,
Var (4 flowers) ,
Morbihan (4 flowers) The awards its labels according to strict criteria. This helps examiners evaluate the motivation of the local authorities, the development they expect through plants and green spaces, how they communicate it to the public, how they respect the environment, and so forth. The evaluation grid used by examiners has categories in which a commune is rated with
inexistant ('non-existent'),
initié ('initiated', 'begun'),
realisé ('achieved'), or
conforté ('reinforced', 'strengthened'). The rating in each category results in a level between zero and four flowers. For instance, a category might ask if the locality displays flowers and plants all year round; if it is rated as having begun to do so, it receives one or two flowers, if rated as having done it, two or three, and if rated as having done it very well or strongly, four flowers. The average of all the answers given by the examiners determine which label the commune is awarded. The criteria have evolved to further consider
environmental aspects. These include
biodiversity and cultural practices that are respectful to the environment, as well as the sustainability of blossoming. The latest rules include explicit criteria regarding that subject and the candidates can eventually claim
Eco certifications (usage of
FSC wood, certification of management of ecological green spaces, usage of biological products and alternatives to
pesticides, etc.) The label accompanies a return to spaces which are more native and natural in patterned flower gardens and green spaces, and a preference for the planting of perennials over annual flowers. These general criteria, set out in the updated rules, now reflect a broader and more environmentally conscious approach: • The commune’s motivation to be rated level 1 to 4 flowers. • The procedure to valorize the whole commune through vegetation and flowering. • The actions of the commune to increase
tourist inflow (valorization of the obtained level) and the improvement of this initiative from the entire population. • The presentation of the
vegetation and flowering • Ways to manage the maintenance of the heritage by respecting the
biodiversity and
natural resources (
water) • Other actions to embellish the commune: the maintenance of the roadway, the
facades, the addition of
street furniture (benches, etc.) but also the general
cleanliness of the areas. • The harmony of the landscape arrangements and their management over the commune. ==International competition==