The Garden Gate magazine has announced Shelly (Bell) Schnettler of Essexville, Michigan as the runner-up for the 2026 Reader Garden Award. Schnettler, who passed away unexpectedly in November 2024, was recognized posthumously for her work on a family century farm. The judges noted her lifelong connection to the land and her dedication to making her yard a lively place.
Family Legacy
According to the nomination, Schnettler grew up learning to drive farm equipment at a young age. Her focus shifted to home gardening, where she cultivated a space filled with perennials, annuals, and flowering shrubs. The garden became a focal point for the community, eventually hosting three of her children’s weddings. The judges highlighted a photo from one of these ceremonies, where the colorful bed served as a backdrop for the couple. Visitors to the property were frequently greeted by a lively mix of blooms created from flowering shrubs, perennials, and annuals that offered a creative display of color.
Despite the recognition, the garden was maintained as a private family space rather than a public display. This distinction sets the award apart from other regional competitions. The organizers emphasize that the Reader Garden Award is intended for personal gardens, not professional landscaping businesses. This focus on the homeowner’s effort remains the core of the program’s criteria. Unlike other regional competitions that often require public access or commercial elements, this award specifically honors the effort of individuals cultivating their own private sanctuaries.
Family members established the Bell Family Memorial Scholarship to honor Schnettler’s passion. The Farm Girls for a Better Tomorrow fund supports young women pursuing agriculture, homesteading, or community leadership. The goal is to preserve farming traditions and promote regenerative practices. The organization notes that the scholarship aims to ensure the legacy of future generations of farm girls. It provides financial support to young women pursuing agriculture through formal education, homesteading projects, or community leadership, with a specific mission to preserve farming traditions and champion regenerative practices.
Organizers thank Milwaukee® Tool for providing a pruning tools package valued over $100 as the runner-up prize. The next round of winners for 2026 will be announced in the Fall and Winter issues of Garden Gate magazine. Interested parties can enter their gardens through the magazine’s guidelines for the upcoming year. For details on entry guidelines for submitting your garden in the Garden Gate Reader Garden Award, interested parties can click the provided link to view previous year’s winners and entry requirements.
