Community & Business
24 June, 2026
Entries open for the annual garden awards
GREEN thumbs, backyard enthusiasts, and proud gardeners across the region are being encouraged to showcase their hard work, creativity, and passion, with entries now officially open for the 2026 Mareeba and District Lions Garden Awards.
“Now in its 58th year, the awards continue to celebrate the outstanding gardens, landscapes, and growing achievements that help make Mareeba and the surrounding district such a beautiful place to live,” Lions Club’s Norma Maloney said.
The awards recognise gardeners of all experience levels, from those with flourishing edible gardens and native landscapes to beautifully maintained residential gardens, commercial premises, schools, and rural properties.
Special interest in the annual competition will centre upon who will take home the prestigious TCB (Tableland Concrete Blocks) Joy Paterson Champion Garden award, one of the most anticipated honours each year awarded to the overall standout garden across all categories.
“The award recognises excellence in design, presentation, innovation, plant health, and overall impact, with last year’s Champion Garden winner setting an exceptionally high standard,” Ms Maloney said.
This year’s awards will be judged by renowned Australian plants specialist Peter Radke, founder of Yuruga Nursery and a respected horticultural expert known throughout Queensland for his extensive knowledge of native plants.
Award categories include Residential Garden; Rural Residential Garden; Australian Native Garden; Patio Living Garden; Edible Garden; Commercial Garden; and School Garden.
A special Under 16 category also has been introduced this year to encourage the next generation of gardeners. Young people do not need to register for the category and can simply bring along something they have grown for judging at the Lions Metrogaine and Village Fete on 1 August.
Competition entries close on 10 July, with judging set to start from 15 July. Winners will be announced at the Metrogaine and Village Fete at Arnold Park in Mareeba.
For entry forms and information, go to the Mareeba Lions Club website or contact Norma on 0417 541 126.
