BUNGALOW GARDEN CONTEST
The public votes for winners online!
Bungalow owners across Chicago demonstrate their love for nature by beautifying their blocks with inspiring home gardens. In 2025, for the ninth year in a row, the Bungalow Garden Contest will aim to celebrate the hard work of our members and draw attention to how gardens not only enhance a home’s architecture, but can also promote a healthier ecosystem and uplift a community.
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For every eligible garden contest entry received, a $25 donation is made to South and West Side community gardens. Thanks to your entries last year, a total of $1,950 was donated to six community gardens!
See the winning gardens of the 2024 Bungalow Garden Contest!
​Take a virtual walk through the winning gardens from our past Bungalow Garden Contest:
How It Works​
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Must be a bungalow owner (brick, stucco or frame) in Chicago and member of CBA to compete. Not sure if you’re eligible? Email us your name and address, and we’ll check your membership information.
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5 Contest Categories
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Best Curb Appeal Gardening
Show us your welcoming front garden that enhances your home's curb appeal! -
Best Backyard Oasis
Show us your serene backyard garden getaway that we'd never want to leave! -
Best Vegetable & Herb Garden
Show us what culinary combinations you grow in your herb and vegetable gardens! -
Best Pollinator Garden
Show us your native plant garden that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and does good things for the planet! -
Best Bungalow Window Box
Show us what you've planted in your bungalow's iconic window box planters!
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Important Dates​
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JUNE 4, 2025: Contest Entry Form goes live (make sure you are subscribed to our email list for the official announcement - visit the homepage if you need to subscribe).
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JULY 2, 2025: Deadline to enter in one or more categories.​
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JULY 10, 2025: Public voting starts (11:59am)
The Chicago Bungalow Association will choose the top 5-10 submissions in each category to be included on the public online ballot, which will be sent to all email subscribers. -
JULY 15, 2025: Voting ends (11:59pm)
If you win by popular vote, we’ll contact you on July 16. -
JULY 18-19, 2025: Winners’ garden walk-thru videos will be filmed
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JULY 31, 2025: Winners and runners-up will be announced (thank you for your patience)!
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Winners Receive
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$500 cash prize
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Winner video and feature on our website and social media
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Runners-Up Receive
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$250 cash prize
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Feature on our website and social media
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PLUS: Two Randomly Selected Entrants Receive
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Free rain barrel from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago