Chicago Flower & Garden Show is proud to support the 2019 Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards and is encouraging all City of Chicago gardeners to get out your shovels – and keyboards! It’s time to enter your garden in the 2019 Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA).
 
CEGA is Chicago’s only citywide gardening honors. It’s free, open to the public and recognizes the hard work and creativity that make our city a healthier, more beautiful and more sustainable place. The awards support the pride we take in our neighborhoods and help us build stronger communities. Enter if your Chicago location includes vegetable, ornamental, container or specialized gardens (including green roof or wall, enabling or rain).
 
The contest includes seven categories: residential, small (up to four units); residential, large (five units and over); school; community garden; other organizations (business, church, fire department, etc.); and urban farm (for profit) and urban farm (nonprofit). As always, the contest recognizes and rewards sustainability in the areas of native plant choices, water conservation, pesticide use, habitat restoration and more.
 
CEGA is open to residents of the City of Chicago. Only one entry per garden will be accepted. Submit online by July 7. Mailed entry forms must be postmarked by June 30. Judging begins in July. Winners will be notified by late summer, with awards presented in October. There is no entry fee. Click here to enter. For more information, click here or write to [email protected].