Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA) 2022

Chicago gardeners! After two long pandemic years, the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA) are back!

In 2022, CEGA judges will be once again visiting gardens throughout Chicago—in person!—as part of the Windy City’s only citywide gardening honors. It’s free and open to the public and recognizes the hard work and creativity that make our city a healthier, more beautiful and more sustainable place. Since 2017, CEGA has recognized more than 150 gardens representing 43 wards and 76 communities. We’re returning from the COVID-19 limitations with a goal of seeing gardens in all 50 wards! (We’ll even acknowledge the ward with the most winners!) Enter if you grow vegetables, flowers or other ornamental plants in the ground or in containers–even on a green roof or wall.

The contest includes these categories: residential, parkways, container, schools, community gardens, enabling gardens, other organizations (businesses, churches, fire departments, etc.), urban farms and more. As always, in addition to beauty and community improvement, the contest recognizes and rewards sustainability in the areas of native plant choices, water conservation, pesticide use, habitat restoration and more. You might also win a rain barrel, courtesy of the MWRD, just for entering!

CEGA is open to residents of the City of Chicago. Only one entry per garden will be accepted. Submit online from May 1 through July 1. Judging begins in June. Winners will be notified by late summer, with awards presented in September. There is no entry fee. Click HERE to enter. For more information, click HERE.