The Central Valley Art of Landscape Design Competition is back at this year’s Spring Show! Skip the online search and meet licensed landscapers in person while exploring their one-of-a-kind landscape displays. Get inspired, envision your dream backyard, & connect with local professionals ready to bring it to life— at the 2026 Central Valley Art of Landscape Competition.

2026 Contestants

  • Greenside Landscape

    Expert landscaping services for residential and commercial properties.

    (559) 213-0853 greensidelandscape.com

  • Picture Perfect Lawn

    Custom landscapes brought to life in Fresno, Clovis, and Madera, CA.

    (559) 974-1703  fresnolandscapes.net

  • Calscapes Landscape Design & Turf

    Premiere landscaping service making your outdoor dreams into a reality!

    (559) 930-5600  calscapesoutdoorliving@gmail.com

  • TNT Pools

    From custom pool design to complete backyard transformations.

    (559) 907-3863 https://www.tntpoolsinc.com/

Our 2026 CVAL Judges

Hilary Kimber

I have worked in design, construction and maintenance of plant material so that gives me a unique perspective as to what types of plants thrive in various soils, climate conditions and maintenance care. 

B.S. Plant Science U.C. Davis; Nurseryman H&E Nursery, Fresno; Landscape Construction & Maintenance commercial and apartments; Arborist, City of Fresno; Park Supervisor; Weekly Gardening Column, The Fresno Bee; Instructor for Reedley College, Plant Identification, Pesticides & Arboriculture (extended learning courses); Ca. Certified Nurserywoman/CCN Pro; President Fresno Horticulture Society

Mike Fitzgerald

Mike Fitzgerald is the Owner of Mike’s Evergreen, Inc. of Clovis, California. Mike started the business in 1987 and he received his Landscape Contractor License. Mike is a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Mike’s Evergreen is a landscape design and build company. Mike received the Tree Fresno Cityscape award as the First Place Winner. He was awarded the best Landscape Company in Fresno & inducted into the Big Fresno Fair Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Western Fairs Association Blue Ribbon Award presented by the Big Fresno Fair. He won 9 consecutive awards by the Central Valley Art of Landscape for his Landscape Designs.

Leonard Ichimoto

I became interested in plants at Reedley College in Ornamental Horticulture in 1972. Transferred to Fresno State Plant Science in 1974.  Left school 45 years ago to work full time for nurseries. Certificates in landscape design, Identification of Insects, diseases & weeds, Retail Nursery Marketing and Turf Management. 

Worked as part of landscaping crews. Landscape design & consultation. Still available for plant diagnosis or consultations for walk-in customers. Doing plant workshops, speaking engagements on plant, chemicals, fertilizers, color planting, hanging baskets, for schools & garden clubs. 

Contestant Information

ALL SPACES ARE FILLED FOR OUR 2026 SPRING COMPETITION

Grow your business and connect with thousands of local customers at the Art of Landscape Competition, returning to the 40th Annual Fresno Spring Home & Garden Show! Showcase your skills by creating a stunning landscape display this March 6–8 at the Fresno Fairgrounds, gain exposure to a highly engaged audience, and compete for cash prizes—all while building valuable connections that can help your business flourish.

1st: $4,000 + award || 2nd: $3,000 || 3rd: $2,000 || 4th: $1,000

15 x 30 Complimentary booth on asphalt under roof line

  • Only FOUR available spots- every participant will win a cash prize!

  • CVAL will be one of the main features of our $140,000 advertising campaign which includes: TV, Radio, Local Newspapers, Social media, & Google Ads

  • Each participant will have a write up and logo in the show program AND on our website.

  • Each participant will have a write up and logo in an email blast to over 100,000 Central Valley homeowners.

  • Each participant will have a spotlight ad on Facebook and Instagram!

Contact us with any questions (800) 897-7899 || julieg@fresnoshows.com

Click Here to apply for 0ur 2026 contest

Competition Requirments

Licensed Contractors Only (must have active license at the time of signing up and at show time)

  •  Drawing/Blueprint of display showing all required elements. Drawing due 1/10/26.

  • A minimum of 100 square feet of hardscape

  • Include boulders and/or rocks (no restrictions); can be natural stone, artificial stone veneer, etc.

  • At least one “man-made” structure (no restrictions)

  • A minimum of 150 square feet of plantings (trees and shrubs)

  • At least one water feature (no restrictions)

  • Location of displays 1st come, 1st serve. Layout may change pending on number of participants.

  • This is a blind competition, however, signage will be provided for each display once competition is over for the attendees.

  • Judges, schedule of set up/tear down, and more detailed information coming soon!