Elk River in Full Bloom! Celebrating Our 2026 Garden Gem Award Winners

For this year’s Garden Gem Awardees, the restoration of neglected lots and cultivation of colorful landscapes was worth every ounce of effort they poured into their projects.

The City of Elk River Economic Development Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority is proud to recognize our winners; a collective of residents and business owners that have set the standard for helping keep our community a vibrantly beautiful place to live, work, and visit.

In addition to public recognition, each of our winners also received a personalized engraved garden stone, courtesy of Plaisted Companies, and a temporary winners’ sign on their property for extra bragging rights. Enjoy a virtual tour of the gardens by clicking here.

Huge shout out to all who make this fun tradition possible, including our Beautification and Public Art Committee, which oversaw the program, as well as our judging panel consisting of a committee member, a Sherburne County Master Gardener, the City Gardener, and Economic Development city staff.

Residential Garden Gem Awardees

Jill Varty – Rural

When Jill Varty set out to cultivate a garden three years ago, she wanted to do something different. Something wild and unfettered; a natural sanctuary that would attract both people and delicate pollinators to the land surrounding the Varty Greenhouse.

It took three years of patience, hard work, and guided expertise from the Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District for her native prairie garden to spring to life; a tranquil space where the delicate, tall stocks of six varieties of native grasses sway among buttery yellow and soft lavender blooms from 30 different species of wildflowers

The charm of the space has not only caught the attention of shoppers and passing drivers, but it’s also inspired Varty to cultivate a second native prairie garden behind the property’s pond.

Martha Quesenberry – Townhome Single Family (before 2000)

Every spring, Martha Quesenberry eagerly awaits the appearance of the tender, green shoots poking through the rich soil of the planters and pots that adorn the beautifully manicured lawn of her home. But it's the hearty blooms of her beloved petunias that always bring the biggest smile to her face.

Her deep passion for growing and gardening can be seen in the great care she takes of her flowers, bringing color and beauty to her neighborhood.

It’s also a reflection of the dream she had when she first arrived in Elk River. Having moved here from southwest Minnesota to be closer to her son and his family, she wanted to create a space that exhibited her deep passion for growing flowers and plants. With a helping hand from her daughter-in-law Sarah, a previous Garden Gem Award winner, they’ve brought vibrant color and beauty to Elk River.

Cassie Miller – Single Family (before 2000)

The house on Rush Avenue had been vacant for months before Cassie Miller moved in nine years ago. The property was neglected. Who knew what was growing among the tangle of weeds and thicket?

But as she and her boyfriend, Shawn, began uncovering the landscape, they discovered a treasure trove of cherry, apple, and mulberry trees, as well as lush grapevines and a handful of blooming perennials.

Transforming their unique corner wasn’t easy, but the sweat equity paid off. These days, passersby can’t help but stop and admire the happy space that has been lovingly restored with whimsical garden adornments, and lush plant life.

Sandy & Paul Peterson – Single Family (2000 or later)

When Paul and Sandy Peterson purchased the corner lot at Fresno and Mississippi, they knew the half-acre property was also a beloved neighborhood landmark. A place where walkers and dog owners had enjoyed for over two decades.

But the original details that had once caught the eye, things like a boulder wall and 200 feet of daylilies, had become overgrown with weeds and invasive buckthorn.

Knowing how much people enjoyed the space, Paul and Sandy set out to restore it.

Carefully sorting through the overgrowth to salvage what she could, Sandy relied on years of home gardening experience, importing over 80 perennials from their previous home. Meanwhile, Paul muscled a chainsaw to clear out all the brush.

Together with their children, they spent countless hours lifting sunken boulders, ripping out old landscaping fabric, removing dead bushes, and hand-replanting all 200 feet of the daylilies. Then they got to work planting a vegetable garden.

The breathtaking facelift they’ve given to the property inspires a regular parade of residents, who often stop and thank them for all their hard work.

Neighborhood Garden Gem Awardee

Freeport Business Center (Dawn Schultz) 

The time, love, and energy that Dawn Schultz pours into the landscaping surrounding the Freeport Business Center, which she owns with her husband, Rich, is so inviting that it inspired a passing community member to nominate the property for the Garden Gem award!

The eye-catching curb appeal she’s thoughtfully cultivated serves as a bright, welcoming, and airy site for clients, tenants, and the entire community to savor and enjoy.

Commercial Garden Gem Awardee

Cretex Companies (Dave Anderson) 

Nothing like a little bit of friendly, spousal competition to inspire a garden revival!

After Dave Anderson’s wife, Eileen, beat him out in last year’s Garden Gem Awards, he decided to pull out all the stops when it came to tending the corporate headquarters and grounds of Cretex.

Teaming up with Joey Shutz, Marylin Specht of Riverside Farms, and Hannah Stoll from Nelson’s Nursery, they created a vibrant space of annuals and perennials that’s brought a breath of fresh air to our beautiful downtown.

Making Elk River a Beautiful Place for All

Elk River offers a high quality of life, which is why more people and businesses are moving here. 

This diverse economic ecosystem attracts more business investment as entrepreneurs open their doors and existing firms expand here. The Elk River EDA is here to support all companies that are ready to make a difference in the community. 

Reach out today to discuss your vision. We’ll do our best to work alongside you each step of the way as we welcome you into our phenomenal community.