The Sydney Hills Garden Competition is on again in 2026. Steeped in history and intricately linked to the Hills Shire, this year marks 67 years since the first competition ran as the brainchild of Councillor Eric Mobbs. It became the forerunner of the Orange Blossom Festival, so has a significant place in the cultural history of “The Garden Shire”.
Calling all gardeners to enter gardens big to small, traditional to modern, residential and even industrial or special in some other way. Hills residents, businesses and institutions are asked to register their gardens by 5pm on Friday 11th September 2026 for spring judging during the Orange Blossom Festival. Entry forms are available at Plants Plus West Pennant Hills, Flower Power Glenhaven, The Hills Shire Council website or www.hillsgardencomp.org.au
The Garden Competition is run each year by The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville and has a variety of categories for gardeners from small town houses to residential gardens, to gardens of industrial, commercial and retirement complexes.
The competition covers a diverse range of categories for all types of gardeners – even young gardeners in the school’s category. Specialty gardens such as cottage, communal and environmentally friendly gardens are also included.
The garden competition is open to gardens located in the Hills Shire and adjoining parts of the suburbs of North Rocks, Carlingford, Northmead, Winston Hills, Baulkham Hills, West Pennant Hills, Cherrybrook, Glenhaven, Dural, Arcadia, Galston and Glenorie.
Gardens are judged by professional and experienced horticulturists and landscapers. In the past judges have included local gardening gurus Judy Horton, Ross Miller, the late Bruce Pike as well as renowned Horticulturalist Lucia Fowler who will lead the team of expert judges this year. Another of the judges this year is Felicity Mc Caffrey, granddaughter of Eric Mobbs, the founder of the competition.
“The Garden Shire & surrounds have so many beautiful gardens. So many proud gardeners making the very best of their surrounds and enjoying what they achieve in their gardens. This spring is a time to celebrate the fine gardens of the Hills District” said Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville President, Sheila Krishnan.
The judging will be held between 28th September and 2nd October culminating in an Awards Night on Friday 16th October where award winning gardens and their gardeners will be honored and receive prizes.
For more information about entering or sponsorship opportunities visit www.hillsrotary.org.au, your local garden centre or Keith Stapley on 0412 079 014
The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville has had a long association with gardeners in The Hills, having run the Garden Competition since early 2000’s and the Hills Open Gardens. The Club proudly opened a Community Garden in March 2021 to mark the 100th year of Rotary in Australia.
The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville established and built this garden for the community in conjunction with the Hills Shire Council. Other works of the Club include local community events and the raising of funds for numerous programs far and wide, from the Hills area to outback Australia to overseas communities with specific needs. To be part of an inspired group that is making a difference, contact the club though our website or Facebook page.
The Sydney Hills Garden Competition is an Orange Blossom Festival Event.
A PROJECT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE HILLS-KELLYVILLE INC.