Launched 12 years ago as part of Mayor Menino’s citywide beautification initiative, the contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, and shrubs, and, in the process, beautified their own small piece of Boston.

Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to nominate their own or a neighbor’s garden, window box, or front, back, or side yard. Only gardens planted by amateur gardeners are eligible to take part in the contest. No professionally contracted work will be allowed to enter.

Entrants must submit photographs of their garden with an official entry form. Judges will use the photos to narrow the entrants to five finalists per category. Site visits by contest judges will determine the winners.

First place winners in eleven categories will receive the coveted “Golden Trowel” award from Mayor Menino, prize packages from HGTV, a one-year American Horticultural Society membership, and a Stinger Mosquito Vacuum backyard insect control device, sold at Home Depot and Lowe’s for $279. Awards and prizes will be distributed at an awards ceremony in late August.

To enter Mayor Menino’s Garden Contest, gardeners may pick up entry forms at local Comcast Customer Payment Centers, Boston City Hall, Boston Public Library branches, or the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Roxbury.

Entry deadline is Friday, July 18, at 5 p.m.

Interested contestants may request entry forms by calling (617) 961-3051. Applicants may also apply online or download a nomination form by visiting www.cityofboston.gov/parks/gardencontest.