2020 Woollahra Garden Awards

The joy of gardening that can be found in even the smallest of spaces, stunning patches that redefine the term ‘garden’ and excellence in sustainability have been recognised at the 2020 Woollahra Garden Awards.

High-quality design and inventiveness were evident in all category winners at the Awards, which were established by Woollahra Council to encourage gardening and community members whose green spaces help to enhance the local environment.  

Entries were judged by Daniel Baffsky, Founder and Director of award-winning landscape architecture firm 360 Degrees, Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne and Woollahra Councillor Peter Cavanagh.

This year saw a significant increase in entries, fuelled by an increased recognition of the benefits our green spaces can bring to physical and mental wellbeing during what has been a challenging year, as many in the Woollahra community embraced the opportunity to spend more time in, and work on, their gardens while working from home.

The winners were announced during special online presentation:

·        Best Garden (Overall): Paddington Community Garden

·        Best Large Garden: 10 Wallaroy Crescent, Woollahra

·        Best Small Garden: 208/2 Laguna Street, Vaucluse (Mark Moran Vaucluse)

·        Best Verge Garden: Laneway behind 1-47 Hargrave Street, Paddington

·        Best Sustainable Garden (including school and community gardens): Paddington Community Garden

“We were delighted with the diversity of entries. We saw gardens of all types, from native habitat gardens that had seed stock carefully sourced, to edible rooftop gardens that provide an oasis in an urban area, to veggie gardens planted by pre-schoolers. Some of the gardens had been established for many years, and some had been recently planted,” Daniel Baffsky said.

“We look forward to seeing these new gardens flourish and encourage everyone to apply again in future years. It is wonderful to celebrate the joy that gardens bring to the community and we thank you all for participating.”

Mayor Wynne congratulated the winners and praised the quality of all entries at a special online presentation ceremony held on 12 November.

“Congratulations to all of you on the many hours, love and dedication you have put into your gardens. Woollahra is well-known for its beautiful gardens and lush open spaces and parks. We love celebrating our natural environment and the Garden Awards have given us a wonderful opportunity to take a peek at the wonderful spaces you have created,” Mayor Wynne said.

“It has been wonderful to see [Best Overall winner] Paddington Community Garden thrive and during a very challenging year it has been lovely to hear how so many local residents and families have taken to visiting the Garden for their wellbeing and the opportunity to connect with others. Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful and highly valued community garden.”

The Best Overall winner received a $500 garden voucher, plus a $250 voucher for two guests, generously donated by Chiswick restaurant in Woollahra. Prize packs were also awarded to each category winner.

Media contact:
Matt Frilingos
Senior Communications Officer
Woollahra Municipal Council

536 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028
t: 02 9391 7057  m: 0407 995 175
f: 02 9391 7044

e: [email protected] w: www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au