Kings and queens of the garden variety were crowned at Central Coast Council’s 2016 Garden Competition presentation evening on Thursday 15 September.

The top gardens and gardeners were recognised across 13 categories at the ceremony held at the Laycock Street Community Theatre.

There was not a leaf out of place as judging took place over a number of days in August, to reveal the best of the bunch in the former Gosford City Council local government area.

The excellent design and wonderful outlook in John and Lesley Cleary’s garden won the judge over for the title of ‘Champion Residential Garden, Over 1,000 Square Metres’.

Alva Bell took out the ‘Champion Residential Garden, Under 1,000 Square Metres’, where the judge noted that the pretty and colourful garden was obviously tended to with constant care.

Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens took out one of the ‘Best Eco Friendly Garden’ awards for a wonderful community garden that showed passion and dedication. They were also recognised as the ‘Best Edible Garden, Community’ for their wheelchair-accessible sensory garden.

Garry Besson won the ‘Best New/Renovated Residential Garden’ for his impressive sandstone wall and great use of colourful plants, which the judge considered were perfect for its seaside location.

Kerry and Malcom Hodge’s Buddha carving stood out as a great feature in a remarkable garden to win the ‘Best Feature in a Domestic Garden’.

Council’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said the annual competition showcases the best of our local gardens and talented gardeners.

“The standard of entries this year was extremely impressive and recognises some amazing gardens and community areas in our region,” said Mr Reynolds.

“Council has a proud history of running this increasingly popular event for over 35 years.

“Next year, however, the format and criteria of the competition will change as a result of the recent amalgamation between the former Gosford City and Wyong Councils. We look forward to bringing the Coast a bigger event with even more lush gardens.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you to the community for their ongoing support.”

2016 Winners:

• Champion Residential Gardens, Over 1,000 Square Metres – John and Lesley Cleary
• Champion Residential Gardens, Under 1,000 Square Metres – Alva Bell
• Best Eco Friendly Garden, Residential – Peter and Christine Campbell
• Best Eco Friendly Garden, Commercial/Industrial – Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens
• Best Residential Front Garden – Chareen De Wit
• Best Residential Rear Garden – Malcolm and Evelyn Janes
• Best Commercial Garden – Erina Fair
• Best School Garden – Central Coast Grammar School
• Best New/Renovated Residential Garden – Garry Besson
• Best Theme or Specialty Garden, Residential – Henry Kendall Gardens Retirement Village Garden Club
• Best Theme or Specialty Garden, Commercial – Wyoming Community Centre
• Best Feature in a Domestic Garden – Malcolm and Kerry Hodge
• Best Patio/Balcony/Villa Courtyard Display – Irene Barnard-Bryant
• Best Nursing Home/Retirement Village/Over 50s Village Garden, Maintained by Professionals – Henry Kendall Gardens Retirement Village
• Best Edible Garden, Residential – Jim and Sandra Hastings
• Best Edible Garden, Community – Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens
• Best Waterwise Garden – The Orchards Retirement Village