of Toronto was not interested in continuing the tradition, though the garden club did hold its own contest.

However, thanks to the initiative taken by Ward 31 (Beaches-East York) Councillor Janet Davis, and assisted by Ward 29 (Toronto-Danforth) Councillor Case Ootes, this true East York tradition officially returned last year.

Toronto parks and recreation, along with the East York Garden Club and the two councillors, will be co-ordinating the East York Blooming Contest this summer and they ask you for your nominations.

Properties in Wards 29 and 31 are eligible to win top gardener honours in four categories: traditional residential, environmental/alternative residential, commercial and industrial, and other such as schools, places of worship and apartment buildings.

This year I hope that both amateur and professional gardeners will make a special effort to make their gardens bloom while respecting the city's ban on pesticides.

Likewise I would hope that the contest judges will include natural methods of pest management as part of their criteria when awarding prizes.

True gardening is not just the production of pretty flowers by any means possible, but demonstrating how one works with nature to produce a splendid display without resorting to using harmful chemicals.

Nomination forms are available at the East York Community Centre, public libraries and East York Civic Centre, or through the East York Garden Club (blooming@eastyorkgarden.ca) and are due by July 1.

You can mail or drop off your completed form at Davis' office at the East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., East York, ON, M4C 4K6 or fax it to 416-397-9289.

Remember that it is not the size of the garden that counts in this contest, but the care and thought placed into its creation and management.