A beautiful garden is its own reward — but it's even more rewarding when it's shared. If you know of an exceptional garden — or tend one in your own backyard — enter it in our Beautiful Gardens contest.

Every year, the Star Tribune seeks out the best home gardens in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, to share with readers. It easy to do. den. Just send a brief description of the garden, who tends it and what makes it special, along with a few snapshots of the garden, to: beautifulgardens@startribune.com.

Or mail your nomination to: Star Tribune Newsroom – Beautiful Gardens, 650 Third Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488.

A panel will review the nominations, then select several winners to be showcased in the Homes & Gardening section, and online at Startribune.com.

Send your nomination by the end of day on Monday, July 9.