Once a year we award prizes for the best Paluma gardens in various categories.
There are several categories of winners. The best residential garden in the village each year is awarded the perpetual Allison Evans Memorial Trophy, in memory of Allison, an avid gardener who tragically lost her life on the range road.
Here is a list of recent winners.
2022
1. Best Residential Garden in the Village (Allison Evens Trophy)
Michele Bird.
From the front of the property to the back, everywhere we looked there was something interesting and beautiful to look at. The front was full of colour that was a delight to see. As you walked through the little paths it was like walking through a secret garden. The back was beautifully landscaped creating a lovely view from the balcony which also had an amazing array of plotted plants. We loved the eclectic style and she has done an amazing job with the space that she has.
2. Best Non-Residential Garden in the Village
Djindal Bayanyu EcoRetreat (Mark Cubis and Leonie Crennan)
The place at the end of Mount Spec Rd/Loop Rd – The landscaping was very well done. It had different levels and points of interest such as the timber archway and water feature. The view from the deck down onto the garden was lovely and created such a relaxing space.
3. Best Acreage Garden
Lynn and Les Hyland.
Out of all the acreage properties we saw, we felt this property used the space to its full potential. There were interesting paths to take you throughout the property, each one was a unique experience. We also loved that the forest itself was integrated as part of the garden. It created a beautiful balance of established gardens and the natural environment.
4. Highly Recommended Village Garden
Julie and Tony Bligh
The Japanese style garden – It was such a surprise to see the beautiful little Japanese style garden amongst the Paluma rainforest. We loved the use of water which created an interesting and tranquil space and the black pine was a beautiful specimen. It was a unique little garden well worth seeing.
2021
1. Best Residential Garden in the Village – Glenda and Nick Van Rynswoud. Perpetual Trophy winner. The Judges enjoyed immensely the guided tour of such an impressive garden.
2. Best Non-Residential Garden in the Village – Gumburu. A well planned environment with some rare species to be found in the garden.
3. Best Acreage Garden – Bobbie and Glen Parker. Such a serene ambience and they loved the collection of miniature potted gardens.
4. Highly Recommended Village Garden – Michele Bird. The atmosphere created by the hanging baskets looking out onto the garden was wonderful.
5. Most Unusual Plant Specimen – Anne Bruyere’s “ Rainbow Gum“. Such a wonderful specimen of such a rare tree. The bark was highly coloured on the day of the judging.
2020
No competition held due to COVID restrictions
2019
Best Residential Garden in the Village: Glenda and Nick Van Rynswoud Memorial Trophy winner.
Highly Commended Residential Garden in the Village: Graham and Judith Malpass.
Best Commercial Property Garden in the Village: ‘Manali’ Bill and Linda Venn.
Best Acreage Garden on the Blocks: Anne Bruyeres.
Best Novelty/Unusual Garden: Rainforest Novelty Trail and Garden, Don Battersby.
2018
Best Residential Village Garden Winner is Nick and Glenda Van Rynswoud. The Alison Evans Memorial Trophy was also awarded to Nick and Glenda Van Rynswoud.
1. Best Business Garden Winner is Gumburu
2. Best Acreage Garden Winner is Don Battersby
4. Highly Commended Residential Village Garden Winner is Peter and Dorothy Klump
5. An Individual Plant, Garden Bed, Herb Garden or Vegetable Patch, Outdoor Space, etc Winner is Michele Bird
2017
Overall winner – Allison Evans Memorial Trophy: Nick & Glenda Van Rynswoud (40 Mt Spec Rd)
Best Residential Garden – Village: Colwyn Campbell (17 Mt Spec Rd)
Highly Commended Residential Garden – Village: Michele Bird (13 Mt Spec Rd)
Best Commercial Property Garden: Gumburu
“All commercial properties were well kept and a credit to their keepers”
Best Outdoor Area, Garden Bed or Plant: Greg & Cheryl Burraston (65 Mt Spec Rd)
“This was a highly contested category. Congrats to the Lilium display, two
very nice vegetable gardens and some amazing Anthuriums”
2016
Best Residential garden in the village: Judith & Graham Malpas 71, Mt Spec Rd
Highly commended Residential garden – Village: Glenda & Nick VanRynswoud 40, Mt Spec Rd
Best Commercial property garden: Gumburu
Best acreage residential garden: Lynn & Les Hyland 1962 Mt Spec Rd
Most interesting plant or display bed: Jodie Pace 6, Smith Crescent
This prize was awarded for the courtyard area design.
The Alison Evans Memorial Trophy* went to Judith and Graham Malpas.
*This is for the best overall garden and was instituted by the late Huw Evans in memory of his wife who tragically lost her life in a landslide on the Range Road.