This year the HMAA Neutrog Laurels awards are heading back to where it all started: Adelaide.
For more than 25 years the Horticultural Media Association of Australia (HMAA) has held its prestigious HMAA biennial Laurels Awards to acknowledge and acclaim the outstanding work of HMAA members in a range of categories. The Laurels recognise achievement in communicating horticultural information through diverse media; honouring innovation, accuracy, audience engagement and storytelling across traditional and emerging platforms.
In 2026 the HMAA Laurels will be returning to the city where it all began: Adelaide. The 2026 Neutrog Laurels Awards will be presented at a gala dinner on Thursday 3 September in The Pavilion in the grounds of magnificent and historic Carrick Hill.
The HMAA Laurels recognise the work of HMAA members in six categories:
Honour Laurels
The Honour Laurels recognise exceptional contribution and service to horticultural media. Unlike other laurels, Honour Laurels are not entered directly. Recipients are selected by the HMAA Executive Committee following a nomination process.
For 2026, two Honour Laurels will be awarded: the Hall of Fame Gold Laurel and the Anita Boucher Laurel.
Hall of Fame Gold Laurel
Sponsored by Neutrog
This award recognises an HMAA member who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to horticultural media over their career.
Nominations may be made by any financial HMAA member. Nominees must also be financial members of HMAA.
Each nomination must include a written citation outlining the nominee’s achievements, impact, and reasons they should be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame.
Nominations must be submitted to the HMAA President at president@hmaaustralia.com.au by 15 June 2026.
Anita Boucher Laurel
Sponsored by Felco
This award recognises an outstanding contribution to horticultural media by an emerging member under 35 years of age. The award honours the late Anita Boucher, a founding member of HMAA.
Nominations may be made by any financial HMAA member. Nominees must be current members of HMAA and under the age of 35 at the time of nomination.
Each nomination must include a written citation outlining the nominee’s achievements, contribution to horticultural media, and reasons for consideration.
Nominations must be submitted to the HMAA President at president@hmaaustralia.com.au by 15 June 2026.
Category Sponsors:
Gold Laurel Sponsor
Neutrog develops premium biologically activated fertilisers and soil conditioners trusted by home gardeners and the farmers, growers and horticultural professionals whose livelihoods depend on the plants they grow. Backed by world-leading research and driven by innovation, we’re committed to improving soil health while pursuing our vision to be the most trusted and connected fertiliser brand in the world.
Anita Boucher Laurel Sponsor
FELCO a global leader in pruning tools, for over 80 years has delivered durability, ergonomics, and exceptional quality for professionals. Don’t miss the latest innovation the FELCO 2e cordless electric pruner which stands out for its enhanced safety features, impressive power, lightweight design, and ease of use in demanding horticultural work.
HMAA Book Laurel Sponsor
Your Garden is the official seasonal publication of the Garden Clinic Club, which has been the heart and soul of gardening in AUSTRALIA since 1982. Across four beautifully presented issues each year, we bring you more than 300 pages of trusted gardening ideas, inspiration and information—ready to help you create, care for and fall in love with your garden.
HMAA Social Media Laurel Sponsor
Wholesale Plants and Products (WPP), based in Dry Creek, South Australia, has proudly supported the horticultural and landscaping industries since 1994. As South Australia’s one-stop shop for green life and garden goods, we offer an extensive, ever-changing range of plants, indoor pots, fertilisers, garden hardware, and more – all tailored to meet the needs of industry professionals.
HMAA Digital Technology & Innovation Laurel Sponsor
Jeffries Group is a multi-generational family business transforming recyclable organic resources into premium compost, soil, mulch and fertiliser products. Operating from our world-class environmental recycling facility at Buckland Park, we proudly support farmers, viticulturists, landscapers and home gardeners while helping secure healthy soils for future generations.
HMAA Audio Laurel Sponsor
Open Gardens SA is a not-for-profit organisation overseen by a dedicated committee of garden lovers, designers and owners who enjoy sharing the treasures of SA’s varied private gardens and bringing garden lovers together.
Open Gardens SA actively promotes the benefits of gardens and gardening and donates money raised at the garden gate to many horticultural and community projects.
HMAA Published Article Laurel Sponsor
Nursery & Garden Industry South Australia is delighted to support the HMAA Laurels as they return to Adelaide, where the awards first began. NGISA has long valued the important role horticultural media plays in connecting people with plants, gardens and trusted industry knowledge. As the peak body for South Australia’s amenity horticulture industry, representing production nurseries, retail garden centres and allied trade businesses, NGISA is proud to recognise the communicators who help inspire gardeners, celebrate horticultural excellence and promote the value of Greenlife.
HMAA Video Laurel Sponsor
Ironwood Institute is delighted to support the HMAA Laurels as a Video Laurel Sponsor. As an award-winning horticultural college, Ironwood offers government-subsidised, industry-focused horticultural qualifications on traineeships and on campus. Ironwood is committed to developing skilled, job-ready graduates who can contribute to the future of Australia’s horticulture sector. Ironwood is proud to support the communicators who celebrate horticultural excellence, share trusted knowledge and promote the value of plants, gardens and green spaces in our communities
