Story: Highlights of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show – The Achievable Gardens
Episode: 6
Presenter: Nigel Ruck
Air Date: 6th April 2024

Nigel takes us around the Melbourne International Flower Garden Show and shows us some of the achievable gardens.

• Now in its 17th year, the achievable garden design competition at MIFGS provides students and educational institutions with a platform to showcase design skills and horticultural knowledge.
• The competition aims to promote achievable gardening and encourage the use of high-quality plants in landscapes.
• Students undergo the entire process from concept design to project coordination and construction of the show garden, which gives practical exposure to the horticultural industry and real-life garden creation.
• The competition encourages attendees attending the event in Melbourne to witness the impressive displays, giving benefits to the general public of innovative, inspirational, and relatable garden designs which can be achieved by the average homeowner.
• This year features 9 entries, including Zoe Hibberson's "Light Dissolved" from Holmesglen, and Jamie Greentree from Melbourne Polytechnic who presents a design with cool circles.
• Zoe Hibberson's interview highlights a focus on sustainability with Melbourne endemic coastal plants for water-wise and low-maintenance solutions, repurposing items to reduce landfill waste and encouraging biodiversity with an 'insect hotel’, and an emphasis on low carbon footprint and minimal waste during construction.
• Jamie Greentree's interview highlights what DIY enthusiasts could produce, designs tailored to a 5m×4m space resembling a courtyard, with a budget limit and DIY-friendly features, encouraging people to work within their garden's limits, considering factors like light conditions, space, and maintenance.