2026 Garden Competition Winners
IN-GROUND / RAISED BED GARDEN WINNER:
Terry Howard
My love of gardening started when I had young children and we were living in Virginia. The soil there was fantastic, and the older neighbors enjoyed teaching me and sharing their plants. It was the beginning of a long journey of learning and loving plants.
When I moved to Anderson a few years ago, I wanted to pass that love of gardening on to my grandson. And to my delight, he was “all in,” as they say. We started Hunter’s Botanical Garden when he was around 2½. We would go to Lowe’s every Saturday morning (and still do!) to look for plants and then add them to our garden. He learned the names of all the plants and loves to tell people all about them. His little sister Madi came along, and she loves it too! And they can’t pass a weed without plucking it out. 😊
Each year we add something new to the garden. This year we added elephant ears that created a secret garden entrance. It’s a surprise to see all the plants hiding behind them. There are daylilies, iris, veronica, phlox, dahlias, zinnias, gerbera daisies, lavender, herbs, butterfly bushes and more.
We’re also growing Native American corn this year that his Aunt Chelsea got from the Cherokee tribe in Oklahoma. All the butterflies are one of our favorite things to watch.
Sharing the garden with my grandchildren is such a joy, and I hope the memories and the love of gardening will hold a special place in their hearts too.
Terry Howard
OUTDOOR POTTED GARDEN WINNER:
Leslie Stephens
What I’m growing: Carnations, hosta, petunias, purple heart, wandering Jew and so much more!
What I love best about gardening is watching things grow. I love adding color to my yard, being outside, trying out new plants and sharing with others.
Leslie Stephens
INDOOR GARDEN WINNER:
Kristin Augspurger
I’m growing a variety of Alocasias, pothos, ivy, hoyas and more.
The thing I love most about my indoor garden is learning about each new variety I get. I’m constantly adding to my plant collection, and I would say 90% of my plant collection came from City Seed at the Station!
I love plants, and I love supporting small and local businesses, so it’s always my go-to! I also love propagation and hydroponics.
Kristin Augspurger
