The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show displays Australia's finest in the world of horticulture against the stunning backdrop of Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building. This prestigious event attracts top landscape and floristry designers from around the world, making it a must-see for garden enthusiasts.
Once again, students from Melbourne Polytechnic proved their prowess in the field with many students winning trophies across every category that they entered.
Now in its 17th iteration, the Challenger Achievable Gardens competition provides students and educational institutions a platform to show their design acumen, horticultural ability and promote sustainable gardening practices for our Australian climate.
This competition serves as an invaluable learning experience for students, guiding them through the entire process from concept and project coordination to the creation of show gardens. It is an opportunity which offers unparalleled insight into the horticultural industry and a platform for emerging student talent to display their work.
Leigh J Hudson won two awards for his design, ’Ever-Growing Gardens’ - the Gold Award and the Creative Space Award.
Justin Rhodes secured the Bronze Award with 'Urban Harvest'.
Jamie Greentree received the Participation Award with 'Permeable Paradise'.
The Hanging Basket Competition encourages variety, creativity and provides a blank canvas to all participants. The focus is on participants having fun and challenging themselves to create a design that is limited only by its suitability to grow in a hanging basket.
'Mountain Landscape', crafted by Seb Ryder claimed the First Place in the Hanging Basket Competition.
Third Place went to ‘The Gin Garden’ designed by Belinda Gibson.
Indoors, the historic Royal Exhibition Building transforms into the Great Hall of Flowers, adorned with breathtaking displays from Australia's foremost floral artisans and emerging talent.
In the Chrysco Advanced Student Competition, Monique Kane won First Place, while Chantal Williams secured Second Place in the Chrysco Intermediate Student Competition.
Jasmine Woodward won Third Place in the Open Floral Competition.
The triumph of Melbourne Polytechnic's students at the 2024 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show underscores the dedication and hard work invested by many people – the talented students, our dedicated staff, and Melbourne Polytechnic's supportive industry partners
From researching the latest trends and techniques to sourcing sustainable materials and plants, every aspect was meticulously curated and executed to deliver exceptional results.
Congratulations to all students and staff involved in this year's Show!
Leigh J Hudson – Gold Award and Creative Space Award
Justin Rhodes – Bronze Award
Jamie Greentree – Participation Award
Seb Ryder – First Place
Belinda Gibson - Third Place
Monique Kane - Chrysco Advanced Student Competition, First Place
Chantal Williams - Chrysco Intermediate Student Competition, Second Place
Jasmine Woodward - Open Floral Competition, Third Place
Melbourne Polytechnic's hot-house of horticulture courses teach you the essential skills for working in the world of plants and flowers.