Second Place Winner

McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota

Category 2: 10,000-100,000 Visitors

McCrory Gardens titled its 2025 AAS Design Garden, “The Art of Curiosity in the Pigment Garden: Art, Science, and Horticulture Converge.” Inspired by a conference presentation, garden staff created a feature showcasing AAS Winners and other species capable of producing natural dyes. Every plant label included its scientific name, dye color, and the specific plant part used. The design incorporated a wide range of AAS Winners, from vintage classics to modern selections, including Marigold ‘Mango Tango’ and Basil ‘Dark Opal.’ Educational signs explained the dye extraction process, highlighting the intersection of Horticulture, Science, and Art. Visitors expressed fascination and surprise at the diverse potential of the pigment garden.