Member Photo Contest Finalists

Member Photo Contest 2026:
Wildlife in the Garden

Thank you, Members, for sharing your artwork with us. Six photos are on display at the Garden in the Visitors' Center now through November, so visit soon to see this incredible artwork in person!

Member Photography Contest Winners

Summer 2026: Display One

Fire and Dust
Brett McGuire

On this trip, Brett had only brought a single lens and was focusing on macro photos of flowers and insects. This little guy had stopped for a quick snack and posed for its close-up glamour shot!

Eastern Kingbird

Stephen Crafts

This Kingbird looked quite kingly perched atop this stalk in the pond. Stephen liked the greenish hue of the water as a backdrop for the black and white bird. There was ample daylight without harsh shadows.

On the Precipice

Carol Addy

Carol and her husband visited the Garden on a sun splashed afternoon in the midst of summer. There was a gentle and cooling zephyr, and she was mesmerized by this dragonfly and its ability to balance so precariously on the tip of an emerging leaf...despite the swaying created by the wind. Translation to life: We can find an inner calm even in times of chaos.

l Love Butter
Laura Booth

Laura loves the Lawn Garden for its variety and its sun. There is always a good camera shot somewhere along the walk. Laura took many photos to get this shot, but it was worth it. It was a warm and pleasant day, and Laura always has her phone ready. She remembers many shrubs were covered in bees with lots of fresh blooms everywhere. Laura always sees something new every day.

The Decision Has Been Made

Danielle Gamache

This photo was taken on April 1st, which to Danielle, is the start of Spring. Looking at the Tree Swallow couple, it appeared that they had both agreed that this is the house that they will raise their brood in.

Resting Bullfrog in the Ramble Pool

Mary Coombs

On a beautiful day, Mary met with several members of her photography club (AVCC) to photograph the wonders of the Garden. They spent time in the Secret Garden enjoying and photographing a hummingbird, butterflies, frogs, and blooms. Mary stayed on for a while after her friends left because she wanted to go up to the Belvedere, which was lovely. As Mary came down, she decided to visit the Ramble before heading home, and there in the pool, on a large lily pad, sat a very contented bullfrog. She took many photos as she loved the colors and serenity of the scene: the leaf, the surrounding lotus flowers, and the very obliging bullfrog.

Fall 2026: Display Two

Black Swallowtail on Cardinal Flower

Darlene Holman

Darlene’s favorite subjects to photograph at the Garden are hummingbirds and butterflies sipping on nectar from flowers. Black Swallowtail butterflies thrive in the habitat the gardens cultivate; sunny, flower-rich spaces that support all kinds of pollinators. The Swallowtail pictured was photographed in the Garden of Inspiration stone water feature, where Cardinal Flowers once grew.

Take a Closer Look

Kristen Ellis

Kristen spent her birthday, September 3rd, doing one of her favorite things--exploring the Garden. While looking at the various flowers, she realized something was staring back at her. Imagine Kristen’s surprise finding a praying mantis! Nature has so many hidden surprises if you just take the time to look.

Floating Around

Pamela Cherkas

It was a quiet, late August afternoon, and Pamela spied the frog floating amongst the water lilies. She loved the way the grass moved as it reflected on the water, while the plants and frog floated along.

Just Hovering

Victoria Holland

Victoria was so excited to see this Hummingbird and managed to capture it as it flew among the cardinal flowers looking for nectar.

Bird on a Budding Branch

Danielle Boyer

Da B

James Macomber

Honorable Mentions

Sticky
Charlotte LeClair

Hello Frog
Robert Clark

Butterfly Wings
Megan Bray

Swaying in the Bees
Diana Chevrette