This September marks 65 years of the Orange Blossom Garden Festival as The Hills "Garden" Shire celebrates its long and rich horticultural history and recognises the finest gardens in the area.
The annual competition run by the Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville is an opportunity for gardening enthusiasts across The Shire to showcase their beautiful gardens. The competition is dedicated to acknowledging gardeners who create and style spectacular gardens for the enjoyment of the Hills community.
Gardens of all different sizes and kinds are welcome to participate in the competition. The competition offers a diverse range of categories for all types of gardeners ranging from small town houses to residential gardens, to speciality gardens such as cottage, communal, and environmentally friendly gardens, to gardens of commercial and retirement complexes.
Last year, avid gardener Danuta Szczypior won two awards – Residential Front Garden and The Eric Mobbs Award for Excellence in Gardening. She enthusiastically encourages Hills residents to take part in the competition this year.
"The competition is both an exciting and rewarding opportunity to improve and take care of your garden. You learn to work with what you can't control – the seasons and nature – to make something beautiful," said Danuta.
"With your garden you can create a work of art as simple or imaginative as you like. I have been encouraging all my friends to take part in the competition because it is such a relaxing and fulfilling process," said Danuta.
Other winners include Denis and Jennie Fleming who won the 2023 Senior Citizens Garden category, and Kellyville Public School who won the 2023 School Garden category.
The 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.
Hills residents, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to register their gardens by 5pm Friday 8 September 2024. Judging will be held between Wednesday 11 September and Sunday 15 September 2024.
To enter the competition, simply download the entry form from the Orange Blossom Festival website, www.orangeblossomfestival.com.au and follow the instructions.
