Greening Vincent Garden Competition

Every year, residents, local schools and businesses are invited to participate in the City’s Greening Vincent Garden Competition.

There are great prizes to be won and all entrants will be invited to the awards evening presented by the Mayor.

What are we looking for?

In keeping with the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability, all gardens will be judged against the following criteria:

• Waterwise elements (including use of native plants, mulch and other water saving measures),
• Demonstrated controlled use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers
• Innovative and creative landscape design features
• Plant selection that encourage habitat and food sources for native wildlife
• Health and vitality of the space

Be sure to include this information on your entry form!

Enter the Competition

Applications for the 2026 competition will open in August.

Categories for 2026 are:

Best Front or Back Garden: For established or newly created gardens. This category suits gardens that are visible at the front of a property or located in a private backyard, and may include flowerbeds, veggie patches, native planting, waterwise design, creative landscaping or well-maintained outdoor spaces.

Best Vincent Verge: For gardens created on the verge area between a property boundary and the street. This category is for entrants who have transformed their verge into an attractive, green and waterwise space that helps improve the streetscape and supports a greener Vincent.

Best Wildlife Friendly Garden: For gardens designed to welcome and support local wildlife. This could include native plants, habitat features, bird baths, logs, nesting spaces, pollinator-friendly flowers or chemical-free gardening practices that provide food, shelter or water for birds, insects, reptiles and other local species.

Best Small Space Garden: For gardens that make the most of a compact area. This category suits balconies, courtyards, patios, small front yards, raised beds, pots or container gardens where space is limited but creativity, greenery and thoughtful design are on show.

Best Tree Tale: For a tree on your property that has a meaningful story. This category is less about the size or appearance of the tree and more about its significance to you and your property. It could be a tree planted to mark a milestone, passed down through generations, loved by local wildlife, connected to a special memory or simply valued for the joy and shade it brings. Trees located in public parks, streetscapes or community spaces are not eligible for this category.

Important Dates 

• Entries open 9am, Monday 3 August 2026 
• Entries close 5pm, Friday 4 September 2026
• Preliminary judging will take place between Monday 7 - Wednesday 16 September 2026
• Final judging will take on place on Friday 18 September 2026
• Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday 28 October, 6 – 8pm

Our sponsors

This competition is proudly co-funded by Water Corporation's Waterwise Greening Scheme and forms part of our ambition for the City to be a leading waterwise community.

More Information 

For more information contact the City on 9273 6000 or [email protected].

2025 winners

Greening Vincent Garden Competition - 2025 winners announced

FAQs