Friday night’s VIP Garden Preview at the 2025 Royal Adelaide Show shone a spotlight on the excellence and innovation of South Australia’s horticulture sector.
The evening drew together leading industry figures, members of the Horticultural Media Association SA, Nursery and Garden Industry SA, Master Landscapers, florists, and local garden clubs. Guests were treated to a showcase of skill, creativity, and professionalism that continues to drive horticulture in South Australia.
In a standout debut, Adelaide Hills Lawns & Gardens (AHLG) claimed gold for their very first show garden. Landscape designer, Georgina Mercorella, explained that the team embraced the challenge as both a bold opportunity and a chance to elevate the company’s profile. With intricate brickwork and a striking feature timber screen, much of the craftsmanship was completed off-site before being carefully installed and finished at the Show. The result was a gold medal garden that sets a high benchmark for future displays and highlights the depth of talent within South Australia’s horticultural community.
Other impressive creations from MLSA members included designs by Yergan Landscapes, Desert Flower Landscaping, and Distinctive Gardens, the latter taking out a Silver Award.
Beyond the professionals, seven gardens were presented by passionate horticultural clubs and societies. The Fern Society of South Australia took out another top honour, their lush, immersive garden demonstrating the power of collaboration and community. Planned since late 2024, the project united fern enthusiasts to deliver a display that captivated both judges and visitors.
Another crowd favourite was Sophie Thomson’s concept garden, Wild Thing, which vividly contrasted a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space with a stark, lifeless alternative — sparking plenty of conversation about the role of gardens in supporting biodiversity.
Adding colour and fun to the showgrounds were the ever-popular scarecrow competitions, entered by kindergarten and primary schools. Guest judge Hannah Mahoney from Gardening Australia, even spotted a few scarecrows that bore a striking resemblance to herself! Continuing tradition, the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Hon. Frances Adamson AC, selected one lucky scarecrow to take up residence and ‘stand guard’ in the Government House vegetable patch.
Invitation to attend 2026 RAS Show
William Rayner, CEO of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society, has extended an invitation to all HMAA delegates to attend the VIP Preview of the Horticultural Display on the Friday evening before the Royal Adelaide Show in September 2026. He greatly appreciates the contributions of HMAA to the horticultural community and looks forward to celebrating our shared passion for horticulture at this special event. Planning is underway for the 2026 HMAA Laurels to be held in Adelaide to coincide with the Royal Adelaide Show. A special preview of the Show is planned for the evening after the Laurels Award Dinner.
Victoria Pearce, Dianne Hall, HMASA
Photos by Victoria Pearce, Secretary HMASA, Wild Thing garden photo by Luke Simon
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