2025 WINNERS
Gwynedd Pointe Homeowners Association
21st Annual Garden Contest - 2025 Winners
Co-Sponsored by the Gwynedd Pointe Homeowners Association
&
The Rhoads Garden, 570 DeKalb Pike, North Wales
We say it every year – it gets harder and harder to judge the wonderful gardens in Gwynedd Pointe because there are so many great ones.
If you are wondering what the judges look for, see the criteria at http://gwyneddpointegardencontest.blogspot.com/2016/05/.
Primarily, we consider the five Fs of great garden design: form, foliage, flowers, fruits (bird food) and fragrance. Good maintenance is also important.
We did our best to identify plants, but it’s not always easy.
There are a dozen or more gardeners with gorgeous displays each year. In the spirit of encouraging newer gardeners, and because we only have thirteen prizes, we can’t always provide the recognition they deserve. We all know who they are – we see their handiwork – and hope they know we appreciate their contributions to the attractiveness of our community. And remember to judge for yourself as that is part of the fun! We won’t be upset if you disagree with our choices.
As usual, the weather was the big story again this year. June saw blistering heat followed by lots of heavy rain. Mother Nature isn't on anyone's schedule.
This year's winners:
Grand Prize - $100 Gift Certificate for the Rhoads Garden
5402 Plantation (rear)
Second Place – $75 Gift Certificate for the Rhoads Garden
6503 Rolling Hill
Third Place - $50 Gift Certificate for the Rhoads Garden
4402 Congress
Honorable Mentions (in order by address) - $15 Gift Certificate for the Rhoads Garden
805 Evergreen
1002 Kenwood
1902 Harvard
3506 Carriage
4102 Quaker
6005 Rolling Hill
6104 Rolling Hill
6105 Rolling Hill
6303 Rolling Hill
6501 Rolling Hill
Judges' Comments and Photos (Click on images to enlarge them.)
1st - 5402 Plantation (rear, facing Bell Run*)
*Generally, to be eligible for the contest a garden must be visible to passers-by. This one surely is.)
A tour de force that received honors in years past, this gardener has come to be known as the artistic soul of Gwynedd Pointe. The theme changes yearly (remember the carousel?). This year it's Cat In The Hat. A sign on the left reads, "ADVENTURE AHEAD," and there truly is. (We love 'Thing 1' and 'Thing 2'.) But make no mistake, this display is not just about artifact. Remove all the props relating to the theme and you would still find a splendid garden, filled with a great variety of pollinators, all expertly placed and impeccably maintained. The garden on the front of the home is attractive as well. (We like the five-foot tall potted marigold in front of the garage.)
2nd - 6503 Rolling Hill
Another garden that is a visual adventure. It is interesting that the rear of the garden, which gets the most sun, has a tropical feel, and the display transitions into more of a shade garden in the front. Great plant selection - including plants that come into bloom at various times throughout the season. We saw natives and lots of perennials. Great color. The holly provides a solid structure. The yellow tickseed anchors the front right corner and really attracts the bees. Nice use of stone to slow water pouring out of the rainspout. Clean, well-maintained.
3rd - 4402 Congress
This gardener exhibits a good way to deal with a smaller space - have a central theme. For this one, it's red, white, and blue patriotism. The discerning eye will recognize how well the colors flow with a consistency throughout this garden, and the three layers of height. There is some whimsy to the ornaments, and the garden is very well maintained.
HM - 805 Evergreen
This wonderful garden, as neat as a pin, is all about balance. There is the continuous balance of color. The statement made by the red maple, the garden's anchor, balancing front and side. The mix of woodies, perennials, and annuals. The porch suggests a beautiful painting, the side yard, a majestic estate.
HM - 1002 Kenwood
A beautiful shade garden. It doesn't jump out at you. Rather, there is a subtle sophistication to it that draws you in. We saw natives, and flowers that bloom at various points during the season. The space is superbly filled, with nice form and texture.
HM - 1902 Harvard
To the best of the judges' recollection, this is a newer garden. A nice formal look, with a great mix of color and green. The small bench looks like an inviting setting for a child to spend some time.
HM - 3506 Carriage
A newer garden. The gardener demonstrates what you sometimes have to do in our development, build up the soil in a raised bed, here, with an attractive and functional use of blocks. Nice use of plants not found in traditional flower gardens.
HM - 4102 Quaker
Honored last year, the gardener changed things up a bit this year. A nice mixture of potted and in-ground plants, and wonderful use of color.
Judges' Note - There are quite a few beautiful gardens in Quaker Court. Unfortunately, we have a finite number of awards to bestow.
HM - 6005 Rolling Hill
A grand indulgence in whimsy. There is a lot going on here - a whole lot. And somehow it works!
This one won first place last year, and a case could be made for a repeat this year. The gardener is always changing things. A big change is the replacement of an underwhelming tree on the left side with a structurally lovely crepe myrtle. (We can't wait to see it when it is in bloom!) The photos tell the story.
HM - 6105 Rolling Hill
This one won first place two years ago, and a case could be made to put it at the top this year. The gardener is always changing things. A big change is the replacement of the red fountain that anchored the corner with a multi-tiered blue one. The photos tell the story.
Thank you to Christian Cooper of Continental Property Management, our HOA board, The Rhoads Garden for its years of support, and the judges.
For contest rules and lists of past winners, go to http://www.gwyneddpointegardencontest.blogspot.com/. Happy gardening!
