What is the Hanging Basket Competition?
Since launching in 2001 with 50 entries, the competition has grown to host over 400 entries in the most recent editions. With continued support from Royal Horticultural Society Victoria members, affiliated garden groups, children, schools, TAFE Colleges, disadvantaged sectors, Youth Groups and a range of nurseries throughout the industry, the competition remains a highlight of the Show.
The concept was and remains simple; participants pay an entry fee and receive a hanging basket and potting mix to prepare their very own hanging basket to display at the Show. The aim is to encourage gardening through a platform that allows anyone to be involved in the biggest Flower & Garden Show in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Hanging Basket Competition was created to encourage variety, creativity and providing a blank canvas to all participants. The mantra remains for all participants to have fun and challenge themselves. Recent editions have seen a diverse range of plants such as cacti, succulents, bonsai, natives and culinary varieties. As a result, virtually anything is fair game as long as it can be successfully grown in a basket, with the only conditions listed in the Judging section below.
The competition continues to receive significant industry support, with the key equipment coming from both Brunnings (provider of the Hanging Baskets) and Debco (provider of the Potting Mix). The collection locations for the equipment are also integral to the competition, with the competition receiving support from All Green Nursery & Garden, Gardenworld, Yarra Edge Nursery and Yarra View Garden Centre. Be sure to check out the exclusive discounts available at selected nurseries for participants further down the page.
Who can be involved?
The short answer – anyone! The below list details some of the sections we have seen entries from previously, but we welcome and encourage anyone to join in on what is the easiest avenue to be involved at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
- Schools (of all ages)
- Garden clubs
- Nurseries
- Hobby gardeners
- Anyone looking for a great deal on some equipment and tickets to a Show!
If you have always wondered who is the better gardener out of you and a friend, member of your family or the general public, this one is for you!
What do I need to do?
To take part in the Hanging Basket Competition, participants will need to follow the below process:
- Complete the application form at the bottom of this page.
- Event Management will notify you when your equipment is available to be collected.
- Travel to your preferred pick-up location (selected in application) to collect your equipment for the competition. Equipment will not be delivered to any participants.
- Pay the $50 entry fee at the pick-up location and collect your Hanging Basket and Potting Mix.
- Take your equipment home with you to begin your creation.
- Deliver your basket to the Show on Sunday 23rd March.
- Collect your basket from the Show from 4:30pm on Sunday 30th March until 5:30pm Monday 31st March.
You will receive more details around the drop off and collection of your display closer to the Show.
What do I receive?
All participants will receive the below for being part of the Hanging Basket Competition after paying the $50 entry fee at your selected nursery.
When you visit your selected nursery:
When you deliver your creation to the Show:
- Official Show Competition Certificate
- Two (2) complimentary Single Entry Any Day tickets to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
- Personalised signage which will be attached to your display throughout the Show
Where do I collect it?
All participants will be required to collect their provided equipment from their preferred local nursery of the options listed below. The competition receives significant support from the nurseries involved, so we encourage you to buy everything that you need to make up your creation when you collect your equipment! The teams at all nurseries will be there to help participants with any questions you may have when you start planning your masterpiece. Be sure to check out the EXCLUSIVE PARTICIPANT DISCOUNTS available next to each of the locations below!
- All Green Nursery & Garden Hoppers Crossing – $10 voucher provided to participants upon collection
- Bayside Gardenworld (Elwood) – $20 voucher towards competition plant purchases
- Gardenworld (Braeside) – $20 voucher towards competition plant purchases
- Yarra Edge Nursery (Fairfield) – 25% off any plant purchases made at the time of collection
- Yarra View Garden Centre (Mount Evelyn) – $10 off next purchase over $50
All participants will need to select their preferred pick-up collection when submitting their application.
Judging & brief
Our Head Judge, Inge Jabara of Inge Jabara Landscapes and long-time Hanging Basket Competition participant, offers the below advice to everyone looking to compete in 2025.
We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Hanging Basket Competition for 2025! We eagerly anticipate the creative ideas you’ll bring to the table. Whether you prefer a traditional hanging basket or a more cutting-edge approach utilising modern techniques, technology and accessories, we’re open to all concepts. Use your Hanging Basket as a canvas to showcase your garden inspiration, favourite themes, or simply to have a good time! Ready to elevate your gardening game? Join the competition and let your creativity blossom!
The key criteria used by the judging panel include:
- Scale & proportion
- Plant health & appearance
- Plant maturity
- Creative use of accessories
- Innovative use of the basket and/or accessories
- Overall presentation & wow factor
Conditions of Entry
- Your basket must include living plants
- Accessories are encouraged but not mandatory
- The hanging basket provided by the Show is the only hanging basket permitted for use
- Your display should not include any live animals or insects
- Participants acknowledge the Hanging Basket and its contents are left at the Show at their own risk. The Show will make its best endeavour to water all displays sufficiently throughout the Show.
All entries on display at the Show will be judged.
Awards & Recognition
All participants who make up part of the Hanging Basket Competition will receive an official Show Certificate acknowledging their role in the Show.
In addition, the top 10 place winners will be award prize money and have their entry dressed with a Rosette. The prize money split is available below.
- 1st Place = $850
- 2nd Place = $650
- 3rd Place = $500
- 4th Place = $400
- 5th Place = $350
- 6th Place = $300
- 7th Place = $250
- 8th Place = $200
- 9th Place = $150
- 10th Place = $100
Applications for 2025 are now open! Fill out the form below to get involved.
