Ethan an eccentric, agoraphobic druggie tries to win the $10,000 first prize in the "Garden of the Year" contest so he can pay his delinquent rent and fix his screwed up life. Between sugar-munching binges and exchanges with a motley crew of neighbors, Ethan tries to grow the perfect "American cowslip", a beautiful, rare flower that will be the centerpiece of his garden and the floral representation of his life. When his efforts are thwarted by his landlord he faces, eviction and the loss of his livelihood. Ethan must rise to the occasion to fix his screwed up life and win the competition.