Judges included Susan Reimer, a former Baltimore Sun columnist and master gardener; Christine Pfister-McComas, a horticulture consultant at the University of Maryland Extension's Home & Garden Information Center; and Liz Atwood, The Baltimore Sun's former home and garden editor. The gardens were judged on plant variety and health, overall design and sound environmental practices.

More garden info

The Home & Garden Information (HGIC) website, extension.umd.edu, gives free, science-based help with gardening and pest management. Ask a question by clicking on “Home Gardening” and Ask an Expert.” You also can locate a master gardener plant clinic where you can take samples.