Sydney's best spring garden finalists announced for 2023
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) is nearing the end of its search for Sydney’s best residential garden, with today’s announcement of a record fifteen finalists for the 2023 Sydney Spring Garden Competition (SSGC).
The SSGC is committed to fostering excellence in horticulture by recognising and celebrating Sydney’s most beautiful residential front gardens, and the gardening enthusiasts who create and style them for the enjoyment of the local community.
Expert judges from Australia’s horticulture industry, Mrs Cecily Rogers OAM and Mr Alex Ross, have carefully selected this year’s finalists, who will now compete for the title of Sydney’s Best Spring Garden.
Sydney’s Spring Garden Competition finalists for 2023 are:
• Andrew Arena from Mortdale
• Danuta Szczypior from Baulkham Hills
• Ray Marsell & RH Butler from Galston
• Paul Joyce from South Turramurra
• Joanna Nowakowska from Sans Souci
• “Tarquin” (SP12476) from Fairlight
• Steve Nell from Newington
• Kathy Duong from Ashcroft
• Tim Cale from Beecroft
• Sharon Matthews from Baulkham Hills
• Gloria Arnold from Chatswood
• Douglas & Rosalie Cullen from Glenmore Park
• Michael Buttigieg from Cranebrook
• Dolores Meilak from Greystanes
• Greg Walsh from Oatley
Competition judge, Cecily Rogers, says the judges will be looking for well-maintained gardens that have been cultivated with precision and skill.
“There are many qualities that the judges will deliberate on including plant selection, plant quality, garden design, colour arrangements, and landscaping. Sustainable gardening practices will also be considered, reflecting the growing importance of environmental consciousness in horticulture”, Cecily Rogers said.
“Due to the exceptional quality of entries this year, we have extended the number of finalists from ten to fifteen. Each finalist has demonstrated dedication and care in creating something beautiful and unique within their space, and we are looking forward to discovering each garden in further detail during on-site judging”.
The SSGC has a rich history rooted in the beautification of residential streets and sharing the artistry of gardening with the community. For this reason, only front gardens that are visible from a public right of way are eligible for the competition.
During on-site judging, the judges will meticulously assess each garden from both up close and street view, allowing them to appreciate the garden’s beauty from the same perspective as the community.
On-site judging of the finalists will take place from Monday, 23 October – Tuesday, 24 October 2023, with the winner announced on Monday, 30 October 2023.
The finalist named Sydney’s Best Spring Garden will receive a $2000 garden package from Flower Power, while 4 x runner up $100 Flower Power vouchers will also be awarded.
