SNEAK PEEK OF BOUTIQUE GARDENS AT MIFGS 2023

A stunning array of landscape designs have finally come to life at MIFGS.

The Boutique Garden Competition managed by Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers (LVML) is a display garden competition for emerging or established landscape designers and architects to showcase their amazing design talent, push the boundaries of landscape design, and inspire others to create their own beautiful gardens.

Months in the planning, visitors to the show can view gardens by Alistair Kirkpatrick & Elliot Summers from Stratis Landscape Architects, Lachlan Taylor-Nugent from Arrow Landscape Gardening, Paul Pritchard from Paul Pritchard Landscape Design, Riley Cooper from Riley Cooper Landscape Design & Horticulture and Bronni Skinner from Willow Wood & Moss.

Alistair and Elliot are back with another innovative boundary-pushing design, "Karrikin Garden". The concept explores the regeneration and rejuvenation that fire can bring to the Australian landscape and celebrates a garden that derives its form from the rhythms and systems of our dynamic landscape.

"Garden Reflections" by Lachlan Taylor-Nugent of Arrow Landscape Gardening exudes a cool tonal palette that oozes a soft and textural style. The use of elements in shadow and light juxtapose in harmony to unify the space and the selections of dense foliage, height, depth and texture, combine with the element of water and reflection to create an ephemeral mirror.

"Tectonic Fluidity" by Paul Pritchard of Paul Pritchard Landscape Design represents an exercise in tectonic fluidity and meditation, an opportunity to expand a small area through the use of varying levels, textures & movement. Sharp angles are displayed yet one is able to move seamlessly throughout the dynamic garden.

Inspired by the undulating hills of where the Otways meets the western stony rises, "Slant" by Riley Cooper Landscape Design & Horticulture looks at how we can live and enjoy nature on a sloping site without an overuse of traditional hardscape intervention.

"The Duality Garden" by Bronni Skinner Willow Wood Moss explores the nature of duality and of opposing elements that create beauty and balance. From the soft sway of the grasses against an architectural arid aesthetic, to a dark expanse of water capturing the reflection of light, this is a minimal and modern interpretation of an old-world aesthetic.

Images taken prior to completion

The five Boutique Gardens are located near the LVML stand (A37) which is another show highlight all its own. Offering complimentary 20-minute consultations to the visiting public, LVML Members donate their time to provide this important educational experience for people needing to better understand the importance of engaging professional designers and landscape builders to bring their backyard garden dreams to life.

The show runs until 5pm on Sunday 2nd April.

For more information and to purchase tickets head to melbflowershow.com.au