Best Gardens Contest selects its 2014 winners

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Judges Deputy Mayor Stephen Dafoe and Wheelbarrow Gardener owner Valerie Loseth judge the yard of Jean Wichowski who won in the Perennial Garden category. Wichowski also had an entry in the Outdoor Living Area; however, that category was won by Molly Platts.

Lucie Roy Photos

The seventh annual Best Gardens Competition wrapped up Wednesday morning with judges viewing the handiwork of 17 local gardeners competing in a variety of categories. As has been the case in previous years, there was no shortage of horticultural creativity in the front and back yards of Morinville homes.

The three judges: Deputy Mayor Stephen Dafoe, Wheelbarrow Gardener owner Valerie Loseth, and Vintage Petals Tea Shoppe co-owner Julia Puchala toured area gardens with Allen Jacobson, Town of Morinville Community Development Coordinator.

While judges may have felt all of the gardens viewed had merit and beauty, a tally of points determined the final victors. Each category and garden was weighed by a possible score of 100 points from each of the three judges.

Judging criteria for the plant portion of the contest included design with first impressions and the overall effect and visual appeal. Additional criteria included the choice of plant material, combinations, textual contrast, plant physical condition, grooming, staking and pruning. The judging for the Outdoor Living Area included design with overall effect, use of space and special features, hard landscaping with construction and choice of materials, plant material with consideration for physical condition and sustainability and cleanliness. The prize for each category was a $75 gift certificate to a local merchant of the winner’s choice.

2014 Winners

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Judges’ Choice = Jakob D’Aoust

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Jean Wichowski = Perennial Gardens

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Mark and Marina Dell = Front to Back Aesthetics

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Molly Platts = Outdoor Living Area

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3 Comments

  1. Would like to have seen some pictures of all the gardens visited. I understand space might be the reason for not doing so, but it might encourage more to participate and reward those who did, because, who does not like to see their hard work recognized.

    Thanks to all the judges and town for the contest.

  2. It is time and not space, Joe, that is the reason why we have only shown the winners in our INITIAL article published the same day as the event took place.

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