Valencia County Master Gardeners June 2025 Garden Contest winners

The Valencia County Extension Master Gardeners have chosen Rachel and Guy Bate, of Los Lunas, as winners of the Yard and Garden of the Month for June 2025 in the contest co-sponsored by the News-Bulletin.

A kaleidoscope of color, fragrance and buzzing pollinators welcomed the judges of the 2025 Master Gardener contest last weekend, as they visited several amazing local gardens, but it was the vibrant and engaging garden of Rachel and Guy Bate that ultimately took home first place.

Starting in the front yard, with drought-tolerant plantings, the Bate’s gardens are beautiful to behold. Moving into the backyard, you see pathways leading around the different planting areas. There are fruit trees, a vegetable garden in raised beds, and a variety of shrubs and trees growing in the ground and in pots.

Rachel proved to be an expert in gardening as she shared information about her plants with the judges, while Guy keep watch over their sweet dog, Bliss.

Local wildlife was also in mind in the creation of the garden. Pollinator plants and bird houses, including a martin house, are seen throughout the area. There are charming pieces of garden art sprinkled among the plants as well.

It was evident that both husband and wife took pride and joy in the lovely space they have created. Spending time in the garden was quite a treat for the judges.

The garden contest will be repeated in July and August. The date for the next month’s contest is July 26. The nominations for the contest are due by 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, and must be submitted via email to either David Cooley at davcoo817@gmail.com or Betsy Cooley at eabcooley@gmail.com.

Contest nominations must include:

• The name and telephone number of the yard/garden owner;

• The address of where the yard/garden is located (all nominated yards/gardens must be in Valencia County);

• A brief statement of why the yard/garden deserves the award;

• Nominators may also submit up to two photos of the nominated yard/garden via e-mail.

The Valencia County Master Gardeners is a community service program of the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service and provides courses and information to help community members improve their gardening skills.