TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - A local backyard garden has been honored by the 2026 American Hemerocallis Society National Convention as one of just six gardens featured this year.

The Wnek Garden, located in Jean Wnek’s backyard, started from a family tradition passed down from her grandparents.

“Every summer I stay with my grandparents and she had an acre yard and it was in rows and people from miles around would come look at her flowers, and we had to always take the mulch out, fertilize and plant, you know, bust them up, plant, you know, plant more,” Wnek said. “But, um, she had a garden and that’s where I learned to garden.”

Over 500 people came to Wnek’s backyard to see the garden. Different kinds of flowers were on display, and snacks and refreshments were provided.

Dean Reusser, who visited the garden, said the backyard setup stood out.

“Oh, this garden was amazing. It’s so great to see all the different plants, all the daylilies growing and the way she has them all spread out with all the different colors,” Reusser said. “It’s a great day today. I’m so glad it was, uh, the weather and everything turned out wonderful. So we’re glad she opened up her garden for everybody.”

Wnek has over 1,200 daylilies in her garden along with 60 companion plants. Preparation for the convention took nearly two years with help from family members, neighbors and gardening clubs across south Georgia.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled at how they have they enjoyed it. They like it,” Wnek said. “They wanted to stay here longer. They, um, they said it was very relaxing. Everybody that um has left here liked the idea that it was a backyard garden. And so at least they can take one idea away and, and do something in their garden.”

Wnek said the garden gives her family a place to hang out while also giving her a chance to showcase her passion on a national stage.

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