There’s still time left to enter the PHS Gardening Contest. Submit your photos and complete your questionnaire by Friday, June 26, to be part of this summer’s friendly, virtual competition!
Dorene Martin, a 25-year PHS Gardening Contest judge, recommends taking more photos than needed, then selecting the best to submit. “Take at least one overview photo, if possible, so we can judge the scope of the garden,” says Martin. “Please don’t submit photos of a single flower.”
To Martin, creativity matters. She recommends including photos of unique elements that will help your garden stand out. Gardens over the years that made an impression included those that were environmentally conscious with clever watering systems and pollinator plants, gardens with a variety of vegetables, and gardens with lots of color.
“We really look for pollinator-friendly plants and gardens,” says Martin. “This has been one of our strongest areas of focus for the last several years.”
Finally, Martin noted that she really loves photos of people in their garden with big smiles enjoying the fruits of their labor. “Don’t be afraid to include a photo with you or your gardening team with your submissions,” she says. “After all, gardening is fun, and the judges love seeing your love for gardening come through in your photographs."
