VBG In Bloom
Photo above by Jake Sandell
In Bloom Photo Contest:
Garden Stories
This year, the theme of the contest will be Garden Stories. Submissions should highlight events and people engaged in activities in the Gardens. With the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” in mind, the goal of the photo contest this year is to expand the stories of the Gardens.
- Entry period: May 8 - May 29, 2026
- Judging period: June 4 - June 12, 2026 (Winners will be notified after the juding period.)
Entrants will be limited to 2 submissions.
Peoples’ Choice winners will be judged on social media. Judges’ Choice winners are selected by a panel of photography professionals.
Winners will be notified in mid-June. The photos will published in News from the Gardens, social media, and our website.
Finding Stories in the Gardens
The activities calendar offers photographers many opportunities to capture special moments in the Ventura Botanical Gardens, such as capturing plein air artists at their easels, enjoying a weekend flower show, or indulging in a wine and cheese tasting. See upcoming activities below or view the calendar. Events are added frequently, check back often!
Unscheduled activities such as docent tour groups or ways you might enjoy the Gardens such as contemplation, family time, dog walking, birding, volunteering and other activities throughout the year can also be subjects for entries and will fulfill the Garden Stories entry criteria.
Rules, Requirements and Releases
All participants are required to agree to the rules and regulations, which can be downloaded below. If your contest entries include images of faces, your image's subject will need to fill out a copyright release form giving VBG permission to use and publish their image. Silhouettes, backs of heads, or obscured images of faces do not require permission for publication as long as faces are not recognizable. Parents/guardians must fill out the form for their children.
The contest submission period has ended. Thanks for your interest!
Upcoming Activities at the Gardens
See upcoming activities below or view the full calendar. Events are added frequently, check back often!
Summer Hummerz Exhibit
The hummingbird is one of the most enchanting and beloved of all the tiny fliers. This June 2 thru August 31 the Garden celebrates these jewels of the air with…
New Member Donuts & Docents
New members are invited for a morning of donuts and a docent tour. Exclusively for new members who have joined in the last 3 months. Look for an invitation in…
Channel Islands Carvers
Watch artistry come to life—one carving at a time. Join us as the Channel Islands Carvers transform simple blocks of wood into stunning works of art during live carving demonstrations…
Summer Kickoff Free Day
Welcome summer—for free! We’re celebrating the start of the season with open gate free admission. It’s the perfect weather to grab your leashed pup, hit the hillside walkways, and learn…
2025 In Bloom Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners!
Judges Choice
1st Place: Alicia Barreto
Exploring the Garden
2nd Place: Vu Nguyen
Road to Heaven
3rd Place: Mary Kay Kendall
The Earth Whispers in Hues
People's Choice
1st Place: Josie Navarro
A Day with “Ama”
2nd Place: Tracy Newman
The Photographer Becomes the Subject
3rd Place (tie): Tara Pinley
Garden Valentine
3rd Place (tie): Alicia Barreto
Exploring the Garden
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