The Trial Gardens competition theme for 2025 is A Cottage Garden. Grand Marais took 1st place in our 2024 Trial Gardens Competition and therefore had the privilege of selecting the new theme for our 2025 competition.

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. This year the Awards Tea is Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Admission is free to members and non-members. Registration will be available in August.

We 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.