The Rock Spring Garden Club is holding its fifth annual Garden of the Year competition this spring for Arlington County residents.

For the first time, fruit and vegetable gardens are eligible for the competition, in addition to or in combination with flower gardens. Gardens must be at least 50 percent designed and maintained by the homeowner. Gardens that were designed by a professional landscaper will be considered if the homeowners have maintained the garden for at least seven years.

Applications may be downloaded from the club’s website at rockspringgardenclub.com and will be accepted until April 30. Judging of up to 12 gardens will take place on May 14.

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will be announced on June 12 at the club’s meeting at Little Falls Presbyterian Church in Arlington.