In Boerum Hill, the Greenest Commercial Block in Brooklyn

The stretch of Atlantic Avenue between Hoyt and Bond streets in Boerum Hill is already known for great shopping and antiquing (and for .)

But now, a new honor has been granted: the block won the title of Greenest Commercial Block in Brooklyn in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Greenest Block contest.

"The contest encourages members of block associations and merchants’ associations to vie for the coveted title of Greenest Block in Brooklyn by working together to cultivate window boxes, container plantings, front gardens, storefront greenery, street tree beds and more," according to a press release.

Blocks are judged based on "a variety of criteria", including color and visual effect, citizen participation, variety and suitability of plants, soil condition, use of mulch and street tree and tree bed care.

This year, judges paid particularly close attention to the blocks that emphasized plants native to the Northeast.

First prize is a $300 check.

“The Greenest Block competition is about more than just beautifying our neighborhoods, it’s about fostering communities,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “And let’s not forget that when everybody is out working on their green thumbs, it means more neighbors getting to know one another, which makes for a tighter-knit, safer, and more vibrant community. When we plant seeds, all of Brooklyn blooms!”

In its 17th year, the contest is run by GreenBridge, the community environmental horticulture program of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, in cooperation with the Borough President's office and the Brooklyn Community Foundation.