Dorchester residents Marta Carney and Mark Smith were among those who collected kudos at the Mayor’s 28th Garden Contest last week. Four other Dorchester and Mattapan green thumbs were also in the winners’ circle at a ceremony held last week in the Public Garden.

The competition recognizes residents who have transformed their yards, balconies, rooftops, and community gardens into vibrant green spaces that enhance the beauty of the city’s neighborhoods.

Carney and Smith, who received third place in the Medium Yard Garden division, said they were delighted with the strong showing from the neighborhood.

“These gardeners bring joy and beauty to our porches, balconies, and storefronts across every neighborhood,” said Mayor Wu.
First place winners received the coveted “Golden Trowel” award from Wu while second and third place winners were awarded certificates. Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years were automatically entered into the Hall of Fame. They and are no longer eligible to enter as contestants but are invited to return as judges.

Blair Campbell shows off his ‘Golden Trowel’ award received from Mayor Wu for his first place finish in the Small Yard Garden division.

Liza Dufresne with Mayor Wu with her third place certificate for the Small Yard Garden division.

Molly Duggan of Mattapan, with family and Mayor Wu, accepts the ‘Golden Trowel’ award for finishing first in the Large Yard Garden division.

First place winners were also entered into a drawing for a JetBlue Grand Prize consisting of roundtrip flights for two to any nonstop destination from Boston. Additionally, Mahoney’s Garden Centers provided gardener’s gift bags to the top three winners in each category, as well as gift certificates for the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees.

Other local winners included:
•José and Olivia Barros (Dorchester), third place, Age Strong division.
•Blair Campbell, first place (Dorchester), Small Yard Garden division.
•Liza Dufresne, third place (Dorchester), Small Yard Garden division
•Molly Duggan, first place (Mattapan), Large Yard Garden division.