Judges pick the town’s Best Gardens

Stephen Dafoe Photos and video

The eighth annual Best Gardens Competition wrapped up Sunday morning with judges viewing the handiwork of six local gardeners competing in a variety of categories. This year’s entries were just over a third of the 17 competitors in 2014’s contest. Though the numbers were lower, there was no shortage of horticultural creativity in the front and back yards of Morinville homes.

While judges may have felt all of the gardens had merit and beauty, a tally of points determined the final victors. Gardens were weighed by a possible score of 100 points in each of the categories from each of the three judges.
Judging criteria for the plant portion of the contest included the design with first impressions and the overall effect and visual appeal. Additional criteria included the choice of plant material, combinations, textual contrast, physical plant condition, grooming, staking and pruning. The judging for the Outdoor Living Area included the design with the overall effect, use of space and special features, with consideration for physical condition as well as sustainability and cleanliness.

This year’s contest included five categories: Perennial Garden, Vegetable Garden, Unique Container Garden, Front to Back Overall Appeal, and Outdoor Living Area.

Past winner Donna Becker took the Best Outdoor Living Area this year as well as Best Front To Back Overall Appeal.

Elizabeth Anne Stalzer won for Best Perennial Garden and Best Unique Container Garden.

Ron and Lucy Cholik took Best Vegetable Garden, although the D’Aoust family — who received a Judges’ Choice Award last year — came close behind in second place.

Below is a video of photos from Sunday’s event.

If the video does not display, click here to view.