Bainbridge Island’s Bloedel Reserve is one of 20 North American public gardens nominated in USA Today’s 10 Best Public Gardens competition.

It is the only garden in the state to be nominated.

Nominees were chosen by landscape design expert, author and lecturer Lucinda A. Brockway, Program Director for Cultural Resources at The Trustees of Reservations, the nation’s oldest land trust.

The ultimate winner will be decided by popular vote. Votes can be cast at www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-public-garden/.

Voting will remain open until Monday, March 31.

Bloedel spokesman Korum Bischoff said that the news of their nomination was a surprise.

“I got an email a week ago saying that we were in consideration,” he explained. “It was a Saturday and I was really glad I checked my email. Even just to be listed in the top 20 is an honor.”

Korum said that the support the reserve had already received in the voting was impressive and validated the work being done there.

“Bainbridge is where we’re going to get the most help [in the vote],” he said.

A nonprofit organization, Bloedel Reserve is an internationally renowned public garden whose primary mission is to provide a tranquil and refreshing experience of nature.

The garden is open to the public year-round Tuesdays through Sundays. Visit www.bloedelreserve.org for more information.