Yes, spring arrived very late this year, and the growing season is off to an unusually slow start. Still, it's always a short season here in Minnesota, and that means it's time to share your favorite garden — even if it's still a ways from reaching its full glory.

Every year, Home + Garden seeks out the best private residential gardens, then publishes the winners throughout the non-gardening season. Each winning garden will be displayed on the cover of the Home + Garden section and online at www.startribune.com.

It's easy to nominate. Just send a few snapshots of the garden (they can be from last year). Include a brief description, including who tends the garden, where it's located and what makes it special.

The garden can be of any type — big or small; urban, suburban or rural; edible or ornamental or both — and it can be located anywhere in Minnesota or western Wisconsin. It could be your mom's garden. It could be your neighbor's. It could be your own (why keep a good thing all to yourself?). We'll accept entries through July 11. Send entries to: Beautiful Gardens, Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488. Or e-mail entries to beautifulgardens@startribune.com.