BEST GARDEN SELECTIONS
2026 Best Garden Selections
In partnership with Communities in Bloom and Miracle-Gro
The Kelowna Garden Club, in partnership with Communities in Bloom and Miracle-Gro, will once again proudly host the 2026 Best Garden Selections awards. Last year, the contest saw a significant rise in community interest, with nominations doubling compared to entries in 2024.
A panel of judges will tour nominated gardens across the city in June. They assess each entry based on design, maintenance, creativity, and impact, making for some tough decisions. All nominated garden are exceptional, but awards are given to those that stand out most on the day of judging.
THIRD annual best garden selections
We invite you to nominate your favorite garden in one or more of the following categories:
Gardens Maintained 90% by the Residents–
Large Garden, Medium Garden, Small Garden, Water-wise, Best Floral Display, Edible Garden, Curb Appeal, Judges Choice, Children’s Garden
Gardens Maintained by Professionals–
Best Block, Curb Appeal, Best Strata
Please use the nomination form for your entries
Deadline for nominations is June 11th
2025 Best Garden Selections
Chute Lake Elementary Grade 3 Class
The students cultivated a garden at the front of the school property, continuing the legacy from past classes. Judges were impressed by the children’s dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm, from planting and weeding to harvesting.
Best Street Garden:
Maple Street
Known for its heritage homes and mature trees, Maple Street earned top marks for its cohesive and inviting streetscape, offering shaded charm and curbside beauty.
Best Urban Forest:
Gary Schwartz
Schwartz’s property blends seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscape. Over the years, he has preserved native trees and introduced over 20 new ones—many grown from seed. Notably, his living Christmas tree from 1992 still stands tall in the backyard.
Guisachan Heritage Park
A true Kelowna landmark, Guisachan Park combines preserved historical buildings with vibrant, well-maintained gardens. Led by Paula Grosse and supported by city staff and volunteers, the park remains a horticultural highlight.
Best Curb Appeal:
Cynthia Murphy
Murphy’s front yard bursts with colour from early spring to late fall. With the addition of netting this year, she has successfully protected her harvest from local deer, allowing her to enjoy the fruits of her labor.
Sharon Spring
President of the Okanagan Xeriscape Association, Spring has transformed a challenging west-facing slope into a stunning, low-water garden. Featuring native and drought-tolerant plants, the space thrives on natural rainfall and snowmelt, with minimal maintenance.
Waterscapes Development
Located in downtown Kelowna, this condominium community impressed judges with its original water gardens and vibrant landscaping. Volunteer Susan Kihara collaborates with the strata’s landscaping team, adding colorful annuals and perennials to enhance the space.
Interior Health’s Kelowna Hospice House
Interior Health’s Kelowna Hospice House received the Best Selection Volunteer Garden. IH’s partner, Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA) program support volunteers put many hours of hard work tending the large tranquil garden at Kelowna Hospice House. This garden contains many areas where the residents and their families can relax and enjoy the peace of the gardens.
Shaun Calderwood
Built into a west-facing slope, Calderwood’s garden features fruit trees, berries, raised beds, and pollinator-attracting flowers. Strategic planting and season-extending techniques allow for continuous production.
Best Medium Garden:
Karen Austin
Years of care have gone into Austin’s lush, colourful garden. Her yard features a mix of annuals, perennials, and shrubs, with a well-protected edible garden surrounded by a rope barrier to deter deer.
Leigh-Ann & Stuart Yanow
Just three years old, the Yanows’ garden is a testament to thoughtful planning. After completing the hardscaping and enriching the soil, they planted a variety of species that have now filled in to create a mature, inviting outdoor space.
Honourable Mentions:
Diana Wilkinson –
for her vibrant floral display
Neil Degraw –
for an outstanding large garden
Donna & Marcel Knights –
for a beautifully maintained medium garden
Miles Thorogood & Aleksandra Dulic –
for their innovative permaculture edible garden
The Kelowna Garden Club extends its gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and judges for making the 2025 Best Garden Selections a blooming success.