Enter the 2025 Garden Poetry "Contest"

And diagnosing hibiscus leaf symptoms

Hi, guys!

Three lucky Weekly Dirt readers have been selected from among all the entries to receive a copy of Doug Tallamy’s new book, “How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard.”

Congratulations to Georgia E. Binns, Marie Elena Monaco and Gabriella Ragucci — your books are on their way directly from the publisher!

And while we’re having fun with giveaways, it’s a good time to announce and launch the 2025 Weekly Dirt Garden Poetry “Contest.”

Since 2009, I’ve been asking gardeners to dig deep into their poetic selves, first at Newsday in New York and now here at the Weekly Dirt. Every year, I’m blown away by the talent and effort you guys put forth.

This year, I’ve decided to broaden the theme to anything gardening-related.

Your entry can rhyme or not; be free verse, sonnet, limerick or slam; a poignant reflection on butterflies as a metaphor for your life or a humorous account — whatever moves you when you put pen to paper (or strike those keys).

There’s just one rule: Entries must be a maximum of seven lines. Longer poems will not be considered.

A selection of the best submissions will be published here in The Weekly Dirt, and my absolute favorite will receive a few small token gardening gifts in the mail, including a signed copy of the newly published book, “Heart Blossoms: A Bed of Blooming Verses,” written by our very own Weekly Dirt contest veteran Terri Allen Donahue.

Email your poem, along with your full name and complete mailing address (only your name and hometown will be published), to jessica@jessicadamiano.com with “Garden Poetry” in the subject line.

Submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025.