News
26 September, 2025
Blooming Somerset
SOMERSET Regional Council is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Somerset Garden Competition, with vibrant and captivating displays making for an incredible Open Gardens Weekend over this weekend, September 27 and 28.
The annual Somerset Garden Competition celebrates spring by inviting gardeners to put the most vibrant displays of plants forward for their share in a $3,500 prize pool.
Somerset Councillors Sally Jess and Michael Bishop joined guest judge Carolyn Blacklock to tour Somerset’s gardens over September 16 and 17, followed by the award presentation held Tuesday, September 23.
Cr Jess said each entry featured vibrant displays of colourful flowers and carefully curated, striking and harmonious designs.
“Many gardens also embraced sustainability, with upcycled materials creatively incorporated into their layouts – everything from repurposed furniture to reclaimed timber and recycled pots,” Cr Jess said.
“This added a wonderful layer of character and environmental consciousness to the gardens.”
Cr Jess said it was great to see eight new entrants joining the competition in 2025.
“The new entrants all brought fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a wonderful enthusiasm for gardening,” Cr Jess said.
Cr Bishop commented on the improvements made by returning entrants.
“It was inspiring to see the growth and changes in some gardens, including a few prize-winning entrants from last year,” Cr Bishop said.
“The most outstanding gardens had both soft and colourful sections with lots of mass plantings combined with large shade trees.
“Some gardens were created in very difficult places, where smart use of water and careful plant choices turned harsh land into beautiful, captivating spaces.”
The 2025 Somerset Garden Competition Open Gardens Weekend invites residents and visitors to Somerset to explore the region’s best gardens, open from 9am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, 27-28 September.
More information on the Open Gardens Weekend can be found on page 7 of this week’s Sentinel or on Council’s website.
