Spring is officially upon us, and so is our next photo contest. This spring, The Dawes Arboretum invites you to share the beauty of blooms at Dawes through your lens!
Did you know that Bertie Dawes was notorious for being a wildflower-lover? We feature Bertie’s Garden near our iconic Daweswood House Museum and have many programs about her love of flowers. This year, we’re asking you to photograph beautiful blooms you find around Dawes.
Contest Dates:
April 20 - May 15, 2026
Category:
Flowers
How to Enter:
- Visit Dawes anytime between April 20 - May 15. (April 25 is our 33rd annual Arbor Day Festival and Spring Plant Sale and it’s free all day thanks to our generous sponsor Park National Bank. Learn more here.)
- Use any kind of camera you want – professional, smartphone, film or anything you desire to take photos during your visit.
- Email your submission(s) with your first and last name, contact information and photographs to learning@dawesarb.org with the subject line: Photo Contest 2026.
Contest Rules:
- Photos must be taken between April 20 and May 15, 2026.
- This contest is open to everyone – members, guests and volunteers.
- By submitting your photo, you grant The Dawes Arboretum permission to use it for promotional and marketing purposes.
- There is no limit to the number of photos you may submit.
- Judging will be based on the theme, relevance, composition and creativity.
Winners:
We will have one youth winner (16 and under) and one adult winner.
The two winning photos will be printed and displayed in our Discovery Center. Select photos from the contest may be featured in The Arboretum’s publications, on our website and across social media platforms.
If you have any questions, please contact learning@dawesarb.org.