The Regional Home Garden Contest (RHGC) is a free, community-wide competition that celebrates the creativity, sustainability, and pride of gardeners throughout the greater Pottstown region. Open to residents of Pottstown, Boyertown, and neighboring townships, the contest invites people of all ages and experience levels to transform porches, plots, and patios into thriving symbols of neighborhood spirit.
Launched in 2013 as a Pottstown-only event, RHGC expanded in 2016 to include Boyertown and became a fully regional contest in 2024. Today, residents across eleven municipalities take part in this signature summertime tradition that encourages everyone to get outside, grow something beautiful, and share their creativity with the community.
Coordinated by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF), Mosaic Community Land Trust, and Building a Better Boyertown, the contest promotes healthy living, environmental awareness, and regional connections.
To see full details, eligibility, rules, and categories, please visit the main Regional Home Garden Contest website above.
Gardening strengthens both personal wellbeing and community life. Participants often share that time spent outdoors improves mood, reduces stress, and builds healthy habits. Beautiful gardens also enhance curb appeal, promote civic pride, and bring moments of joy to neighbors, passersby, and visitors. The contest helps cultivate these benefits by celebrating gardeners at every experience level.
Residents of the following communities are eligible to enter:
Registration is typically open from late April through June, with judging in July and an awards luncheon each September.
Gardeners can enter one or more categories designed to recognize a wide spectrum of creativity, style, and skill:
Past categories have included Pizza Garden, Bees and Butterflies, Junior Youth, Grocery Garden, A Lot with a Little, and more.
Judges visit each garden in person during two weeks in mid-July. Gardens are rated on:
Participants are encouraged to make gardens accessible during their scheduled judging window to ensure fairness and consistency.
The Regional Home Garden Contest has seen strong, steady participation over the years, with interest continuing to grow as new neighborhoods join and families share the contest with friends and neighbors.
Each September, gardeners gather to celebrate creativity and community at the Home Garden Contest Awards Luncheon, held at Brookside Country Club. The event includes lunch, recognition of category winners, and opportunities for gardeners to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the season’s accomplishments.
There are many ways to support the contest:
PRCF is building a dedicated fund to sustain the Regional Home Garden Contest for years to come. Contributions of any size are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law and directly support program costs.
