Entries are now open for the 2026 North Sydney Garden Competition, with gardeners of all ages and abilities invited to compete across 11 categories, from windowsill herbs and full-scale indoor atriums to backyard orchards, frog ponds and native wildlife havens.
Open to residents, schools and community groups across the North Sydney local government area, the annual North Sydney Garden competition celebrates the creativity, care and environmental stewardship behind the area’s green spaces – no matter their size.
With dedicated categories for balcony and courtyard gardens, apartment dwellers working with limited space and plenty of hard surfaces are just as much in the running as those with a sprawling backyard.
Open to gardeners of all experience levels, the competition shines a spotlight on the diverse ways people are transforming spaces across the North Sydney local government area.
This year’s 11 categories span Balcony, Courtyard, Indoor and Children’s Gardens, Most Beautiful Garden, and Native Habitat Gardens. There are also separate Edible Gardens prizes for private growers and community groups producing food together.
The prestigious Lex and Ruby Graham prizes recognise individuals and groups beautifying public spaces. Gardeners can also enter the same garden in more than one category.
Returning judge Judith Sleijpen will also present the Judge’s Special Award for an entry showing exceptional creativity, innovation or excellence. She says the winning gardens will be the ones that spark joy.
“I’d love to know why your green space is important to you and if some plants bring you special times of enjoyment,” Ms Sleijpen said.
Judges will be recognising gardens of every size and style, and are especially encouraging first-time gardeners encouraged to enter. Winners will be announced at the Garden Competition Awards Ceremony on Friday 25 September. Prizes will include gardening tools and other garden-themed rewards.
Key dates
- Entries close: 28 August 2026
- Judging: 7 to 17 September 2026
- Awards Ceremony: 25 September 2026
- Entry: Free, open to all gardeners in the North Sydney LGA.Gardens may be nominated in multiple categories – one entry per category, per garden.
More information
For more information and for full details of each category visit Council’s website: https://www.northsydney.nsw.
