The local paper, Hafnfir\u00f0ingur, recently spoke with Berglinda Gu\u00f0mundsd\u00f3ttir, a landscape architect for the City of Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur and a member of the beautification committee. <\/a> <\/p>\n Award has been given for the most beautiful gardens in Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur 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 Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur 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.\u201e<\/em> says Berglind. There is also an award called 'The Beautification Award', which the Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur Cemetery and the \u00de\u00f6ll Nursery have received, and a plaque is then made and put on their building.<\/p>\n She recalls how proud she was to belong to D\u00edsu's flower party, led by \u00c1sd\u00eds Gu\u00f0bj\u00f6rg Konr\u00e1\u00f0sd\u00f3ttir, in the 1980s, as it was highly sought-after to be part of the group known for beautifying the town. \u201eThat's where I really learnt the ropes and worked for D\u00edsa alongside my sixth-form education. D\u00edsa 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,\u201c <\/em>Berglind recalls. <\/p>\n The town of Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur 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. \u201eMany 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 Stj\u00f6rnugatan. 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,\u201c <\/em>says Berglind and smiles. \u201eIt'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.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n Another example at \u00c1lfaskei\u00f0 85 (recognition 2018). Photo\/OB\u00de<\/p>\n The selection for the awards is based solely on submitted nominations, and therefore residents of Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur, town employees and other interested parties are encouraged to participate actively. The awards will be presented at a ceremony at the \u00de\u00f6ll Nursery on Kald\u00e1rsel Road at the end of August or the beginning of September. \u201eIt 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.\u201c <\/em>Berglind says at the end.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/hafnarfjordur.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/snyrtileikinn2.jpg\")
A certificate of recognition received by the owners of 6 Moon Street in 1953<\/sup><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/hafnarfjordur.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/snyrtileikinn3.jpg\")
Berglind and the legend D\u00edsa in bloom. Photo\/OB\u00de<\/sup><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/hafnarfjordur.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/snyrtileikinn4.jpg\")
Advertisement for jobs in the flower party. Photo\/screenshot from T\u00edmarit.is<\/sup><\/p>\nD\u00edsa's Flower Party Beautified the Town<\/h4>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/hafnarfjordur.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/snyrtileikinn5.jpg\")
Here is an example of a tidy garden that has received an award, Fj\u00f3luhvammur 9. Photo\/OB\u00de<\/sup><\/p>\nSome have received more than one recognition.<\/h4>\n
![\"Alpha](\"https:\/\/hafnarfjordur.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/alfaskeid2008.jpeg\")
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![\"The](\"https:\/\/hafnarfjordur.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/snryrtileikinn7.jpg\")
A tidy company site at Hringhellu 9, which received an award in 2018. Photo\/OB\u00de<\/sup><\/p>\n