Mayor Menino's Garden Contest, 2009 Citywide Celebration of Urban Gardening presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and sponsors Comcast and the Boston Herald.

"Boston's gardeners work long and hard to beautify their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "This contest recognizes and honors these green thumbs who are helping to improve our city with their talents."

Launched thirteen years ago as part of Mayor Menino's citywide beautification initiative, the contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, and shrubs, and, in the process, beautified their own small piece of Boston.

First place winners in eleven categories will receive the coveted "Golden Trowel" award from Mayor Menino, prize packages from HGTV, a one-year American Horticultural Society membership and more, all to be given out at an awards ceremony in late August.

Entry Form

Residents and businesses are encouraged to nominate their own or a neighbor's garden, window box, or front, back, or side yard. Only gardens planted by amateur gardeners are eligible to take part in the contest. No professionally contracted work will be allowed to enter. Entrants are required to submit photographs of their garden along with an official entry form. Using these photos, judges will narrow the entrants to five finalists per category. Site visits by contest judges will determine the winners.

Your photo(s) and completed nomination form must be received at our Boston offices by July 17, 2009 at 5 pm to be eligible for competition.

Entries without photographs will not be accepted.

Online Entry Form Complete the form online and upload up to 5 digital photos of your garden.

or

Download & Print Entry Form Download and fill out the mail-in entry form, making sure to check the box next to the type of garden you are entering into the contest. Remember to attach at least one color photograph of your garden to your nomination form.

2008 Garden Contest Winners Mayor Menino and Parks Commissioner Toni Pollak honored the winners of the 2008 Garden Contest at an awards ceremony in the Public Garden. List of Winners » View Slideshow »