Ocean Road Landscaping. Gold Winner: Softscaping in the Landscape, 2025 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards

Presented by Landscaping Victoria, the annual Awards recognise the skill, creativity and professionalism shaping landscapes across the state, from thoughtfully designed gardens and exceptional planting schemes to outstanding construction, maintenance and emerging talent.

This year, Landscaping Victoria is challenging the industry to look beyond self-doubt and recognise the value of the work being delivered every day.

Landscaping Victoria CEO Ritchie Hinton said many talented professionals hesitate to enter awards because they assume their business or project is not large enough.

“Impostor syndrome is very real in our industry, and it can prevent incredibly skilled people from putting their work forward,” Mr Hinton said.

“You don’t need to be a large company or have delivered a multimillion-dollar project to be worthy of industry recognition. Whether you are a sole trader, a small team or a large operation, the Awards offer an opportunity to take pride in what you have achieved and demonstrate the quality and professionalism behind your work.”

Categories span residential and commercial landscape construction, design, softscaping, landscape maintenance, emerging talent, apprentices and supplier service.

With categories including Residential Landscape Construction up to $100,000, Design up to 250 m², and Softscaping in the Landscape, the program recognises that excellence is not determined by a project's size or budget. “Some of our industry’s most spectacular work can be found in smaller spaces, beautifully resolved planting schemes, and gardens that respond intelligently to the people who use them,” Mr Hinton said.

Esjay Landscapes + Pools. Gold Winner: Residential Landscape Construction under $100,000, 2025 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards

“It is the care, knowledge, creativity, and execution behind a project that make it award-worthy.”

Entering the Victorian Landscape Industry Awards also provides businesses with a valuable marketing platform. Recognition as an entrant, finalist or winner can help a business demonstrate trust and credibility to prospective clients, create a point of difference in a competitive market and strengthen its professional identity within the landscaping industry.

Landscaping Victoria promotes the Awards and their recipients across its website, social media channels, digital and print publications and, in selected cases, The Front Garden podcast.

Award-winning projects also receive extensive coverage in Landscaping Victoria’s consumer publication, The Best. Approximately 10,000 copies of the magazine are distributed at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, placing recognised businesses and projects in front of homeowners actively seeking inspiration and reputable landscape professionals.

The 2026 Awards will carry additional significance as Landscaping Victoria celebrates its 60th anniversary. The organisation was founded in 1966 by a group of landscape professionals who came together to strengthen recognition of the industry and distinguish businesses committed to professional standards. Six decades later, those principles remain at the heart of both Landscaping Victoria and its annual Awards program.

Phillip Withers. Gold Winner: Landscape Design Under 250sqm, 2025 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards

“For 60 years, Landscaping Victoria has represented people who care deeply about their craft, their clients and the future of their industry,” Mr Hinton said. “This year’s Awards will be an opportunity to celebrate that history while recognising the people and businesses continuing to raise the standard today. Do not wait for someone else to tell you that your work is good enough. Take a closer look at what you have created, throw your hat in the ring and give your work the opportunity to be recognised.”

Entries are open to current Landscaping Victoria members. Not a member? Now is the perfect time to join!

The early bird entry fee is $170 per entry until Friday, 31 July 2026. The standard entry fee is $190 per entry, with entries closing on Friday, 4 September 2026.

Winners will be announced at the Victorian Landscape Industry Awards Gala on Friday, 13 November 2026, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For entry information, judging criteria and category details, visit: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/lv-industry-awards

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