The game of make-believe is great fun.

The City of Hafnarfjörður is currently running its annual search for nominations for awards for the tidiness and beauty of gardens, streets, open spaces and plots in Hafnarfjörður. Awards are given for the most beautiful garden, the most beautiful street, and the tidiest institutional plot or business premises. 

Submit a nomination for the Beauty Contest – nominate the one you think is the best.

The local paper, Hafnfirðingur, recently spoke with Berglinda Guðmundsdóttir, a landscape architect for the City of Hafnarfjörður and a member of the beautification committee.

^{A certificate of recognition received by the owners of 6 Moon Street in 1953}

Award has been given for the most beautiful gardens in Hafnarfjörður since the 1950s, with a few interruptions, however, but four years ago the emphasis was changed to the tidiest gardens and streets that are considered to set a certain standard, whether in residential areas, institutional grounds or business districts. With this initiative, the City of Hafnarfjörður aims to raise public interest in the beautification of the town's environment and to serve as an inspiration to others.. The Beautification Committee used to be three people, politically appointed, including the head of horticulture. There were always women on the committee then, but that has changed in more recent times, like so much else, as many men are very capable in the field.„ says Berglind. There is also an award called 'The Beautification Award', which the Hafnarfjörður Cemetery and the Þöll Nursery have received, and a plaque is then made and put on their building.

^{Berglind and the legend Dísa in bloom. Photo/OBÞ}

^{Advertisement for jobs in the flower party. Photo/screenshot from Tímarit.is}

Dísa's Flower Party Beautified the Town

She recalls how proud she was to belong to Dísu's flower party, led by Ásdís Guðbjörg Konráðsdóttir, in the 1980s, as it was highly sought-after to be part of the group known for beautifying the town. „That's where I really learnt the ropes and worked for Dísa alongside my sixth-form education. Dísa was a strict foreman, but also a fair one. She taught us how to work, to be proud of our produce, and the satisfaction of a job well done. We often got praise from the locals, too. People noticed this,“ Berglind recalls.

^{Here is an example of a tidy garden that has received an award, Fjóluhvammur 9. Photo/OBÞ}

Some have received more than one recognition.

The town of Hafnarfjörður has expanded greatly in recent decades. There are nearly four hundred streets in the town and close to seven hundred businesses. It is therefore not surprising that people are seeking suggestions. „Many residents have very tidy gardens, and some have received recognition more than once. The street's appearance also plays a big part. In the old days, the street was named Stjörnugatan. It's fantastic to be able to reward a street where all the residents are united in keeping their surroundings tidy. There's often one person who spoils it for everyone, but we keep a close eye on things and see if efforts have been made between years,“ says Berglind and smiles. „It's the tidiness that matters most, and that care has been taken with the garden and there is a clear desire to have a beautiful surroundings.“

Another example at Álfaskeið 85 (recognition 2018). Photo/OBÞ

The selection for the awards is based solely on submitted nominations, and therefore residents of Hafnarfjörður, town employees and other interested parties are encouraged to participate actively. The awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Þöll Nursery on Kaldársel Road at the end of August or the beginning of September. „It is important that residents and businesses are encouraged and rewarded for good practice and a tidy environment. These fine examples serve as a model and an inspiration for others to take action.“ Berglind says at the end.

Submit a nomination for the Beauty Contest – nominate the one you think is the best.

^{A tidy company site at Hringhellu 9, which received an award in 2018. Photo/OBÞ}

An interview with Berglind was published in Hafnfirðinginn on 1 July 2020.