Gems Award Program

Purpose

To raise awareness about the efforts of the BEEB while recognizing a Melbourne citizen’s home or business for their landscape beautification

Criteria

  • Must be for a Melbourne residence, office or green space
  • Must have a landscape that displays the features within the format of the “Gems” requirements
  • Must be willing to have their landscape featured on the City’s website/social media

Reward

  • Recognition on the City’s website and social media pages
  • A recognition sign that can be placed within the landscape
  • A certificate with their name, date, etc.
  • City of Melbourne “swag”

Emerald Award – Plant Materials

Must meet at least three criteria to qualify:

  • Incorporate some Florida native plants into the landscape
  • Have an invasive-free landscape
  • Have a habitat for butterflies and other pollinators
  • Trees are used to prevent erosion, provide shade and wildlife habitat
  • Have a seasonal organic vegetable garden
  • Have less than 50% of the landscape planted in turfgrass

Sapphire Award – Sustainable Practices

Must meet at least three criteria to qualify:

  • Composter
  • Rain barrel
  • Bat/bird housing
  • Rain gardens and/or swales
  • Gutters drain onto pervious surfaces
  • Minimal use of pesticides and herbicides
  • Solar lighting/features

Diamond Awards

Combination of Sapphire and Emerald Practices, plus must meet at least three criteria to qualify:

  • Follow the City’s fertilizer ordinance
  • Irrigate according to St. Johns River Water Management District guidelines
  • Hire only Best Management Practices Certified and licensed landscape professionals
  • If homeowner mows their own lawn,
    • Grass clippings remain on turf – not bagged or left on paved areas, including streets and parking lots
    • Electric or battery lawn mower used
  • Micro irrigation or low flow irrigation used in landscape beds
  • Rain sensor in working order
  • Organic (bark, pine needles) mulch used to suppress weeds and conserve water

Make a Nomination

Residents or businesses can nominate themselves or others that meet the criteria of the program.

For more information, please email cheryl.caldwell@mlbfl.org or call Todd Cook, City’s Parks Maintenance Office, at 321-288-9633, or the ECO Division at 321-608-5080. 

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