Suzen Holohan of won first place in the “Vegetable or Herb Garden” category while Sharon Gentges earned a second place finish in the “Shade Garden” category. Both are East Boston residents
BOSTON – Wednesday, August 27, 2025 – Yesterday, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the winners of the 29th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest in a ceremony celebrating the exceptional efforts of Boston’s urban gardeners. 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.
“Boston’s gardeners have brought joy and beauty to our neighborhoods and communities, transforming everything from porches and balconies to storefronts into vibrant green spaces,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am honored to celebrate all of our winners and offer a special congratulations to those receiving this year’s Golden Trowel award. It is a pleasure to celebrate your hard work!”
First place winners received the coveted “Golden Trowel” award from Mayor 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. These distinguished Hall-of-Famers are no longer eligible to enter as contestants but are invited to return as judges.
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. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply. Mahoney’s Garden Centers provided gardener’s gift bags to the top three winners in each category, as well as gift certificates for the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.
This year’s winners include:
Vegetable or Herb Garden
1. Suzen Holohan – East Boston
1st place Suzen Holohan – East Boston
Shade Garden
2nd Place. Sharon Gentges – East Boston
