2019 winner My Than Kim's winning photo of students at a school garden in San Diego.

It's time to marry your love for gardening with your eye for photography in the UC Master Gardener 2023 Conference Photo Contest. This year's theme is broken down into five exciting categories that encompass the essence of gardening:

1. Get Growing: Let's witness the fascinating journey of a plant's life, from a humble seed to a robust plant laden with fruits.
   
   
2. Garden Lessons: Share the educational moments that illuminate the joy of teaching about gardening.
   
   
3. Lovely Landscaping: With California's diverse growing zones offering endless creative opportunities, we'd love to see the outdoor artistry you've cultivated.
   
   
4. Garden Fails: Garden misadventures remind us that it's okay to laugh at our mistakes. Showcase those humorous hiccups that add a sprinkle of fun to gardening.
   
   
5. Garden Bounty: Harvest time is rewarding. Share those proud moments with your bountiful yields, from a single tomato to a basket of varied produce.

Excited to submit your photos? You can submit photos here: https://m.shortstack.page/nRCjrx 

Judges from across the state, including program staff, volunteers, and community partners, will assess each entry based on its artistic quality and its alignment with the program's mission to promote sustainable gardening practices across California.

Now, onto the exciting part - the prizes! Each category winner will receive a $50 gift card (note grand prize winner is not eligible for both prizes). The first-place winner from each category will have a chance to compete at the statewide conference for the grand prize - a $75 gift card. (Please note that the grand prize winner is not eligible for both prizes.)

Participation in our photo contest is not limited to online submissions alone. We encourage you to engage with fellow participants and follow the contest's progress on social media using the hashtag #2023MGPhoto.

It's time to prepare your lenses and nurture your creativity! Let's spotlight the beauty of nature, the joy of gardening, and the uniqueness of each garden through your captivating photographs. Happy snapping, and best of luck!

Submit your photos: https://m.shortstack.page/nRCjrx 

Contest Details at a Glance:

• Submissions accepted from June 15 to August 28, 2023
• Voting begins Sept. 4, 2023
• 1st place winners in each category receive $50 gift certificate, grand prize winner receives a $75 gift certificate and no longer eligible for the $50 prize
• All submissions must be the original work of the entrant
• Participants are free to submit multiple entries
• For more information, visit the Photo Contest Website
• View the Contest Rules