Power of Plants Contest
Celebrating the Power of Plants

Cornelius Dogwood (flowering dogwood) - I’m Cornelius the Flowering Dogwood coming at you live from the understory! I like to grow in shady areas beneath larger trees. Don’t let my small stature fool you though, I am very hearty, can tolerate most soils and am one of the first trees to bloom in the spring. I am often planted as an ornamental tree because of my famous flowers and thick foliage. I also produce berry-like drupes which animals feed on and I provide much-needed shelter for a variety of insects.

The 2011–2012 contest is now closed to new entries.

We received many fantastic entries for the contest which are currently being reviewed by the judges. Contest winners will be notified April 1, 2012. A list of winners will be published here by the end of April.

For those who entered the 2011–2012 contest:
All projects in physical format must be picked up at the Commerce Bank Center for Science Education at 4651 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 on August 4 or 5, 2012, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. CST. Any projects that are not picked up during those times will become the property of the Sponsor.

It’s no secret—at the Missouri Botanical Garden we think plants are AMAZING! They are real-life superheroes that help us every day. Plants are the basis of life as we know it. Here are just a few great things plants provide for people:

  • Oxygen in the air we breathe
  • Food
  • Medicines
  • Materials for buildings and clothes
  • Fuel for cars
  • Pollution protection for rivers, lakes and oceans
  • Nutrients for soil
  • Shade
  • Enjoyment, pleasure and beauty

The Missouri Botanical Garden would like your help to identify the amazing Power of Plants. Form a group of two to five members. Pick a plant. Learn about the plant’s qualities and characteristics. Learn about how the plant helps people. Find a way to tell everyone about why your plant deserves our thanks. If your entry is chosen by our panel of judges, each member of your group could win $200, and your school could win $500!

Download Official Rules