Over the weekend, the Kiama Garden Club met at Burnetts on Barney plant nursery in the quarry to introduce the Spring Garden Competition to those who gathered. 

The occasion was attended by the various sponsors including Native Grace, Wildflower Studio, The Bugle, Kiama Pharmacy, Kiama Council, Furniture One, Woolworths, FoodWorks at Kiama Downs, The Bookshop, as well as Val Sherlock, Dianne Rendel, Fiona Phillips MP and Gareth Ward MP.  

Mayor Neil Reilly spoke at the event after Vivienne Marris, owner of Elders Jamberoo, and Geoff Wilson, President of the Garden Club, opened the meeting. Mayor Reilly encouraged the wellbeing aspects of gardening as well as the benefits of “creative pursuit” to those present. He said that “competition makes it interesting and a great mix”. 

Luke Maitland, from Native Grace, spoke briefly about winter being a great time to mulch and this being crucial to keep warmth and moisture in the ground, as well as being a great way to control weeds! Of course, Luke loves natives and encouraged people to talk to professionals to get the right advice and guidance in order to successfully maintain their gardens.



Burnetts on Barney was a wonderful venue for this meeting, boasting not only a huge array of plants and landscaping materials, but also a shop and café to cater for visitors, many of whom were sitting at tables in the sun enjoying their coffee and the ambience of the live music provided by talented singer and guitarist Dan Challis.

Owner Elizabeth Burnett was represented by Denise, her senior horticulturalist, who has worked there for more than 20 years! Denise addressed the gathering, posing the question, “What makes a winning garden?” and her advice for those entering the competition was to let your personality show.  

She mentioned that judges use various criteria including overall impression, landscaping, how plants are used: colour, texture, culture, variation, features, themes – which are mostly “related to a memory”, and the overall transition and unity of the area. Her general message was “Don’t get bogged down in rules, let the ‘feeling’ emerge and enjoy the many benefits of your garden”.

After the formalities, those present shared a delicious carrot cake that was especially made for the occasion and cut by 95 year old Val (above), a long time serving member of the Club.

Entries close 22 September, and judging will take place from 9 – 13 October. The presentation of the winners will be on 27 October. 

Categories include: Garden over 1000m2, Garden under 1000m2, Edible Garden, Predominantly Native Garden, Courtyard/Balcony or Indoor Garden, Senior Living Complex Garden and Children’s Garden. 

The Bugle wishes all entrants the very best of luck with their entry and we are excited to bring you the result of the competition in five months’ time.

Email [email protected] for more information.