Got a blooming boulevard in front of your home? Show it off via the Clean North 2025 Boulevard Garden Contest—you could win one of 10 prairie smoke plants, a treasured boulevard garden plant! To enter, simply snap a photo of your boulevard garden and email it with your address to info@cleannorth.org. Deadline: August 31, 2025.
Open to residents of Sault Ste. Marie only.
The contest is co-hosted by Clean North, the Sault Naturalists, Algoma Butterflyway Rangers, and the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society—all groups that love to see more native plants, pollinators, and curb appeal in our city.
What is a boulevard garden, and why plant one?
A boulevard garden is one planted in the strip of grass along your curb. Having mostly or all native plants is a key goal. This area technically belongs to the city, but home- and property owners have to maintain it.
Boulevard gardens can do more than just brighten the streetscape. They replace boulevard grass, which often looks ratty; support butterflies, bees, other insects, and birds (especially when planted with native plants); reduce stormwater runoff; and help cool the city. Building a network of boulevard gardens across the city will also help offset the loss of native plants in our urban natural areas, which are being overrun with invasive garden plants.
About prairie smoke…
With its whimsical, rosy-pink blooms and smoke-like seed heads, prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) is more than just a pretty face—it’s a powerhouse native plant built for tough conditions. Thriving in dry, rocky, or sandy soils, this low-growing species is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it perfect for eco-friendly boulevard gardens. Beneath the surface, its deep roots help prevent erosion and improve soil structure. Above ground, it provides early nectar for native pollinators.
Did you know…?
The City of Sault Ste. Marie legalized boulevard gardens in 2024. We’d like to acknowledge the leadership of local gardener and Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society member Lisa Bondar, who spearheaded the drive to change city bylaws and allow these gardens to flourish across our city. We also salute the Sault Naturalists, Algoma Butterflyway Rangers, and the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society, who are partnering with us on this contest.
Want to learn more or need ideas and bylaw info?
Visit this Clean North blog post: https://www.cleannorth.org/2024/04/03/city-of-sault-ste-marie-looking-at-a-boulevard-garden-bylaw-heres-why-we-all-should-embrace-this/.
Let’s help the Sault bloom—one boulevard at a time!
Questions?
Email us at info@cleannorth.org.
