The Kiama Garden Club, our vibrant community of horticultural enthusiasts, got together at the local Baptist Church to unveil the winners of their highly-anticipated garden competition.

The event was a testament to the hard work and passion exhibited by local gardeners in nurturing their outdoor spaces. The competition was open to gardeners of all skill levels, encouraging everyone to participate and share their love for gardening.

The judges considered a range of factors, including design, plant variety, maintenance, and overall aesthetic appeal. They faced the tough task of selecting winners from the array of stunning gardens in the competition. The judges for each section commended the entrants and discussed various aspects of the winners entrants.

In addition to the winners' announcements, the Kiama Garden Club organised raffles and plant sales to make the morning tea even more enjoyable. This provided an opportunity for attendees to catch up, share gardening tips, and catch up with old and new friends.

Winners of various categories were revealed by MC Vivienne Marris, from Elders Real Estate Jamberoo. Gardeners were recognised for their creativity and hard work, and the awards ceremony was met with enthusiastic appreciation. 

The event's coordinator, Ursula Lischer, expressed her gratitude for the strong community support and participation in the garden competition and morning tea. She was very pleased with the number of entrants. The Club is all about promoting the love of gardening and building a supportive community of enthusiasts. The competition brings everyone together, and it's wonderful to see the passion that the local gardeners pour into their gardens.

The Kiama Garden Club plans to continue hosting the garden competition in the years to come, providing a platform for gardeners to showcase their hard work and share their knowledge for gardening.

The Kiama Garden Club's morning tea and garden competition not only celebrated the winners but also the collective love for nature, gardening, and the shared bond within the local horticultural community.

Greg Vale, winner of Courtyard, Balcony or Indoor Garden section

The categories and winners below

Children's Garden Judged by Elizabeth Skorulis Kiama Librarian for children's category. 

1. Hugo, Raffy and lan Harvey-George, Kiama

2. Kiama PreSchool

3. Jamberoo Public School, Jamberoo

Predominantly Native Garden judged by Luke Maitland, Native Grace, Robertson

1. Jenny Adams, Kiama

2. Tony Boothroyd, Kiama Downs (pictured below with Luke)

Senior Living Complex Garden Judged by Elizabeth Burnett and nursery Horticulturist, Barly

1. Keith Adams, Jamberoo

2. Sproule Crescent Community Garden, Jamberoo

3. Diane Westgate, Kiama

Courtyard, Balcony or Indoor Garden

1. Greg Vale, Kiama

2. Elisa and Gloria Dalla Valle, Jamberoo

3. Keith Adams, Jamberoo

Edible Garden Barbara Khalifa, president of Werri Beach Gerringong Garden Club 

1. Elisa and Gloria Dalla Valle, Jamberoo

2. Shirley Elfes and Paul Bunn, Kiama Downs

3. Gerringong Bowling Club Community Garden, Gerringong

Garden Under 1000sqm judged by John Gabriele, The Compost Heap, ABC illawarra radio.

1. Kathleen Gannon, Gerringong

2. Sue Daniels, Kiama Heights

3. Leone Traeger, Jamberoo

Special Commendation: Don Brown, Kiama Downs

Garden Over 1000sqm judged by Denise Limbrick, Horticulturist

1. Maura Cato, Foxground

2. Vivienne Marris, Jamberoo