Gail Cummings' passion for gardening is truly remarkable, and her dedication to the craft has been recognized with the prestigious Garden of the Season award for summer 2026. But what makes her story even more inspiring is her ability to garden year-round, even in the harshest of winters. By utilizing grow lights in her basement, Cummings can start her annual seeds as early as January, a technique that she finds incredibly rewarding. "Getting seeds started is my favorite," she says, "just seems like a miracle."
Cummings' love for gardening runs deep, with fond memories of picking green beans as a child. She recalls, "We grew crops and canned and froze them and all of that." This early exposure to gardening has clearly left an indelible mark on her, shaping her into the dedicated gardener she is today. Her garden is a testament to her skills, with a vegetable garden, perennials, and annuals all thriving in the various sections of her 1.1-acre yard, which includes areas of sun and shade.
The Garden of the Season recognition, presented by the Garden Club, is a highly coveted award. Linda Bledsoe, co-chair of the Garden of the Season committee, explains that the award is given to gardens that are in bloom, with criteria including the beauty and layout of the garden, as well as its uniqueness. "We go for things that are in bloom," she says, "We have criteria that all four sides (of the property) have flowers and bushes and things around them."
What makes Cummings' garden truly special is her ability to create a vibrant and diverse landscape, regardless of the season. Her year-round gardening techniques, combined with her love for the craft, have earned her this well-deserved recognition. But it's not just her skills that are impressive; it's also her ability to create a garden that is both beautiful and functional, a true testament to her passion and dedication.
In my opinion, Cummings' story is a reminder of the power of passion and dedication. Her ability to create a thriving garden, no matter the season, is a true inspiration to anyone who loves the outdoors. What makes her story particularly fascinating is her innovative use of grow lights, a technique that allows her to start her seeds early and enjoy the fruits of her labor throughout the year. From my perspective, this award is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and dedication, and it serves as a shining example of the beauty that can be achieved through passion and perseverance.
