VBG In Bloom
2023 In Bloom Photo Contest
The spring photo contest is expanding to capture all the seasons and activities in the Gardens. Entrants will be able to submit up to three photos taken throughout the year 2022 and spring 2023. The entry period will be April 3 – 28, 2023.
Similar to past contests, the Peoples Choice winners will be selected by voting on Facebook. The Judges Choice winners will be chosen by our panel of professional photographers.
We look forward to seeing many seasonal highlights from the Gardens through the lenses of our members and visitors.
Seen in the Gardens

Sarah Dillion
Garden: The California Ramble Garden
The following invasive species will not be accepted in the Annual In Bloom Photo Contest.

Brassica Nigra (Yellow Mustard)

Centaurea Melitensis (Malta Star Thistle)

Centaurea Melitensis (Malta Star Thistle)

Nicotiana Glauca (Tree Tobacco)

Salsola Australis (Russian Tumbleweed)

Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle)
2022 In Bloom Photo Contest Winners
Ventura County photographers of all ages and skill levels shared their BEST two images highlighting the plants, flowers, and scenes throughout 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 winners for the annual 2022 Annual In Bloom Photo Contest.
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who participated!
Botanical Detail

1st Place: Sylvia Gabrie
Garden: The Chilean Garden

2nd Place: Johanna Washington
Garden: The Cape of South Africa Garden

3rd Place: Jacqueline Counter
Garden: The California Ramble Garden
Texture & Color

1st Place: Sarah Dillion
Garden: The Cape of South Africa Garden

2nd Place: Becky Clearwater
Garden: The Cape of South Africa Garden

3rd Place: Sean Doll
Garden: The Chilean Garden
Views and Scenes

1st Place: Kelly Nakamaru
Garden: The California Ramble Garden

2nd Place: Nicky Diaz
Garden: The California Ramble Garden

3rd Place: Damian Merritt
Garden: Unkown/Other
People Choice Winners

1st Place: Adela Lisanti
Garden: The California Ramble Garden

2nd Place: Adela Lisanti
Garden: The Chilean Garden

3rd Place: Sarah Dillion
Garden: The California Ramble Garden
2021 Winners
Botanical Detail

1st Place: Judy Layman
Garden: South African Fynbos

2nd Place: Laura Dunbar
Garden: Chilean Garden

3rd Place: Jacqueline Counter
Garden: South African Fynbos
Texture and Color

1st Place: Ashley Brown
Garden: Chilean Garden

2nd Place: Mayra Plascencia
Garden: South African Fynbos

3rd Place: Erlich Rosenberger
Garden: Chilean Garden
Seen in Garden

1st Place: Nicole Horn
Garden: California Ramble

2nd Place: Benjamin Mati
Garden: South African Karoo
Views and Scenes

BEST OF SEASON PHOTO WINNER
1st Place: Benjamin Mati
Garden: South African Fynbos

2nd Place: Judy Layman
Garden: South African Fynbos
People’s Choice Winners

1st Place: Matt Thompson
Garden: South African Fynbos

2nd Place: Susie Jensen
Garden: South African Fynbos

3rd Place: Christine Le
Garden: Chilean Garden
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