Third Place Winner

Boerner Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Category 3: Over 100,000 Visitors

Bringing the “Goodness of Gardening” theme to life, the trial garden display at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin demonstrated how thoughtful garden design directly benefits wildlife and pollinators. The interactive display captivated visitors of all ages by showcasing hand-crafted elements alongside vibrant, award-winning All-America Selections (AAS) plants.

Designed to engage the public, the garden featured moss-stuffed animal topiaries—including rabbits in the vegetable patch, turtles along a petunia “river,” and impressive cranes—alongside five hand-painted wooden butterflies depicting local species. A custom bug hotel made from scavenged natural materials and a pollinator puddling station served as focal points, demystifying insects and sparking valuable educational discussions about beneficial garden bugs.

The creative props drew enthusiastic responses from adults and children alike, leading guests through the space to discover new plant varieties, such as the fragrant Evening Scentsation petunias. A scenic bench along the petunia display offered families a relaxing spot for photo opportunities while observing bees and butterflies flocking to the blooms. By combining artistic craftsmanship, upcycled materials, and pollinator-friendly plantings, the 2026 display successfully educated the community on ecological gardening while creating a memorable, joyous experience for all who visited.