Regional Outdoor & Balcony Contest
This is your garden's moment. Entries close September 30, 2026.
Calling All
Open to all backyard, balcony, and windowsill gardeners in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. This is for you.
Proudly sponsored by local nurseries, garden centers, and landscape businesses across the region — five categories judged by a panel of plant enthusiasts, professional gardeners, and horticulture experts, and one, People's Choice, decided entirely by public vote.
A Note From Our Team
We are absolutely thrilled to launch this campaign, marking the beginning of what we envision as many celebrations to come. Our dream for these awards is to shine a bright spotlight on the hidden gems, personal sanctuaries, and green treasures you have poured your heart into creating. Whether you are tending to a massive backyard or a tiny windowsill, every single space tells a beautiful story. We truly cannot wait to see our incredible community of plant parents grow, connect, and inspire one another. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. Let's celebrate what you grow!
— The Planted With Care Team
All Are Welcome
This isn't a contest for the fanciest greenhouse or the biggest budget. It's for the fire escape with three pots, the first tomato plant you've ever kept alive, and the backyard you've tended for thirty years alike. Every space here was made with care — that's the only qualification. Whatever you're growing, and however long you've been growing it, we want to see it.
Six Ways In
Every space qualifies — renters, weekend DIYers, and dedicated growers alike. Pick the category that fits your space and tell us the story behind it. Not sure which one? Pick the closest fit — our judges read every story. Five categories are judged by our panel; People's Choice is decided entirely by public vote.
For renters and small-space growers who prove square footage is no excuse for beauty.
Renters & Small SpacesBefore-and-after glory for the DIY makeover that took more grit than budget.
DIY MakeoversOutdoor hangouts and entertaining spaces built for golden-hour dinners with friends.
Outdoor EntertainingFor indoor plant parents relocating their collection outside for its summer debut.
Indoor Collections, OutsideKitchen gardens and pollinator patches doing double duty for the table and the bees.
Kitchen & Pollinator GardensNo judges here — the tri-state votes on its favorite space. Winner decided by public vote on October 15, 2026.
Decided by YouSimple As That
Three steps between you and your nominee badge — here's exactly how it works.
Upload your 3 photos and a short story about your space right here on this site.
Once you're in, grab your official nominee badge and post it to your social media.
Tag @plantedwithcare on TikTok or @plantedwithcareawards on Instagram, and use #PlantedWithCare to rally votes.
The People's Choice Award is decided entirely by a secure public vote right here on our website. As soon as you submit your photos, you will get a shareable link to send to your friends, family, and followers. The sooner you enter, the more time you have to collect votes before the deadline!
Submit Your SpaceWhat Winners Take Home
A weatherproof forest-green sign, laser-etched with your name and category, ready to display straight out of the box.
A physical gift card, packed right into your branded prize box alongside your sign.
A shareable badge for your socials, generated the moment results are announced.
Your space, photographed and written up in our seasonal tri-state design feature.
Your sign and gift card arrive together in one branded box — unbox it, plant it, and tag us. We love seeing where it lands.
Ready When You Are
Takes about three minutes. You'll need three photos and a short story. No pressure, just tell it straight.
