The Dalles Beautification & Tree Committee Announces April 2026 Beautification Award Winner.
The Dalles, Oregon – The Beautification & Tree Committee proudly honors Marta and Wayne von Borstel with the April Beautification Award for their outstanding garden at 1603 Morton.
What began nearly 40 years ago as a simple property with just three fruit trees has grown into a richly layered and thoughtfully maintained landscape.
Over time, the von Borstels expanded their property by acquiring neighboring land and gradually transforming it with terraces, retaining walls, flower beds, walkways, fences, and extensive paver work. The garden reflects decades of steady effort, evolving from a large vegetable garden in earlier years to a space now centered around ornamental plantings and fruit trees.
Today, the property continues to produce a seasonal harvest of pears, apples, apricots, peaches, cherries, and plums. These harvests are often preserved and shared with family, extending the impact of the garden well beyond the growing season.
When asked to describe their garden, Marta shared:
“When we first bought the property almost 40 years ago, aside from three old fruit trees, there wasn’t much else growing in the yard. Over time, we slowly added terraces, walls, flower beds, walkways, and pavers—many, many pavers. It has truly been a labor of love, built with hard work and sweat.”
A defining feature of the property is a hand-built wall constructed more than 20 years ago by Wayne, his son, and several of his son’s high school friends. The wall, now covered in moss and lichen, remains a lasting element of the landscape and a reflection of the effort invested in the space.
Seasonal plantings continue to bring color and activity to the garden. Thousands of bulbs planted over the years bloom annually, alongside ornamental trees such as pears, cherries, crabapples, quince, and plums.
Flowering shrubs, including rhododendrons, lilacs, and butterfly bushes, support pollinators and contribute to the garden’s vibrant spring display.
Whimsical metal sculptures are placed throughout the property, adding a personal and playful element tied to family memories. As the garden has matured, ongoing maintenance has become a shared effort, with additional support helping to preserve its condition.
Each spring, the garden comes alive with the movement of bees and butterflies, drawn to the blooms that have been carefully cultivated over decades.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
