The Michigan Master Gardener Association is celebrating the beauty and impact of gardening through our annual Photo Competition! Whether it's a vibrant bloom, a hardworking pollinator, or a thriving community project, we want to showcase the incredible moments our members have captured. Prizes will be awarded for top photos. Read on to learn more about the rules and guidelines for the competition.

2026 MMGA Photo Competition Rules and Guidelines

Eligibility

The photo competition is open to all MMGA members. You must be a member in good standing for the current year.

Photo Themes

  • Annuals and/or Perennials

  • Produce from the Garden

  • Trees and Shrubs

  • Wildflowers and Native Plants

  • Wildlife Oasis (animals or insects in the garden)

Submission guidelines

  1. The picture must be taken in 2026.

  2. There is a limit of one (1) entry per theme per person. Duplicate images under different themes are not allowed.

  3. While you may be able to submit under multiple themes, you can only be awarded a single prize for the entire competition. You cannot be awarded across multiple themes.

  4. There are no restrictions on the location of where photos can be taken, unless specified within the theme.

  5. If your image includes a plant, you do not need to have grown it. However, any photos displaying invasive plants will automatically be excluded. We do not want to promote these.

  6. Images should be submitted through this link: https://pollunit.com/polls/iARvF6AQdDUpieCleMft4g

  7. Each photo requires a separate submission. Be sure to select your theme at the bottom of the submission page before adding your photo!

  8. All photo entries must be submitted no later than October 4, 2026 by 11:59pm.

voting

Photos will be judged by MMGA members via a voting platform. Members will be asked to select their favorite photo per theme when voting.

prizes

One winner will be selected per theme based on the number of votes received. Each prize will be worth $50. Prizes will be awarded via check. Winners will be announced at the MMGA Annual Meeting in November 2026. Winning images will be shared on the MMGA website, social media channels, newsletters, and as the MMGA sees fit.

usage rights

By submitting a photo, entrants grant the MMGA the right to use the image in the following ways, including but not limited to: the MMGA website, Facebook page, Instagram account, and newsletters. Photos will always include credit to the photographer.