Dineen Baran
Rosanna Bozzo-Fielding
Nadia Coakley
Chris Corsini
Melissa Creasey
Adrian Hodgson
Kelly Jamieson
Ingrid Mayrhofer
Matthew Mills
Megan Platts
Amy Taylor
Katie West
Dineen Baran
Nadia Coakley
Adrian Hodgson
Kelly Jamieson
Matthew Mills
Amy Taylor
Katie West
It’s a tough job and we’re behind schedule but wow– what an amazing set of gardens the judges will be seeing this year! First we asked each technical committee member to make a “top ten” list in no particular order. Twelve gardens received at least two votes–these are the “Buzzin’ Dozen” semi-finalists. There were small gardens, large ones, brand new ones, established ones, returnees from last year and many first-time entries. The reviewers were impressed by how clearly and eloquently the entrants articulated their vision and goals, as well as the depth of knowledge and understanding expressed.
The next step was to rank these 12 gardens. Reviewing the contest criteria, questionnaire responses and photos, committee members whittled the list down to seven finalists. These seven gardeners will be contacted by email to arrange a visit.
Thank you to all the skilled, diligent and sometimes brave gardeners who have created these oases of diversity and habitat in the city.
All fifty entrants will receive a “We’re Feeding Pollinators” lawn sign with a special “Monarch Awards 2017” sticker to put on it. Gardeners who already have a sign will receive the sticker only. Look for these in your mailboxes in July and early August.
And here, in no particular order, are some photos of the Buzzin’ Dozen gardens. Just a little eye-candy and inspiration for all who continue to learn, create, and commit themselves to a larger vision of what a garden is–and can be.