By Saswati Mukherjee
Get ready, green thumbs! Here’s your chance to showcase your gardening skills by entering the Sydney Hills Garden Competition.
This year marks the 66th edition of the competition, first launched by Councillor Eric Mobbs. A forerunner of today’s Orange Blossom Festival, it has become an integral part of this prestigious event and holds a special place in the culture of ‘The Garden Shire’.
From gardens big to small, traditional to modern – residential and even industrial or special – Hills Shire residents, businesses and institutions have until 5 pm on Friday, 12 September to register. Entry forms are available at Plants Plus (West Pennant Hills) Flower Power (Glenhaven), Swanes (Dural), The Hills Shire Council website or online at www.hillsgardencomp.org.au.
The competition is open to gardens in the Hills Shire and adjoining parts of North Rocks,
Carlingford, Northmead, Winston Hills, Baulkham Hills, West Pennant Hills, Cherrybrook, Glenhaven, Dural, Arcadia, Galston and Glenorie.
An annual event run by The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville, the competition includes categories for townhouses, residential gardens, and gardens in industrial, commercial and retirement complexes. It is open to gardeners of all ages, including school students, and features specialty gardens such as cottage, communal, and environmentally friendly designs.
“Even with the variable weather, we see so many beautiful gardens throughout the garden shire, especially in Spring. Every year we are delightfully surprised by the sheer beauty that is created by the hard work of proud gardeners,” said Garden Competition Chairman Keith Stapley.
“We have expanded judging to 20 categories, ensuring there is something for every type of garden. Large, rural gardens do not compete with residential blocks or courtyard gardens,” explained Stapley.
The competition now attracts over 70 entries annually. Organisers are hopeful of even higher numbers this year.
Gardens are judged by a panel of experienced horticulturists and landscapers.
Past judges included local gardening experts Judy Horton, Ross Miller and the late Bruce Pike. This year, renowned Horticulturalist Lucia Fowler will lead the panel, joined by Felicity McCaffrey, granddaughter of Eric Mobbs, the founder of the competition.
Judging will take place between 15–19 September, with winners announced at the Awards Night on 26 September. For entries or sponsorships, visit www.hillsrotary.org.au or contact Keith Stapley on 0412 079 014.
“We’re seeing so many beautiful gardens around this year – people are making the most of their surroundings and enjoying their gardens. More than ever, this is a time to celebrate the fine gardens of the Hills District,” said John van den Burg, President of the Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville.
The Rotary Club of the Hills–Kellyville has supported local gardeners since the 2000s, running the Garden Competition and Hills Open Gardens. In 2021, the Club opened a Community Garden with Hills Shire Council to mark Rotary’s 100th year in Australia. It also hosts local events and funds projects across the Hills, regional Australia, and overseas. To get involved, visit the Club’s website or Facebook page.
