Nominations Sought For Dearborn Sustainable Gardens Awards Through July 25

Published July 16, 2025 

Dearborn City Beautiful Commission to recognize rain, pollinator gardens across city

DEARBORN, MI — The Dearborn City Beautiful Commission invites Dearborn residents to nominate outstanding sustainable front yard landscaping, such as rain gardens, native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, and environmentally friendly landscaping for recognition as part of this year’s Sustainable Gardens Awards. 

Residents can nominate homes meeting these requirements by 9 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Dearborn.gov/CityBeautiful. 

The commission is primarily seeking front-yard sustainable gardens and landscaping, as they can serve as visible inspiration to other residents. Backyard gardens will be considered under special circumstances outlined in the nomination form.

“The Commission appreciates all residents who take pride in their gardens and landscaping,” said Rene Ziaja, chairperson of the commission. “For this recognition award, we are looking for properties with gardens or landscaping designed specifically to reduce the impact of rainwater, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, or demonstrate the value of plants that need limited water.”

Commissioners will select up to 18 outstanding properties for recognition by considering the nominated properties, and by looking throughout Dearborn for others. All selected homes will receive a lawn sign announcing their designation.

Selected honorees will also be invited to a dinner in early 2026 for all 2025 City Beautiful Commission awardees, hosted by the Commission and Mayor Hammoud.

The Commission partners with Dearborn schools to teach students about environmental sustainability and recycling. It also encourages outdoor seasonal decorating through its Spring, Fall, and Winter Aglow awards, and promotes outstanding property maintenance and curb appeal through its Standard of Excellence Awards for businesses and residents. 

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