Vancouver's Best - Up Front GardenWinners Announced

Sponsored by The Garden Club of Vancouver
and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

June 16, 2004 (No. 44) - The Vancouver Park Board and the Garden Club of Vancouver announced this morning, amidst the beautiful display of one of the city's most lovely front gardens, the winners of a Spring contest that drew over 200 entries. Launched in early April and organized by the dedicated members of one of Vancouver's most esteemed service clubs, the Up Front Gardens contest recognizes wonderful front gardens, small and generous, that can be viewed from the sidewalk. The co-sponsors believe communities are enhanced by interesting gardens that inspire others to contribute to the greening of the streetscape.

One garden in each of Vancouver's 22 neighbourhoods was chosen for recognition and the final winners selected from that list. Criteria used for garden entries were that the garden must be visible from the street, is interesting and appealing, is well-tended, has pleasing combinations of plant material, is remarkable for its design or originality and enhances the look of the neighbourhood.

Final judging was undertaken by the very capable, horticulturally inspired team of Steve Whysall (Vancouver Sun garden writer and garden book author), Kathy Leishman (notable plantswoman and garden designer) and Claude LeDoux (Parks Horticultural Manager for New Westminster). They awarded a 1st, 2nd, and a tie for 3rd place along with three honourable mentions. Steve Whysall commented,

"What we weren't prepared for was just how hard it would be to decide on a winner. The gardens in the final seven ranged in style from an exquisite water-wise boulevard garden to a sumptuous rose garden to a tropical paradise to plant-lovers paradise. All of them turned out to be creative, inspiring works of intelligence and imagination. However, the best part is anybody can go and see these gardens and make up their own mind. This is time well-spent, you won't be disappointed."

1st Place:	Allan Neid at 1904 Stephens Street
2nd Place:	Waterwise Garden at 2523 Wall Street
3rd Place (Tie):	Gardens at 602 Keefer Street and 888 East 53rd Avenue

All neighbourhood garden finalists will be listed on the Park Board web site.

Winners will be recognized at a special Park Board reception in the Fall and receive prizes from the Garden Club of Vancouver at that time. Neighbourhood finalists will also be awarded at a special event in September.

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Contact: Terri Clark, Communication Coordinator, at 604-257-8438

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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