UNVEILING THE FINALISTS FOR THE 2024 BOUTIQUE SHOW GARDENS COMPETITION AT THE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW

Karrakin by Stratis Landscape Architects - First Place Winner Garden Boutique Show Garden from 2023 MIFGS

A showpiece of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) the Boutique Show Garden Competition offers finalists the opportunity to showcase their design talents, push design boundaries, gain valuable industry experience and promote their business to all visitors at the show.

This year, LVML witnessed a surge in participation, breaking all previous records of entries. Landscapers and Landscape designers from near and far brought their A-game, delivering a diverse array of concepts and design that captivated the imagination, making judging this year very challenging. The competition, organised by Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers, has become a hallmark of excellence, innovation and boundary pushing designs, drawing the best in the industry to showcase their talent on a prestigious platform.

Introducing the five finalist’s show gardens

“Breath of Fresh Air” by Paul Alexander Landscapes

Breath of Fresh Air draws inspiration from an emerging architectural approach that accentuates the intersection between landscape and built environment. In response to this approach the design of the garden emphasises the natural environment, while architectural elements assume a secondary role as sculptural complements. A rearranging of priorities that constitutes a refreshing change. The central design ethos involves an integration of abundant greenery.

“Coastal Waves” by Smart Landscapes

Coastal Waves celebrates the many vibrant and textural plants indigenous to the Peninsula. Aside from being beautiful, these natives require less water, resulting in long-term cost savings and ultimately helping to preserve one of our most valuable resources, water. The species featured in the garden play an important role in creating habitats for many birds and other native wildlife, as well as being vital in reducing soil erosion.

“Innersanctum” by Paul Pritchard Landscapes

Connect with your “innersanctum” in the idyllic plunge pool and courtyard garden, where tranquillity meets luxury in pure harmony. This stunning outdoor retreat has been meticulously designed to provide a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a seamless blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.

“Mother Ocean” by Althaus Landscape Designs

"Mother Ocean" is a garden that transcends traditional landscaping, symbolising a profound shift in our approach to gardening and our connection with the natural world. This visionary garden encourages the visitor to depart from the rigid, man-made designs that have long dominated our landscapes and instead embrace a more naturalistic aesthetic that promotes environmental well-being.

“Open Air” by Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Being in nature and fresh, open air is proven to be successful in boosting mood, decreasing stress, and reducing high blood pressure and heart rate.

Unhindered by the small area, the Esjay Landscapes + Pools team wanted to capture the beauty and tranquillity of an outdoor space at home, and demonstrate that through harnessing water flow and whimsical plantings, harmony and modern aesthetics collide for the ultimate courtyard - an place to relax, wind down and be at one with the world outside.

As Melbourne eagerly awaits the grand spectacle that is the 2024 MIFGS, these show gardens represent innovation, creativity and craftsmanship within the landscaping industry and Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers takes pride in partnering with these talented landscapers and landscape designers to showcase their unbelievable skills at this prestigious event.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show runs from 20^th March – 24^th March 2024, tickets are now available at melbflowershow.com.au