The Kiama Spring Garden Competition 2024 held its presentation on Friday November 22 at Kiama Baptist Church. 

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming as Kiama’s garden enthusiasts gathered in their shared passion for all things gardening. With a morning tea to kick off the event, and a plant sale well underway, attendees caught up to discuss the season’s best blooms.

Diane & Jenny

Councillor Stuart Larkins was present, showing his support for the club, as this year’s competition showcased a variety of gardens across several different categories. 

Collin Holis & Clr Stuart Larkins

The competition was a celebration of creativity, nature and the joy of gardening. Each category recognised the hard work, dedication and love that went into creating beautiful unique spaces from children’s gardens to grand estates. 

Winners were chosen over several categories, and include: 

Children’s Garden: A Growing Future

• 3rd place: Jamberoo Public School, Jamberoo
• 2nd place: Hugo Raffy and Ian Harvey George, Kiama
• 1st place: Kiama Preschool, Kiama

Kiama Preschool rep, Jamberoo Public School rep & Vivienne Marris

Predominantly Native Garden: Celebrating Local Flora

• 3rd place: Tony Boothroyd, Kiama Downs
• 2nd place: Heather Stuart, Kiama
• 1st place: Wayne Richardson, Kiama
• Participation award: Sharon Holz, Kiama

Vivienne, Tony & Wayne

Senior Living Complex Garden: Nurturing Spaces for All Ages 

• 3rd place: Diane Westgate, Kiama
• 2nd place: Keith Adams, Jamberoo
• 1st place: Sproule Crescent Community Garden, Kiama

Sproule Community Garden, Diane Westgate, Colin Hollis & Keith Adams

Courtyard, Balcony, or Indoor Garden: Green Spaces in Small Places

• 3rd place: Diane Westgate, Kiama
• 2nd place: Gloria and Elisa Dalla Valle, Jamberoo  
• 1st place: Greg Vale, Kiama

Jeff Wilson, Gloria Dalla Valle, Diane Westgate, & Greg Vale

Edible Garden: Growing for the Future

• 3rd place: Shirley Elfes and Paul Bunn, Kiama Downs
• 2nd place: Kathleen Gannon, Gerringong
• 1st place: Gloria and Elisa Dalla Valle, Jamberoo

Special recognition was given to Sue Daniels from the Gerringong Bowling Club Community Garden, pictured with a blackberry bush kindly donated by Erin.

Erin Cooper, Kathleen Gannon, Sue Daniels, Shirley Elfes, & Gloria and Elisa Dalla Valle

Garden Over 1000sqm: Expansive Landscapes 

• 2nd place: Karlee Matthews, Jamberoo
• 1st place: Vivienne Marris, Jamberoo

Vivienne Marris & Denise Limbrick

Garden Under 1000sqm: Compact but Stunning

• 3rd place: Sue Daniels, Kiama Heights
• 2nd place: Jhett Warner, Jamberoo
• 1st place: Denise Limbrick, Kiama
• Participation award: Leone Traeger, Jamberoo

Jane Parbry, Sue Daniels, Jhett Warner, & Denise Limbrick

The awards were presented by garden club members Vivienne Marris, Colin Hollis, Denise Limbrick, Jane Parbury, Erin Cooper and Jeff Wilson.

Valerie Sherlock

The Kiama Spring Garden Competition has wrapped up for another year in a celebration of nature and community spirit with beautiful gardens and dedicated gardeners at every turn. 

The Bugle congratulates 2024 participants and winners alike. 

The Kiama Garden Club always welcomes new members and fresh competition for their 2025 contest. Contact [email protected] for more information.