After a long winter, judges are visiting 12 homes in Arlington this month to choose the winner of the fifth annual Rock Spring Garden Club Garden of the Year competition.

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will be announced June 12, in an event recognizing gardeners who make exceptional contributions to the beautification of Arlington.

The nominated gardens are being judged by representatives of the Landscape Design Council of the National Capital Area Garden Clubs and the Arlington County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Fruit and vegetable gardens are eligible for the competition for the first time this year, in addition to or in combination with flower gardens.

An illustrated presentation featuring the gardens will set the stage for the awards program June 12 at the Little Falls Presbyterian Church. Refreshments will be served and maps provided for a self-guided tour of the winning gardens.

For more information, visit rockspringgardenclub.com.