Marking the official opening of the Show’s 26th iteration, the awards recognised some of the country’s best garden and floral experts and their enchanting works that will be showcased throughout Carlton Gardens and the world- heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building until Sunday 2nd April.
"Alone, Together" designed by Matt York of Budling Design
The prestigious City of Melbourne Award of Excellence for Best in Show was awarded to Charlie Albone of Inspired Exteriors for his Show Garden, “The Container Garden”. A homage to outdoor living featuring two recycled shipping containers and an upstairs terrace, Albone’s display was also recognised with a Gold Show Garden Award and the Horticultural Media Association Award for best use of plant life.
"Aurum" designed by Scott Wynd of MINT Pool & Landscape Design
Tied in first place for the Gold Show Garden Award was “The Bam Stone Garden” designed by renowned landscape architect Peter Donegan from Ireland, and “Aurum” designed by Scott Wynd of MINT Pool & Landscape Design. Wynd’s creation was also bestowed with the Mark Bence Construction Award and Innovative Design Award presented by Peugeot.
"The BAM Stone Garden" designed by Peter Donegan and constructed by Semken Landscaping
The recipient of the Silver Glit Show Garden Award was “Consciousness” designed by Nadia Cole of Platylobium Landscape Design with a four-way-tie for the Silver Show Garden Award between “Villa Di Lusso” designed by Renee Reiter of Invidia Landscapes, “Lunaria Pods” designed by Inge Jabara of Inge Jabara Landscapes, “Mindset” designed by Joel Barnett of InStyle Gardens, and “Composition” designed by Christian Jenkins of Christian Jenkins Landscape Design. “Alone, Together” designed by Matt York of Budling Design was presented with the Bronze Show Garden Award.
"Composition" designed by Christian Jenkins of Christian Jenkins Landscape Design
Showcasing the best of small space horticultural design, first place for the Boutique Garden Award went to Elliot Summers and Alistair Kirkpatrick of Stratis Landscape Architects for their 5m x 5m fire - inspired design titled “Karrikin Garden”. Top spot for the Ryman Healthcare Balcony Garden Award went to “Escape to the Balcony” designed by Rebecca Mitchell for Little Footprint Studios, and first place for the Border Garden Award, went to “Seijaku” designed by Rachael Saulle for Calibre Gardens.
"Consciousness" designed by Nadia Cole of Platylobium Landscape Design
The creativity and skill of tertiary students was recognised in the Achievable Garden Competition with the Award of Excellence going to “Tea in the Woods” designed by Oliver Ashworth-Martin from Melbourne Polytechnic.
"The Container Garden" designed and constructed by Charlie Albone of Inspired Exteriors
In the Visual Display floral category, Matthew Landers, Olivia Coutts of Florals by Pemberley of Malmsbury, and Collectors Corner Garden World tied for the Gold Award. Dayne Robinson of Pinkie Promise took out top spot for the Floral Display Competition, and Giang Truong from Monstera Flowers secured first place in the Shop Window Floral Design Competition. The full list of 2023 award winners can be found on the website.
"Lunaria Pods" designed by Inge Jabara of Inge Jabara Landscapes
As the southern hemisphere’s largest garden and flower festival, and the fifth largest on a global scale, the Show’s jam-packed program offers something for green thumbs of all ages and experience levels with 50 alluring garden displays, including the Scotts Osmocote Welcome Garden with daily Tai Chi and meditation sessions, fantastical floral fashions, engaging hands-on workshops, inspiring educational talks from celebrity gurus, and endless family fun.
"Mindset" designed by Joel Barnett of InStyle Gardens
City-goers will also have the chance to explore the best of the indoor and outdoor program under a whole new light at Gardens by Twilight until 9pm on Friday 31st March.
"Villa Di Lusso" designed by Renee Reiter of Invidia Landscapes
The 2023 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show runs until Sunday 2nd April.
Tickets are now on sale via melbflowershow.com.au
