A showcase of the Hills District Finest Gardens
It’s been widely reported that lockdowns and isolation have brought more people to gardening than ever before, because whether you’re a long standing or new “COVID” gardener, the joy of gardening has helped many get through these challenging times. That means that there’s never been a better time to showcase the finest gardens of the Hills District & surrounds.
The Sydney Hills Garden Competition is on again this spring. Intricately linked to the Hills Shire, the first garden competition ran in 1959 as the forerunner of the Orange Blossom Festival. The Garden Competition closes for entries on 17th September for Judging 20th -24th September. This is a call out to all gardeners …. register your gardens and get ready for the judging late September.
Gardens are judged by professional and experienced horticulturists and landscapers. In the past judges have included local gardening gurus Judy Horton, Ross Miller, the late Bruce Pike as well as Horticulturalist Judith Sleijpen. “We’ve never seen so many beautiful gardens around than this year. So many people are home making the very best of their surrounds and especially enjoying their gardens. More than ever, this is a time to celebrate the fine gardens of the Hills District this spring” said gardening expert Ross Miller.
The Garden Competition is run each year by The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville and has a variety of categories for gardeners from small Town Houses to residential gardens, to gardens of industrial, commercial and retirement complexes. The garden competition is open to gardens located in the Hills Shire and adjoining parts of the suburbs of North Rocks, Carlingford, Northmead, Winston Hills, Baulkham Hills, West Pennant Hills, Cherrybrook, Glenhaven, Dural, Arcadia, Galston and Glenorie.
An Awards Night will be held on Friday 8th October where award winning gardens and their gardeners will be honored and receive prizes. The judging and awards night will be conducted according to COVID-safe requirements and for any who can’t make it, their award will be recognised on the night and awards and prizes will be sent.
For more information about entering or sponsorship opportunities visit www.hillsrotary.org.au, your local garden centre or Keith Stapley on 0412 079 014
The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville has had a long association with gardeners in The Hills, having run the Garden Competition since early 2000’s and the Hills Open Gardens. The Club proudly opened a Community Garden in March 2021 to mark the 100th year of Rotary in Australia. All of the garden plots were quickly snapped up by keen gardeners and planting began. Within weeks it became a vegetable oasis amidst apartment blocks right in the centre of Baulkham Hills. The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville established and built this garden for the community in conjunction with the Hills Shire Council. Other works of the Club include local community events and the raising of funds for numerous programs far and wide, from the Hills area to outback Australia to overseas communities with specific needs. To be part of an inspired group that are making a difference, contact the club though our website or Facebook page
Further information regarding the Community Garden go to www.hillscommunitygarden.com
The Sydney Hills Garden Competition is an Orange Blossom Festival Event.
A PROJECT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE HILLS-KELLYVILLE INC.