Second Place Winner

The Teaching Garden at Woodward Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Category 2: 10,000-100,000 Visitors

Rooted in the experiences of staff, volunteers, and visitors, The Teaching Garden’s 2026 display garden successfully brought the “Goodness of Gardening” theme to life through an interactive, self-guided nature walk. Designed as a free public sanctuary, the garden invited guests to explore their personal connections to nature by pairing award-winning All-America Selections (AAS) plants with reflective, educational signage.

Each area was tailored to a specific aspect of well-being: the pollinator garden highlighted ecological benefits, the vegetable plot showcased physical health, and the memorial garden provided space for spiritual renewal. By placing thought-provoking prompts and comfortable seating throughout the space, the display clearly explained why each plant combination mattered, encouraging visitors to pause, learn, and reflect on how gardening enriches daily life.

To amplify its impact, the initiative was supported by an engaging promotional video, targeted social media campaigns highlighting AAS winner varieties, local news features, guided group tours, and a quarterly newsletter feature. By combining thoughtful signage, upcycled space, and digital outreach, the display effectively educated the public, fostered community engagement, and demonstrated how purposeful garden design promotes physical, emotional, and environmental well-being for all who visit.