AWARDS ANNOUNCED AT AUSTRALIAN GARDEN SHOW SYDNEY

The prestigious Best In Show award was presented tonight to Brendan Moar for his garden Suspended at the inaugural Australian Garden Show Sydney Opening Night Awards within Centennial Park’s spectacular surrounds.

Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of New South Wales, Patron of the Australian Garden Show Sydney, presented the prestigious award this evening, after officially declaring the 2013 Australian Garden Show Sydney open. The show, held within the grounds of Centennial Park from 5 – 8 September will open its gates to the public tomorrow at 10am.

Brendan designed his garden in conjunction with the NGINA (Nursery & Garden Industry of NSW & ACT) focusing on the idea of being up close, surrounded by, and immersed in plants. Suspended celebrates the theme ‘plants enhance your life’, with the shape and form of plants within the garden driving the architecture of the space rather than the other way around.

The hanging plants suspended, floating and defying gravity are at the heart of the garden. Plants hover above a central pond, their vertical lines echoed by other elements throughout the space. Low slung platforms curve back upon themselves repeating the form of a dramatic snake-like silver pipe planted with a profusion on flowering and edible plants.

“I’ve never done a show garden. It’s the most challenging thing I’ve done and exhausting but also the most satisfying,” said Moar after accepting the award.

Better Homes and Gardens TV presenter and presenter of Radio 2GB’s Garden Clinic, Graham Ross VMM chaired the panel of judges comprising three-time NHGA Garden Designer of the Year and event Ambassador, Andrew Fisher-Tomlin, Linda Ross, Michael Bates, Joe Snell and Ben Hoyle.

“This is a world-class event, bringing together some of the best horticulturists and landscape designers from Australia and around the world. The quality and variety of gardens built for the show is just incredible but Brendan demonstrated an innovative approach to garden design the judges couldn’t go past,” said Ross.

Jim Fogarty was awarded a gold medal for his Inspirational Garden, The Last To Leave, built on site in just over a week. Inspired by the poem, ‘The Last To Leave’, written by Private Leon Gellert, Jim’s Gallipoli Garden is a reminder of the sacrifice of so many, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the battle.

Peta Donaldson took out the award for the Best Urban Garden and was presented with a $10,000 prize from Debco made up of $5000 in cash and $5000 in Debco products to assist in designing an Inspirational Garden at the 2014 Australian Garden Show Sydney. Her garden, The Terrace, is a modern take on a classic ‘70’s contemporary design using natural minerals, clean lines, varying levels and simplicity. It maximises minimal space, incorporating many elements that enhance the outdoor experience in an urban environment.

Indira Naidoo won the Environment Excellence Award presented by Lindemans for promotion of sustainable and environmental ideas. The Kitchen Garden is a 1000 square metre, fully sustainable edible garden demonstrating the full life cycle of gardening.

The public will have a chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award over the course of the event by picking up an entry form at any garden and dropping their vote off at the Lindemans Open Garden or café. The award will be drawn on Sunday afternoon.

Environment Minister Robyn Parker joined NSW Governor, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, to officially open the Australian Garden Show Sydney and to announce the winning garden displays.

“Congratulations to the award winners of the Inspirational and Urban Gardens and Environmental Excellence award. The gardens created are stunning and definitely not to be missed,” said Minister Parker.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said, “The Australian Garden Show Sydney is the perfect opportunity for visitors alike to make the most of their own backyard here, receive some great gardening tips and ideas and really enjoy the spectacular displays day and night.”

The Australian Garden Show Sydney is part of the NSW Events Calendar developed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.

For a comprehensive list of all the awards issued and event information and visit: http://australiangardenshowsydney.com.au