Neither mountains of snow nor weeks of hot, dry sunshine could keep Port Coquitlam's top gardeners down.

Winners of the 2009 Pride of PoCo Garden Awards have been announced, with the top green thumb prize going to Jane and Lew Dumontet of 3286 Regina St. Also in the residential category were second-place winners Kulbir and Parmjeet Nagra of 1096 Glade Crt. and, in third, Alana Jackson of 2167 Grant Ave.

"We were quite happy," said Kulbir Nagra of taking second prize. "We put a lot of effort into our garden because we really enjoy it, and it feels good to be recognized."

The combined efforts of Jane and Richard Long (1127 Bennet Dr.), Carolyn Jeffrey (1129 Bennet Dr.) and Nita Powers (1131 Bennet Dr.) were recognized in the multi-family housing category.

Winning top prize in the balcony garden award was Don Garnier of 2484 Wilson Ave. and, in the newly added business category, Shaughnessy Dental (2256 Elgin Ave.) won first prize.

"I want to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination," Mayor Greg Moore said in a release. "I also want to especially thank all the nominees who worked so hard on their gardens and made our neighbourhoods look so fantastic."

The 2009 Pride of PoCo Garden Awards judging committee noted the creativity and diversity displayed in the street-front gardens of this year's nominees. Judging criteria for the winning gardens are based on the effective use of colour, space, maintenance of plant and landscape materials and curb appeal.

Pride of PoCo winners receive certificates of appreciation, prizes from Art Knapp Plantland and Florist and Meadows Landscaping, and will be recognized at the Sept. 14 council meeting.

Photos of the top gardens will be on the city's website, at www.portcoquitlam.ca/gardenawards.

The annual Pride of PoCo Garden Awards are sponsored by the PoCo Garden Club and the city. The awards recognize the efforts of local gardeners who enhance the beauty of the community and promote civic pride.