Pam MacDonald – Halton Master Gardener
May 1, 2025
Gardening has long been more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with nature, express creativity, and even compete for recognition. While the urge to win may not be of interest to everyone, gardeners have been receiving awards for over a century. Since agricultural fairs first appeared, and especially since the Chelsea Garden Show began in 1912, gardeners have been celebrated for beautiful and well-designed landscapes. But what about the mold-breaking, green-thumbed renegades? Until recently, advocates for ecologically focused, naturalized, and native-plant gardens were left out. But locally, at least, that changed in 2016 when Hamilton’s inaugural Monarch Awards Program began celebrating gardens that not only looked good, but did good.
A New Kind of Garden Award
That changed in 2016 with the launch of Hamilton’s Monarch Awards. This program celebrates gardens that not only look great but also support the environment. These gardens help local ecosystems, provide homes for wildlife, and use native plants to promote biodiversity.
How It All Began
The idea for this new kind of award came from Bev Wagar, a gardener and environmental advocate. She brought the concept to the Hamilton Naturalists Club and the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG). With the help of just six volunteers and a website, the Monarch Awards took off. The program became one of the early supporters of the growing native plant movement.
From Competition to Recognition
In the early years, the awards were set up as a contest with winners and runners-up. In 2019, the format shifted to a recognition program. However, one important part stayed the same—judges still visit gardens. These visits are a great way for gardeners to meet, share ideas, and get advice.
New Partners and New Energy
In 2021, Bev became a certified Master Gardener, and in 2024 she invited the Halton Master Gardeners to join the Monarch Awards as judges and mentors. Their enthusiasm and expertise made a big difference. Bev described their help as “indispensable to getting the work done.”
Now in 2025, the Halton Master Gardeners are leading the program and hope to expand it beyond Hamilton in 2026.
Growing the Movement
“I’m so glad to see all the new energy, resources, and expertise,” Bev says. “As a province-wide charitable organization, the Master Gardeners can promote the awards in ways we couldn’t manage with a small team.” Interest in ecological gardening is growing every year. The North American Native Plant Society is a great example. It began in 1985 as the Canadian Wildflower Society and now reaches across the continent.
A New Mission for a New Era
The Monarch Awards recently updated their mission statement to reflect this wider vision:
To educate, inspire, and acknowledge gardeners who create sustainable gardens that provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for native plants and wildlife.
Supporting Every Gardener’s Journey
Every gardener is on a different path. Many are now choosing to focus on biodiversity, wildlife support, and ecological health, sometimes even more than traditional garden beauty.
To recognize gardeners at all stages, the 2025 Monarch Awards will introduce four levels of achievement. This new format encourages learning and growth for everyone involved.
Garden Journeys Open Days: Sharing and Connection
Also launching in 2025 is Garden Journeys Open Days, created by Allyn Walsh and Bev Wagar. This event runs alongside the Monarch Awards and is all about sharing. Gardeners open their spaces to others, exchange ideas, and build community. It’s a chance to meet like-minded people, find inspiration, and learn from each other.
Looking Ahead
“Looking back at the Monarch Awards,” Bev says, “I can see how the changes reflect a new kind of gardening—one that values nature and ecological balance.” Now a member of the Thousand Islands Master Gardeners, Bev is proud of the program’s growth and confident that it will continue to thrive.
Whether you’re an experienced native plant gardener or just starting your ecological journey, the Monarch Awards are here to celebrate and support your commitment to sustainable gardening.
Visit Halton Master Gardeners /Events to learn more about the Monarch Awards for 2025.
Halton region Master Gardeners 