Free entries open across North Sydney LGA
Entries are open for the 2026 North Sydney garden competition, with free entry for residents, schools and community groups across the North Sydney local government area.
North Sydney Council opened the annual competition to all gardeners in the North Sydney LGA, including first-time growers and experienced entrants.
The 2026 programme celebrates creativity, care and environmental stewardship in green spaces of every size across North Sydney.
Dedicated categories for balcony and courtyard gardens mean apartment residents can enter alongside households with larger backyards.
This year’s 11 categories include Balcony, Courtyard, Indoor and Children’s Gardens, as well as Most Beautiful Garden and Native Habitat Gardens.
Separate Edible Gardens prizes cover private growers and community groups producing food together in North Sydney.
The Lex and Ruby Graham prizes recognise individuals and groups that beautify public spaces in the North Sydney LGA.
Gardeners may enter the same garden in more than one category, with one entry allowed per category for each garden.
Returning judge Judith Sleijpen will present the Judge’s Special Award for an entry showing exceptional creativity, innovation or excellence.
Judith Sleijpen said the winning gardens would 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.
11 categories and key dates
Entries close on 28 August 2026.
Judging will run from 7 September 2026 to 17 September 2026.
Winners will be announced at the Garden Competition Awards Ceremony on Friday 25 September 2026.
Prizes on 25 September 2026 include gardening tools and other garden-themed rewards.
Schools, community groups and individual gardeners across the North Sydney LGA can all enter the 2026 competition.
North Sydney Council states that balcony gardens, indoor displays, children’s projects and edible plots are all eligible in 2026.
For full category details, North Sydney Council has published information at northsydney.nsw.gov.au/news/article/318/enter-the-2026-north-sydney-garden-competition.
