Newcastle green thumbs have the chance to show off their handiwork in the newly launched Newcastle Garden Awards.

Local gardening guru and now judge for Newcastle Garden Awards Judy Sharpe. Photo source: Newcastle Garden Awards

Newcastle Garden Awards founder Michael Edwards said the idea had come from his role in the property industry. He found that people not only loved displaying their beautiful homes but their gardens as well.

“There didn’t seem to be a platform to showcase the many spectacular gardens across the Newcastle region and, equally, the hard work, passion and dedication that is put in by their owners,” Edwards said.

Edwards said he had had a conversation with local gardening guru Judy Sharpe about the awards, and she had agreed to become a judge.

“I’m delighted to have Judy on board,” Edwards said. “She is a highly regarded and popular figure within the Newcastle horticulture field and an experienced judge of the previous Australian Open Garden Scheme. Judy will be joined on the judging panel by another industry stalwart in Brian Bird.

“We are eagerly awaiting the first entries for the awards and the chance to start sharing the beautiful gardens of the region.”

Judges will be looking at all aspects of the garden.

There are four categories that gardeners have a chance to win, including Best Small Garden, Best Small Spaces Garden, Best Large Garden and People’s Choice.

Award for the Best Large Garden is one of the four categories. Photo source: Newcastle Garden Awards

The Small Space category gives those Newcastle residents who live in apartments or townhouses with balconies and courtyards a chance to enter. The judges will be looking for gardeners who have creatively maximised their limited spaces using planter boxes, ornaments and wall gardens.  

The People’s Choice Award gives the people of the Newcastle Region a chance to vote via social media for their favourite garden.

Entries are now open and can be submitted at www.newcastlesbestgarden.com.au.

Finalists will be announced on November 15. Judges will conduct site inspections before announcing the winners on Thursday, November 25.

Information source: Media release, Newcastle Garden Awards