The prestigious Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building have once again been transformed into a floral wonderland for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS). This year, the spotlight shines brightly on our own backyard, as Daylesford-based landscaping firm Timeless Outdoors has secured first prize in the highly competitive Boutique Garden Competition.

A ‘Reverie’ in the City

Their winning entry, titled Reverie, is an immersive sanctuary designed to act as a “modern watering hole.” The garden was a collaborative triumph, designed and constructed by Timeless Outdoors in partnership with Coastal Elements Landscaping, with Spring Hill Nursery serving as the lead nursery.

The design team impressed judges with their sophisticated exploration of material versatility. Most notably, the garden utilizes sustainable, unexpected textures—such as slate roof tiles repurposed as striking walling.

Design Highlights

Visitors to the show have been captivated by the garden’s unique layout and dreamlike atmosphere:

  • Geometric Depth: Circular forms radiate outward from a central spa, creating a sense of movement and depth within a compact boutique space.
  • Artistic Intrigue: Floating sculptural elements are placed throughout the greenery, adding an air of mystery and imaginative escape.
  • A Sustainable Sanctuary: The use of repurposed materials emphasizes a commitment to sustainable landscaping, turning the space into a calm retreat for both humans and local wildlife.

About the Show

Now in its 27th year, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is the largest horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. It attracts over 100,000 visitors annually, showcasing the pinnacle of Australian landscape design, floral artistry, and retail horticulture. The Boutique Garden Competition, in which Timeless Outdoors triumphed, is specifically designed to showcase how high-end design can be achieved in smaller, urban-sized plots.

Coming Soon

The team at The Wombat Post congratulates Timeless Outdoors on this significant achievement. We are currently coordinating an in-depth interview with the designers to discuss the inspiration behind Reverie and the logistics of building a prize-winning garden in the heart of Melbourne. Stay tuned for that feature in a future edition.

Planning a visit? The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show continues through this Sunday at the Carlton Gardens. If you’re heading down from the Highlands, be sure to check our Live Weather History page to see if you’ll need to pack an umbrella before you jump on the Calder!