PORTLAND — Nine area students won prizes in the Portland Flower Show essay contest sponsored jointly with University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Student essays addressed the statement, “Describe your enchanted garden, what does it include and why.”

Maine residents between the ages of 6 and 18 were invited to participate in the contest. Essays were judged on creativity, focus, age appropriateness and passion for topic.

Three prizes ($50, $30 and $20) will be awarded in each of three age categories: 6 to 9; 10 to 13; and 14 to 18. The prize winners in the 6- to 9-year-old category are Grace Terry, 9, Gray, first place; Maysen Wilson, 9, Windham, second; and Naomi Zarin, 6, Gray, third.

In the 10- to 13-year-old group, Kerry Sullivan, 13, Portland, came in first; Telsa Whitaker, 13, Norway, second; and Ellie Sapat, 12, Falmouth, third. In the 14- to 18-year-old group, Kate Spies, 17, Topsham, was first; Parker Weyer, 16, Hollis Center, second; and Emma Sapat, 16, Falmouth.