Tablelands Garden Competition

Home Garden*

A vibrant outdoor space using trees, shrubs and climbers where colour comes mainly from flowers and foliage. The whole garden on the residential block is judged.

New Home Garden (less than two years)

As per the home garden category, but the home and garden are less than two years old.

Rural Home Garden*

A garden that provides shade and comfortable living space incorporating trees, shrubs, colour and the use of natural features. The garden should be on at least one acre.

Edible Garden

A garden that produces a variety of edible produce and shows effective use of natural resources and materials.

Community Garden (including schools, community groups and garden clubs)

A garden that emphasises the community’s spirit and pride using a combination of trees, shrubs, colour and edible produce. Entrants can include schools, community groups and garden clubs.

Commercial Garden (including accommodation, shops and restaurants)

A garden that uses trees, shrubs and colour from flowers and foliage to create an aesthetic street frontage. Entrants can include shops, restaurants, caravan parks, B&Bs and motel/resort complexes.

Young Gardener (open to gardeners up to 17 years of age)

Unique Garden spaces created by gardeners up to 17 years who demonstrate a genuine passion and enthusiasm for gardening.

* Eligible for consideration as Garden of the Year.

Gardens are judged on:

• general layout and appearance
• health and variety of trees, plants and shrubs
• colour
• control of weeds, pests and diseases
• neatness of lawns and garden edges
• innovation

How to Enter

• Entries open at 9am Wednesday 9 September and close at 5pm Wednesday 7 October 2026. Entries will not be accepted after this time.
• By submitting an entry you agree that we may use images and information about nominated people and businesses for promotional purposes, and accept that the judges’ decision as final.

Eligibility

• Entries are open to eligible gardens located within the Tablelands Regional Council area.

Competition Judging

Gardens are judged on:

• general layout and appearance
• health and variety of trees, plants and shrubs colour
• control of weeds, pests and diseases
• neatness of lawns and garden edges
• innovation

Judging will begin the week commencing Monday 12 October 2026.

Competition Winners

• Prizes will be presented to the first-place and second-place winners in each category.
• First-place and second-place winners in the Home and Rural Home Garden categories are eligible for the Garden of the Year award.
• Voting for People’s Choice runs from 3pm Monday 19 October to 5pm Friday 23 October 2026.
• Winners will be announced at 10am Thursday 29 October at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street Atherton.