VBG In Bloom

2025 In Bloom Photo Contest: Garden Stories

In past years the photo contest has focused on the colorful beauty of our blooms and the wildlife visitors we enjoy in the spring. 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.

The contest entry period will be May 9 – 30. 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 and, with the permission of the publisher, The Breeze.

Finding Stories in the Gardens

The Spring 2025 calendar of events 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.

Rules & Requirements

Participants gather on a grassy area surrounded by trees and rocks for the In Bloom Contest, with hills visible in the background. Some are wearing hats and athletic gear, ready to compete amidst natures scenic beauty.

Photo by Phil Ranger

Person in a red shirt and black shorts takes a photo over a decorative metal railing towards a coastal city and ocean, capturing the picturesque views for the In Bloom Contest.

Photo by Phil Ranger

Two people sit on stone steps, enveloped by red flowers and greenery in a park thats truly in bloom. A dog keeps them company as pathways meander through the trees in the background.

Photo by Phil Ranger

A couple stands under a large tree at sunset, part of the enchanting In Bloom Contest, with the suns rays gently filtering through the branches.

Participants in the In Bloom Contest stroll down a grassy hill, where a striking heart sculpture stands proudly. The backdrop of towering buildings and the vast ocean completes this picturesque scene.

A creative artist wearing a blue hat and red apron paints at an easel under a white umbrella in a sunny, lush garden.

Upcoming Activities at the Gardens

See upcoming activities below or view the full calendar. Events are added frequently, check back often!

Pathway overlooking the ocean, surrounded by lush trees and bushes, features a Closed for Garden Safety Improvements sign.

Garden Closure: Safety Improvements

Tuesday, February 25 @ 8am - 5pm

The gardens will be closed Tuesday, February 25 for important safety improvements. We appreciate your patience and can’t wait to welcome you back!

A bee buzzes near vibrant purple flowers, highlighting the allure of a Free Day at the Spring Equinox event on Thursday, March 20. Join us from 9 AM to 5 PM for a mesmerizing celebration of natures renewal.

Spring Equinox Free Day

Thursday, March 20 @ 9am - 5pm

Bring your family and friends to explore the new blooms at the Ventura Botanical Gardens on the Spring Equinox. Leashed dogs are welcome. Don’t miss the Courtyard Garden Shop —…

A hand holding a mallet above a white sound bowl in a garden. Text reads: Celebrate the Spring Equinox with a dual healer sound bath at Summit Plateau. Thursday, March 20, 4PM-5PM.

Dual Healer Sound Bath for Spring Equinox

Member Event

Thursday, March 20 @ 4pm - 5pm

We all need healing. Join Zach at this dual healer sound bath in our South African gardens at Summit Plateau. The vibrations of the gong restore balance to the nervous…

2024 In Bloom Photo Contest Winners

Ventura County photographers of all ages and skill levels shared their BEST three images taken in the Chilean, California Ramble, Mediterranean, and South African Gardens. It was remarkable to have our locals share the magic within the Gardens, and we are excited to announce the Judge's and People's Choice winners for the 2024 In Bloom Photo Contest. Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who participated!