First Place Winner

Newton Centre Garden in Newton Centre, Massachusetts

Category 2: 10,000-100,000 Visitors

Nestled in the heart of Newton Centre, Massachusetts, the historic Newton Centre Garden showcased its 2026 display centered around “The Goodness of Gardening.” Maintained for decades by a dedicated team of 20 community volunteers, the urban pocket park transformed a 230-foot linear corridor into a vibrant sanctuary of color, creativity, and well-being.

Guided by principles of artistic expression and community connection, the 2026 design paired award-winning All-America Selections (AAS) varieties in dynamic combinations. Highlights included warm pairings of Zinnia Zydeco™ Fire and Dahlia Black Forest Ruby alongside perennial anchors like Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit. Beyond the main display, volunteers expanded the project’s reach by planting AAS winners in a historic 19th-century horse trough and public containers across four surrounding neighborhood hubs.

By turning a high-traffic commercial center into an engaging third place for gathering, the volunteer-led garden promoted psychological recovery and local pride. Visitors frequently paused to admire the blooms, scan plant labels, and exchange gardening insights. Through thoughtful upcycling, interplanting, and municipal collaboration, the Newton Centre Garden successfully demonstrated how small urban green spaces foster lasting community health, connection, and creative inspiration.