Want to Enter the City's Garden Contest?

All Boston residents, organizations or businesses are invited to enter the mayor's 2011 Garden Contest. The competition, 15 years running, is open to amateur gardeners only. First place winners across eight different categories will receive a "Golden Trowel" award from the city.

The deadline for entering is July 15. Participants should submit an entry form and photographs of their yard, window boxes, or landscaping. Residents are encouraged to nominate neighbors' gardening work as well.

Entry forms and category details are available at www.cityofboston.gov/parks/gardencontest.

Judges will narrow the entrants to five finalists per category, based on submitted photographs -- so good pictures matter. Judges will coordinate site visits to determine the winners.

Last year, winners received prize packages from HGTV, a one-year American Horticultural Society membership and more. Awards will be given out at an awards ceremony in late August.