Entries for the Laurels, HMAA’s biennial awards close on June 15. To view this year’s categories or to lodge your entry, log into the HMAA website. For reasons why you need to take part, read on.
Meet past winners
In the lead up to this year’s awards, the Friday Blast is spotlighting previous winners who are sharing the impact winning their Laurel made on them. This week, we hear from Michèle Adler, who won the 2024 HMAA Laurel Award for Best Horticultural Book. Over to you Michèle.
I am writing to thank HMAA for their ongoing dedication to promoting ‘best horticultural practice’. The HMAA Laurels recognise and motivate horticulturists in all forms of their endeavour in the media, Australia-wide.
Each time I submit work for evaluation in the Laurels, I wonder “Will this be good enough?” Entering the HMAA Laurels awards allowed my work to be assessed alongside respected horticultural writers and evaluated by outstanding and experienced professionals in the field. Although it’s somewhat daunting, a Laurel is something to aspire to.
The process of writing reinforced the importance of research, practical knowledge and quality storytelling with respect to gardening and design. The HMAA Laurels celebrate excellence across horticultural media, and being recognised among such talented authors, photographers, broadcasters, and industry professionals is incredibly inspiring. The awards not only acknowledge achievement but also highlight the importance of horticulture in recording garden history, education, sustainability, and everyday life.
Winning the 2024 HMAA Laurel Award for Best Horticultural Book for my book Burnley Gardens was both an honour and a deeply rewarding experience. It was a career milestone; a culmination of many small steps along the way, each step allowing me to gain more confidence. It was especially meaningful to know that my book resonated with both readers and industry peers, reflecting the passion, dedication, and countless hours invested in creating a publication that informs, inspires, and celebrates gardening.
I strongly encourage writers, publishers, and horticultural creatives to enter the HMAA Laurels. Beyond the recognition, the awards open a path to valuable connections within the industry and provide an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and professionalism of horticultural media in Australia.
Winning the 2024 Book Laurel has been both humbling and motivating. I am grateful to the HMAA judges, readers, supporters, and everyone who contributed to the journey behind the book. And what a journey it was !
Michèle Adler, May 2026
