The Balcony Garden Competition – A Competition For All
Rebecca Mitchell was new to gardening when she decided to apply for the Balcony Garden Competition at the 2023 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, Presented By Scotts. Rebecca gave us some insight on her inspiration behind her garden, the build process and any advice for those looking to enter the Balcony Garden Competition at this years show!
What inspired you to enter the Balcony Garden Competition?
*After retiring from a 17-year career as a paramedic, I became a Stay At Home Mum. I’ve always loved gardening and gardens, so completed a Permaculture Design Certificate in 2019 and knew that I wanted to work towards becoming a garden designer as my next career. I had retired with PTSD and gardening had become a real source of therapy and nurturing for me since, so I wanted to help others create their own personal healing and nurturing spaces.
After the stress of COVID I was keen to go to MIFGS. While on the website I happened to look at the competition section and saw there was an opportunity to submit a design to the Balcony Garden competition. It really made me think about all those people who had gone through lock down in apartments and so I decided to create a balcony that I would have loved if I had been in that situation. I decided to challenge myself to have a go and spent the evenings working on designs. Initially my only goal was to put aside some time for myself and meet the entry deadlines. I didn’t think I would even be accepted into the competition!
What was the build process like and when did you start planning?
After being accepted into the competition the first thing I did was to look for a local landscape construction company that would be willing to be involved, as I knew I would have difficulty constructing the balcony garden entirely on my own in 2 days. Alex Vears from Stonefields Landscapes and Gardens was keen to be involved, so we had an initial planning meeting in mid January to discuss the project and start planning the build. I began sourcing materials, plants and making the furnishings, designing and commissioning the mirrors, as well as trying to get some sponsorship. Due to the limited timeframe for building on site, we decided to collect the balcony framework early and build the balcony to full completion the week before MIFGS. After dealing with a few small challenges, Alex and his team then deconstructed the balcony and made it into a kit form, so the build on site went really smoothly and was completed early on the first day. This was particularly rewarding as so much hard work had gone into the pre-build, and I also had to ensure enough time to construct a garden in the Border Garden competition.
Did you have any professional gardening experience prior to the competition?
I had no professional garden experience prior to MIFGS, but had completed a Permaculture Design Certificate.
Since the show, have you gone on to do more gardening and landscaping?
Yes, I have started my own small business Little Footprint Studios Garden Design. I have designed several small residential garden projects and one large full property garden design for a new residential architectural build. I have also participated as part of a team in The Garden Hustle, to complete a garden makeover in a day for a local community group called Mums Of The Hills (MOTHs).
Did you have any help with your design or build?
I completed the design on my own and selected all the plants. Then engaged help from a local interior designer, Stjohn Axbey, to create some 3D renders. I also had a professional landscape construction team, Stonefields Landscapes and Gardens, do the building to ensure a professional and safe structure. Another local, photographer Pauline Klemm took some lovely pictures of the prebuild. The Shutter Department kindly donated some plantation shutters and Karen Mott from Guard’n donated some coir pot liners. I designed the mirrors and had them made locally, then made some components such as the macrame chandelier and curtains, and did the planting and styling.
What advice do you have to those looking to enter the Balcony Garden competition?
I would say just have a go! If you love gardens and creating things then this is such a wonderful opportunity to be part of an amazing international garden event. Don’t worry about not having professional experience. If you really want to do it then you will. The question I kept myself motivated with was simply “Why not?”
What was your favourite part about the process of creating your Balcony Garden?
So many favourite parts!
I loved the initial brainstorming and whirl of creativity, ideas, plants and themes. The thrill of submitting a design to such a major Garden Show was also exciting.
When I heard I’d been selected as a competitor, it was Christmas eve and I felt like I’d just won the lottery! It was one of the most exciting things of my life.
Finding such wonderful locals like Alex and Stjohn and Pauline was a real highlight. We all worked together so well and made a really good team.
Seeing the Balcony come to life from my initial sketch was one of the most rewarding moments. It looked so much better than I could have hoped.
Finding out that I had won the competition was, and still is, surreal. It was such an honour to be awarded the prize alongside so many highly regarded industry professionals. It was incredible to meet so many of my gardening and design idols and such a privilege to have had the opportunity to enter that world as an amateur.
What was your highlight of the show week?
Just being there every day was amazing!
The two days of building was so exciting. Not only constructing the balcony and border gardens, but seeing all the show gardens coming together and simply being involved in MIFGS.
I loved talking with people who stopped by the balcony garden. It was such a friendly atmosphere amongst the competitors also, so it was great to make so many professional connections. The staff were all so friendly and encouraging, it really was like a big happy family of gardening lovers! Getting to tour through Charlie Albone’s container garden was just a dream come true, as was meeting Jamie Durie.
Seeing all the other gardens was so inspiring. So many amazing ideas and so incredible that they were all built so quickly. Going home with an actual MIFGS trophy was also pretty special! It is one of the highlights of my life and an actual dream come true.
The Balcony Garden Competition adds a unique take on mini landscapes and is a creative opportunity for emerging and established designers to inject a new way of thinking about how we can enhance and embrace the limited space available within our homes.
This is a fantastic opportunity for competitors to promote their business, brand, creativity, innovation and flair to an engaged horticulturally-inspired audience of over 100,000 attendees. If you’re interested in applying, submit your application here: https://melbflowershow.com.au/balcony-garden-competition/
High Tea Now ON SALE
Showcasing local suppliers, beautiful food, teas, coffee and sparkling wine we look forward to welcoming you to our delightful High Tea.
Retire to an exclusive lounge area among the blooms for refreshment and a touch of luxury. Each day, our talented team of chefs will create a beautifully crafted menu, to be paired with a pot of tea, cup of freshly ground coffee or a glass of sparkling wine as you absorb the beauty of the #melbflowershow
Reserve your table today at https://events.humanitix.com/mifgs-2024/tickets
Grow Cocktail Garnishes In Your Garden
Always have the freshest ingredients on hand and elevate your cocktail game.
Whether you’re a gardener who enjoys a fresh drink, or a mixologist tired of having to buy single-use herbs, growing your own cocktail garnish to use in your drinks is super easy and fun to do!
Here are our 5 must-have cocktail garnishes from your garden:
Mint
Mint is arguably the most iconic cocktail garnish, being a staple ingredient for many drinks, such as the classic mint mojito. Like most herbs, mint is quite flavoursome and can be used fresh, dried, muddled or as a simple syrup.
As mint is a perennial herb it is best grown in pots or planters. If you’re growing mint in the garden, make sure you trim regularly and be careful of it taking over. We love growing mint in a mason jar on a sunny kitchen windowsill. Ensure that your mint gets the right nutrients to grow strong and healthy by using a premium potting mix, like Scotts Osmocote Tomato, Vegetable and Herb Premium Potting Mix.
Basil
Basil is a super versatile herb, whose flavour helps elevate several spirits, such as gin, tequila or rum. Basil is also well paired with other garden-fresh ingredients like strawberry, lemon or cucumber and together they make for a refreshing spritzer.
The most common variety used is sweet basil but there are other varieties available to experiment with. Some are sweet, peppery or have citrus overtones, all of which add a unique flavour profile to your drink. When growing basil ensure that it has plenty of sunlight and water. It’s also important to pinch off the top set of leaves from the basil plant every 2 weeks or so for continuous and greater production of leaves.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most aesthetically pleasing herbs to add as a cocktail garnish and gives an added floral and woody flavour like no other. In particular, this herb is fantastic when paired with spirits such as vodka or gin, making your next gin and tonic or martini an aromatherapy in a glass.
To make it even better, lavender is easy to grow when planted in a container that is exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure to water daily and harvest once blossoms begin to open.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a rich, woody flavour that perfectly complements some of the most iconic cocktails. For example, rosemary can create a great smoky spin on the typical whiskey sour or old-fashioned. Don’t be afraid to pair it with other fruits and herbs, like lavender or grapefruit for fresh flavour – the possibilities are endless!
Rosemary doesn’t need a lot of attention once it’s planted and established, but to grow the best, make sure that you start with the best. Use a premium potting mix, like Scotts Osmocote Tomato, Vegetable and Herb Premium Potting Mix, that is boosted with natural nitrogen and other organic ingredients designed for optimal plant growth.
Thyme
Thyme has a distinctive, woody flavour that works well as a simple syrup or garnish in many cocktails, for example you can create a herbaceous twist on an old fashion or martini. For those who prefer citrus undertones, you can grow a lemon thyme variety and use it for drinks like a Limoncello thyme gin spritz.
To grow thyme, you’ll need a spot with full sun and well-drained soil. Like rosemary, thyme is drought tolerant and susceptible to root rot, so only water them when the soil is completely dry.
Looking To Get Involved?
Calling all creatives! Want to get involved in the largest horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere? Now’s your chance! We are now accepting applications for the Balcony Garden and Border Garden competitions!
Have you been honing in on that green thumb over the last few years? Now’s your chance to put your talent to the test. Find out how you can apply to be involved in our small space garden competitions, accessible to anyone with a flair for garden design!
Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale
We’re back in 2024 and Early Bird Tickets are now available, secure your tickets early to save and we’ll see you at the Royal Exhibition Building and Cartlon Gardens next year from the Wednesday the 20th – Sunday the 24th March
Secure your tickets below
Exhibitor Applications Are NOW OPEN
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, presented by Scotts Osmocote, will return to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in 2024 from Wednesday 20th to Sunday 24th March!
We’re excited to invite you to take part in the southern hemispheres biggest flower and garden show, with exhibitor applications now open at our Early Bird Rate! Early Bird pricing is available until Sunday 23rd July for non-NGIV member and 6th August for members, get in quick to secure our best price!
With over 108K visitors to the show in 2023, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your business and inspire visitors. To find out more about how exhibiting at the Show can benefit your business, please click here.
Apply today and join us at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show next year!
Learn More HERE
The 2024 Dates Are Set
We are thrilled to announce the world-renowned Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, presented by Scotts Osmocote, will return in 2024 to the heritage listed Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building! The dates are set for Wednesday 20th March through to Sunday 24th March 2024.
Tickets will go on sale at the end of October. Stay signed up to our newsletter to be the first to know when tickets are on sale!
Mark your calendars and we look forward to seeing you next year!
OVER 100,000 GARDEN LOVERS FLOCKED TO MELBOURNE TO CELEBRATE THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE’S LARGEST HORTICULTURAL EVENT
More than one hundred thousand people converged in Carlton Gardens and the world-heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building this week to celebrate the 26th Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, presented by Scotts Osmocote. Boasting its biggest program to date, one of the world’s largest garden events had something for horticultural enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels, showcasing 80 world-leading landscape and floral designs, hands-on experiences, educational talks, and endless botanical inspiration.
“This week, Australia’s horticultural community came out in droves to celebrate our nation’s premier gardening event. It was an honour to deliver another successful Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show for over 100,000 passionate plant people with our biggest program to date, right in the heart of the city,” said Event Director, Marcus Gale.
Winning garden displays included “The Container Garden”, a multi-level Show Garden featuring two recycled shipping containers by Charlie Albone of Inspired Exteriors, which took out three awards including the City of Melbourne Award of Excellence for Best in Show. On the floral front, eighteen-time Show designer Matthew Landers took out the Gold Award for his stunning floral design in the Visual Display category alongside Olivia Coutts of Florals by Pemberley of Malmsbury and Collectors Corner Garden World.
the much-anticipated People’s Choice Awards, as voted by visitors, were announced. “Aurum” designed by Darin Bradbury of MINT Pool & Landscape Design was named the crowd-favourite Show Garden following its Gold Show Garden Award earlier this week. Coutts also took out the attendee-voted award in the floral category.
Recognising people who have made exceptional contributions to the Show and played a key role in its ongoing success, the inaugural Spirit of the Show Awards were also presented this morning. In the Carlton Gardens category, Martin Semken of Semken Landscaping was recognised for his commitment to the Show Garden competition, helping construct countless award-winning horticultural displays since the event’s inception in 1995. Dawn and Martin, the duo behind Peninsula Wild Flower, were bestowed with the inaugural award in The Great Hall of Flowers category for creating and presenting breathtaking botanical displays and endless inspiration for visitors, year after year.
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is the southern hemisphere’s largest horticultural event and one of the only garden events with a city- backdrop. The Show will return in March 2024.
What’s on in Melbourne
There’s so much to see and do in Melbourne, it’s hard to know where to start. From secret street art to seasonal events, there’s truly something for everyone. Here’s a hit list to get you started.
Explore epic art exhibits for free
Melbourne is filled with world-renowned museums, independent galleries and edgy artist-run spaces, and some of the best exhibits are free every day. For a spot of culture visit the giant skulls of Mass at NGV Australia’s Ian Potter Centre. Explore the history of film at ACMI, with free entry to the Story of the Moving Image. Then head to the Australian Music Vault to see rare footage and music memorabilia, from Kylie’s outfits to Nick Cave’s notebooks.
Discover hidden street art
Melbourne is renowned for its street art, but the good stuff is hidden in the city’s nooks and crannies. Meyer’s Place is home to a glorious green Mike Makatron mural, as is Gallagher’s Lane. Duckboard Place boasts Melbourne’s last Banksy, Drewery Alley offers up a floating apparition that glows at night and the mysterious Melbourne cat stencil can be seen all over town – but out fave is in Liverpool Street. Find all this and more on a self-guided walk, or let the experts guide you around on a street art tour.
Get lost in Melbourne’s iconic laneways
Melbourne’s famous laneways are buzzing with shopping arcades, street art, cafes, bars and boutiques, all with their own individual character and charm. You can Relax into pre-dinner pampering at Miss Fox. Or go for an off-grid shop in a tucked-away arcade. In the Nicholas Building, find vintage threads at RetroStar and archival fashion labels at Reina. Ride the lift at Curtin House to browse books at Metropolis, cult outfits at dot Comme and streetwear at PAM. Track down the best hidden spots on the self-guided iconic laneways and arcades walking tour.
Peruse Melbourne’s most beautiful shops
Go retro at Vintage Sole and Reina, or find curated designer fashion at Christine on Collins. Make it super local and ethical at Collective Closets and Queen Victoria Women’s Centre’s SHOP! Boost your mood at flower-lined wonderland Pollon, and hunt for your next great read at Melbourne’s most beautiful book stores. Find more beauty in our guide to Melbourne’s most Instagrammable shops.
Drink world-class coffee
Everything good starts with a coffee. Order it from an impossibly small hole-in-the-wall, with a side of cult-status katsu sando or served in an edible biscuit cup. Try it spiked with butterscotch at Baguette Studios, sip $2.50 filter until midnight at Butcher’s Diner or grab a cup in the no-photo zone that is Dukes. Then tour your way through our guide to Melbourne’s best iced coffees.
Wander stunning gardens
Nothing is more refreshing than a brisk stroll in Melbourne’s parks and gardens. Follow tree-lined avenues in World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens. Or go for a wander through Flagstaff Gardens to see Melbourne’s highest point. If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to stock up on picnic supplies before heading down to Alexandra Gardens on the banks of the Yarra. There’s even a self-guided secret gardens and majestic parks walk you can try.
Find a hidden bar
Many visitors never discover some of Melbourne’s best bars. That’s because they’re hidden down laneways and behind secret doors. Favourites include basement level Bar Margaux, with a Paris-meets-New York vibe. Peruse the epic cocktail menu at prohibition-style bar Eau de Vie. Pop in for a natty wine at Cathedral Coffee, located in a late-night nook of the Nicholas Building. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss Chuckle Park, an open-air bar off Little Collins Street. Go exploring with our guide to hidden bars.
Melbourne’s most unmissable moments are yours to explore, only in the city.
2023 Winners Announced
Today, Australia’s most breathtaking horticultural designs were crowned at the 2023 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show presented by Scotts Osmocote. 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.
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.
Also receiving Gold Show Garden Awards were “The BAM Stone Garden” designed by renowned landscape architect Peter Donegan from Ireland, and “Aurum” by Darin Bradbury and Scott Wynd of MINT Pool & Landscape Design. “Aurum” was also bestowed with the Mark Bence Construction Award, People’s Choice Award and Innovative Design Award presented by Peugeot
The recipient of the Silver Gilt Show Garden Award was “Consciousness” designed by Nadia Cole of Platylobium Landscape Design, with a four Silver Show Garden Awards presented respectively to “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.
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.
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.
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 taking out top spot for the Floral Display Competition. 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 below.
SPIRIT OF THE SHOW
Carlton Gardens – Semken Landscaping
Great Hall of Flowers – Peninsula Wildflower
GOLD SHOW GARDEN
The Container Garden designed & constructed by Charlie Albone of Inspired Exteriors
Aurum designed by MINT Landscape Design
BAM Stone designed by Peter Donegan and constructed by Semken Landscaping
SILVER GILT SHOW GARDEN
Conciousness designed by Nadia Cole of Platylobium Landscape Design
SILVER SHOW GARDEN
Villa Di Lusso designed by Invidia Landscapes
Lunaria Pods designed by Inge Jabara
Mindset designed by InStyle Gardens
Composition designed by Christian Jenkins
BRONZE SHOW GARDEN
Alone. Together designed by Budling
HORTICULTURAL MEDIA ASSOCIATION (HMA) AWARD FOR BEST USE OF PLANT LIFE
The Container Garden designed & constructed by Charlie Albone of Inspired Exteriors
MARK BENCE CONSTRUCTION AWARD
Aurum designed by MINT + Landscape Design
INNOVATIVE DESIGN AWARD PRESENTED BY PEUGEOT
Aurum designed by MINT + Landscape Design
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD (SHOW GARDENS)
Aurum designed by MINT + Landscape Design
LANDSCAPING VICTORIA BOUTIQUE GARDEN AWARD
1st Place – Karrikin Garden designed by Elliot Summers and Alistair Kirkpatrick of Stratis Landscape Architects
2nd Place – SLANT designed by Riley Cooper Landscape Design
3rd Place – Tectonic Fluidity designed by Paul Pritchard Landscapes
RYMAN HEALTHCAE BALCONY GARDEN AWARD
1st Place – Escape to the Balcony designed by Rebecca Mitchell for Little Footprint Studios
2nd Place – City Sanctuary designed by Angelina Fox for Porch Envy
3rd Place – Mosman Hideaway designed by Mitchell Kushturian for Exotic Living
BORDER GARDEN COMPETITION
1st Place – Seijaku designed by Rachael Saulle for Calibre Gardens
2nd Place – Urban Wildlife Haven designed by Vivian Scarpari of Vivid Tones Horticulture
3rd Place – An All-Aussie Bush Border designed by Tyler Howard
THE AVENUE OF ACHIEVABLE GARDENS
Award of Excellence – Tea in the Woods designed by Oliver Ashworth-Martin from Melbourne Polytechnic
Best Use of Plant Life – Urban Wild designed by Suzannah Kennett-Lister and Josie Wilson from Swinburne University
Creative Space Award – It’s Not Nothing designed by Pauline Lane from Swinburne University
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD (FLORAL DISPLAY)
Florals by Pemberley of Malmsbury
VISUAL DISPLAY
GOLD VISUAL DISPLAY
Matthew Landers
Olivia Coutts of Florals by Pemberley of Malmsbury
Collectors Corner Garden World
FLORAL DESIGN
GOLD FLORAL DESIGN
Dayne Robinson of Pinkie Promise
SHOP WINDOW FLORAL DESIGN COMPETITION
1st Place – Giang Truong from Monstera Flowers
2nd Place – Eunice Tan from ET Blooms
3rd Place – Ashley & Grace from Judah Rose
ADVANCED STUDENT COMPETITION
1st Place – Imogen Redgrove of Homesglen
2nd Place – Anieka Knevett of Melbourne Polytechnic
3rd Place – Tia Carter of Marjorie Milner College
INTERMEDIATE STUDENT COMPETITION
1st Place – Bridie Conway – The Gordon
2nd Place – Kerry-Anne Fyffe – Marjorie Milner College
3rd Place – Olivia Lee – Marjorie Milner College
OPEN FLORAL COMPETITION
1st Place – Narelle Phillips – Brave Botanics
2nd Place – Sally Taylor – PEPPERBERRY Flora
3rd Place – Susie Portelli – Marjorie Milner College
RETAIL AWARDS
BEST VISUAL DISPLAY (EXHIBITOR)
Drewitts Bulbs
Open Gardens Victoria with Emma Sheppard-Simms
SUSTAINABLE GARDEN PRODUCT OF THE SHOW
Shokunin Store – Ergonomic Slim Offset Handle Secateurs by Toyama Hamono
HANGING BASKET COMPETITION
1st Leana Rose Cox – Ethereal Beauty (Melbourne Polytechnic)
2nd Karina Davison
3rd Emily Joyce – Battle of the Joyce’s WIP
4th Preston Garden Club
5th George Zhuo – Urban Hive (CX Landscape)
6th Peppertree Group 2 – Kevin Heinze Grow
7th Helen Bennett – Esther and James The Fairy Explorers
8th Sarah Taylor – Time for Tea
9th Wendy Furniss – Bee-inspired
10th Jacinta Culhane-Pomponio (Melbourne Polytechnic)
