How Does Your Garden Grow
2026 competition
We want to reward and recognise your own Native Plant Projects.
Share with us how your Australian garden grows, large or small, city or country, courtyard or big backyard, in our How Does Your Garden Grow competition. It’s easy to enter, with some great prizes up for grabs and the chance for your garden to be featured right here in the Native Plant Project e-magazine.
Entries now open. Closing midnight Sunday 22 November 2026
Who can enter
We want to celebrate your passion for growing and caring for your own Native Plant Project.
If you have an Australian garden that features at least 50% native varieties, you’re eligible to enter.
Share your garden story with us. We’re looking at the native plants you’ve used, how you’ve overcome site challenges and your garden’s creativity, functionality and general aesthetic. Sustainable garden practices will also be considered favourably.
Entered last year but weren’t a winner? We’d love you to enter again. Our 2025 category and overall winners aren’t eligible this year.
Gardens large and small
All sizes of Native Plant Projects will be recognised.
No matter the scale of your garden, from a tiny balcony to a larger country garden, you can enter our competition. You’ll select the category that best applies when you submit your entry.
We’ll be recognising winners in four categories as well as an overall How Does Your Garden Grow winner. Take a look at our past winners.
Four categories, one overall winner
Choose the category that best fits your garden when you enter.
Coastal
Country
Suburban
Courtyard & balcony
How to enter
- Choose your categoryCoastal, Country, Suburban or Courtyard/Balcony.
- Tell us your garden’s storyA written submission of up to 500 words.
- Add your photosUp to 10 images that best showcase your achievements.
- Videos and site plans welcomeOptional, but a great way to show off your project.
Prizes
Our judges will award the best Coastal, Country, Suburban and Courtyard/Balcony garden, as well as an overall winner.
Overall winner
$1,000
cash prize
- Plus a feature in the Native Plant Project e-magazine
Category winners
$500
to spend at the Native Plant Project e-nursery
- Provided as gift vouchers to redeem for your choice of plants
2025 winner
Rosella Rise
Deb McMillan’s native garden, Rosella Rise, is both habitat and collector’s garden.
Located in outer suburban Melbourne, the judges loved the passion and dedication to creating a floral spectacle entirely with Australian natives. Deb’s garden is on a suburban sized block but packs in a lot of plants, and she’s committed to experimenting with different varieties.
Using clever and playful plant layering and garden design practices to make the most of every inch, Deb has been able to create an Australian native garden that delivers colour all year round as well as providing abundant nectar and habitat.