Garden Plus members and their families are invited to participate in the Garden's new youth horticulture competition, the Kids Dig It Challenge.

Children ages 4 to 13 may register by August 31, 2010, by sharing their gardening experience in either a single plant garden project (using one kind of plant) or a garden project that includes more than three different kinds of plants.

The project may be an indoor or outdoor growing effort, and may be something that was started before this year's growing season as long as it is still growing.

Each child is to submit a brief essay (no longer than two pages) that supports the project with photographs and/or drawings. Photographs should be no larger than 8 1/2 x 11, and drawings should be no larger than 11 x 17. Names should be printed on the back of all essays, drawings, and photographs, so that the judging can be done anonymously.

The top three performers at each age level (4–6, 7–10, and 11–13) will receive awards and certificates, and each participant will receive a ribbon. One entry per person. The deadline for registration and submissions is August 31, 2010.

Submissions may be dropped off in the Visitor Center at the Membership or Information Desk, or mailed to:

Kids Dig It Challenge
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

The award winners will be on display in the Garden View Room on October 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and featured on the Garden's website and in Garden publications. There is no fee for participating. Employees’ children and grandchildren are not eligible to participate.

→ Read the Guidelines

→ Download a Registration & Entry form