BEST IN SHOW

WINNING ENTRIES IN THIS YEAR’S MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW SERVED UP BOTH STYLE AND SERENITY – IN SPADES!

- CHRIS PEARSON

In its 26th year, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS), held in Melbourne’s Carlton Gardens, was a feast for the senses, with its sights, sounds, textures and scents – and even tastes, thanks to the backyard-to-table exhibits. As the sun set on summer – and daylight saving in the southeastern states – the five days of lushness and colour, from March 29 to April 2, lured us into thinking that perhaps winter was not on its way. And there were plenty of standouts to offer inspiration for those already planning their spring gardens. Here are highlights and key creations that scored their designers some special gongs.

FREIGHT ACCOMPLI 

Rather than freight, these two shipping containers delivered a showstopping garden – and gongs for the creator, Charlie Albone of Inspired Exteriors. ‘The Container Garden’ scored Best in Show and a Gold Show Garden Award, with the latter shared with two others.

“An entertainer’s delight, the garden played on the use of recycled materials,” says Charlie. “Recycled finishes create a rustic space, but it’s contemporary at the same time.” He cut openings in two shipping containers to create outdoor rooms – a dining space with a suspended fireplace and a living room with a lush green backdrop (see previous page). To add another layer to this room, he created a rooftop garden with a view, complete with barbecue.