Best blooming residence winners are Jim and Joanne Simpson. “We both have skin in this project,” Jim said, since they hauled in at least 100 tons of rocks and designed the space. The Simpson’s backyard has several levels, stairs, dahlias, flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs, including blueberries, black hollyhocks and two photogenic cats. Jim said there are three reasons for their landscaping: to grow flowers for Joanne to paint, to raise vegetables to eat and as part of his exercise program.

Best blooming residence winners are Jim and Joanne Simpson.

Containers in bloom winner is Polson resident Charles Bertsch. Bertsch starts his flowers in his basement and then moves them to the greenhouse. “I don’t know if it makes any difference or not, but he plays music to them every day,” Olivia Bertsch, Charles’ mom said. Bertsch also raises dahlias and has 19 varieties of beech trees and “maples I’ve never heard of,” according to Dorene Parise. Bertsch cuts his geraniums back every fall and puts them in the pump house over the winter.

Containers in bloom winner is Polson resident Charles Bertsch.

Most beautiful vegetable garden winners are John and Patty Kelly. According to John, gardens are like good marriages: you’ve got to work on them every day. To add to the well-tended and healthy garden, John built two bridges across the ditch to reach the vegetables.

Best business balconies/planters winner is Sandpiper Gallery. Designed by Kathy Shore of Southshore Greenhouse, the vibrant greens of the sweet potato vine and contrasting purple coleus and bright orange begonias won best business for the Sandpiper Gallery on Main Street.

Best blooming bank winner is Community Bank. They won for their year-round consistency, according to Parise.

Best balconies/windowboxes in bloom winner is Nancy Stewart. Best seen from No. 7 hole on the Polson Bay Golf Course, Stewart said she wanted something for the golfers to enjoy. She's had lots of compliments already.

Most beautiful vegetable garden winners are John and Patty Kelly