Photographers can showcase their talents by participating in the first-ever “Planting Pride Photo Contest: Capturing the Spirit of America in Bloom.” This contest, sponsored by America in Bloom and GIE Media, will showcase efforts to beautify and improve communities. Photos will be categorized into seven criteria: floral displays, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmental efforts, heritage preservation, overall impression, and community involvement.

The contest runs through June 1, to allow for photographs to represent the changing weather seasons. Public online voting will take place from June 2 to Aug. 31 with winners announced in September 2013 during the America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program in Orlando, Fla.

To submit photos or to learn more about the contest, visit www.AmericaInBloom.org.