The Trial Gardens competition theme for 2025 was A Cottage Garden. Grosse Pointe Farm & Garden took 1st place in our Trial Gardens Competition and therefore has the privilege of selecting the new theme for our 2026 competition, that was announced at its Annual Meeting in January. Deeplands Garden Club and Grand Marais Garden Club came in 2nd and 3rd, respectively. We also recognize and thank the Herb Society of America, Grosse Pointe Unit for designing, planting, and maintaining the four inner plots: Culinary, Fragrance, Medicinal, and Wedding of the Trial Gardens.

Each year local garden clubs are invited to participate in our Trial Gardens Competition. Three qualified judges are selected by the Garden Center to evaluate the garden designs throughout the summer. The judges use a point system to analyze the gardens in June, July, and August. Their results are tallied and announced at our Annual Awards Tea in September at the War Memorial. Our 2026 Awards Tea will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Dining and Reception Rooms at the War Memorial.