Lettuce Celebrate! Portland’s 2025 Garden Winners Are In!

Portland Street Garden Project Celebrates 2025 Winners and Record Community Participation

The Portland River Valley Garden Club and the Portland Economic Development Commission are proud to announce the winners of the third annual Portland Street Garden Project, a community-wide initiative that encourages local businesses to beautify their storefronts with vibrant plantings.

This year’s project saw tremendous community engagement, with a record number of votes cast for the popular Portland’s Choice Award, and 21 gardens evaluated by garden club judges for special recognition.

The Portland’s Choice Award went to Savvy Swap Consignment and Highland Sol Flower Farm, with BeStronger Personal Training, Dance with Miss Alicia, and Inner Circle Martial Arts recognized as runners-up.

The top three judged gardens were:

• First Place: Fabian's Pizza

• Second Place: Dog Tales Grooming and Pet Care

• Third Place: Savvy Swap Consignment and Highland Sol Flower Farm

Additional awards celebrated creativity, color, plant diversity and personality:

• Best Theme: Sarah’s on Main

• Most Creative Garden: Magic Mirror Unisex Salon

• Wow Factor: PegArch Architecture and Design and Tropical CT

• Marvelous Mix: Bud's Cafe

• Pretty Palette: Portland Citgo

• Tiny But Mighty: Mirabito Energy Products

• Low Maintenance Marvel: Portland Memorial Funeral Home

• Sunshine and Smiles: Winchester Cafe

• Whimsy in Bloom Award: SilTec Labs

• First Time Planter: Symmetry Physical Therapy

Participants who shared their time, creativity, and gardening spirit received the Green Thumb Tribute, recognizing that every garden adds to Portland’s charm and community pride. This includes:

• Brownstone Bottle Shop
• Chris Cote’s Golf Shop
• Connecticut Valley School of Music and Dance
• Portland Ale House
• Portland Parks and Recreation
• Starbucks
• Tommy’s Pizza

The Portland Street Garden Project continues to grow each year, helping to create a welcoming and colorful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Congratulations to all who participated in making Portland bloom!