Spring came in like a snail this year, and gardens are off to a slow start. Still, the growing season is short, and it's time to share your favorite garden — even if it hasn't reached its full glory yet.

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.star tribune.com.

It's easy to nominate a garden. Just send a few snapshots of the garden (photos 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 beautiful 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 beautiful gardens@startribune.com.

KIM PALMER