Anyone with an outdoor home garden located within Philadelphia city limits.

No, PHS membership is not required.

No, the Challenge is free to enter.

Yes, but each participant can only enter one garden. If you have multiple gardens tended by other household members, they can participate.

A garden can be any intentionally designed and maintained plant space, including:

• In-ground beds
• Container groupings
• Greenhouses
• Window boxes
• Rooftop or balcony plantings
• Yards

Even container-based spaces are eligible if they show care and design.

Yes. Container gardens (including porches, balconies, and window boxes) are fully eligible under the Decorative Container category.

No. Gardens of all sizes are welcome.

No. Only home gardens are eligible.

No. Gardens must be maintained by the participant.

No. Each participant may submit one garden in one category.

Gardens may overlap categories, but participants can only enter their garden into one category. Choose the one that best represents the primary focus and design of your space.

No, once you confirm your category and upload photos, your entry is final.

Yes, please reach out to gardenchallenge@pennhort.org if you would like to request a paper application. Requests must be made via email before scheduling your pick-up. You will be able to pick-up a paper application at PHS Headquarters (100 N. 20th Street).
 

When you have completed your application and are ready to drop it off, you will drop off at the front desk of PHS headquarters. Please bring printed photos of your garden to include with your application.

For assistance, please contact: gardenchallenge@pennhort.org

There are five garden categories with three size categories. Explore the garden categories and sizes descriptions here. 

• Registration (May 13–June 22, 2026): Register your garden and get smart growing tips, reminders, and photography guidance for your photo submission via email. Registration is required before submitting your garden photos.
   
• Photo Upload (June 23–July 6, 2026): Upload 3-6 photos of your garden.

You must complete both the registration and photo to complete your entry.

Not yet. Registration ensures you receive important updates and helpful resources from PHS. Your entry is complete only after you submit your photos and application.

No. Photos are only required during the submission period so that your garden has time to bloom and thrive! Photos will be submitted later during the official entry period from June 23 – July 6, 2026.

3-6 photos are required.

• Upload 3-6 photos
• Photos should be no larger than 10 MB per file. Accepted file types include: PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, TIFF
• Please provide wide shots of your garden, not isolated plants
• Photographs should exemplify the category which you’re entering (if you are submitting for the Decorative Container Gardens, please show off your various containers)
• Images that clearly show layout and design
• Your garden does not need to be fully mature since we know gardens are always growing.
• No use of AI or digital enhancements

Yes. You can submit photos from last year if what you have planted has not significantly changed.

No. AI-generated or digitally altered images are not permitted.

Gardens are evaluated based on:

• Gardening for the Greater Good - Sourcing from locally owned nurseries, support of wildlife and pollinator habitat, use of gold medal plants, stormwater mitigation, donation of produce.
• Variety of Plants - Gardener displays a number of different kind of plants, planting for year-round interest, or different varieties of one type of plant.
• Suitability of Plants - Location of plants in relation to the growing conditions/microclimate.
• Horticultural Practices - Addresses the quality and condition of the plant material. What has been done to combat insects or disease? Has the garden been mulched? Are plants staked or trellised when necessary?
• Maintenance - Refers to the cleanliness and neatness of the garden. Has the garden been weeded? Are paths clean and free of debris? Are flowers deadheaded?
• Color - Does the garden use color effectively? Is there a theme?
• Use of Space - Has the gardener made the best possible use of space? Is the width, height, and growth habit of the plant appropriate for the space?
• Imaginative Ideas - Has the gardener devised any unusual techniques for conquering space problems (such as vertical gardening), unusual ideas for composting, mulching, cold frames? Does something set this garden apart from others?
• Design and Total Visual Effect - Does the garden have an overall design, integrating the various plantings into a well thought out whole?

No. Only ones who are finalists will receive an in person visit.

Finalists will be contacted via email during the photo review period July 7 – 14, 2026.

You’ll be contacted to schedule an in-person visit between July 15 and August 15, 2026.

Yes. Access to the garden must be available.

Yes. PHS may photograph or film finalist gardens for promotional use.

First Prize

• $150 Primex Garden Center gift card
• PHS goodie/swag bag
• For non-PHS members: PHS Advocate membership including 4 complimentary tickets to the 2027 Philadelphia Flower Show

Second Prize

• $100 Primex Garden Center gift card
• PHS goodie/swag bag
• For non-PHS members: PHS Activist membership including 2 complimentary tickets to the 2027 Philadelphia Flower Show

Third Prize 

• $50 Primex Garden Center gift card
• PHS goodie/swag bag
• For non-PHS members: PHS Contributing membership

All finalists will be invited to a September celebration event (date TBD).