Christchurch's Botanic Gardens has won the Supreme Award at the Ellerslie International Flower Show, with a horticultural exhibit called Burn after Reeding.
Convenor of judges Andy Sturgeon said the display at North Hagley Park in Christchurch was high on horticulture, sculpture and drama with a strong and clever concept.
The judges said Burn After Reeding showed a strong and clever concept. Photo: SUPPLIED
The Supreme Construction Award went to Kapiti Coast's Ben Hoyle of Blue Gecko Design for Under my Umbrella.
Mr Sturgeon says the judges were really impressed with the scale of the endeavour, and the complexity and engineering underpinning the whole exhibit.
The Supreme Horticultural Excellence Award went to Sally Brown from Blueskin Nurseries in Dunedin for the exceptional quality and diversity of plants.
Mr Sturgeon says it was one of the best horticultural exhibits the judges had seen with a range of plants with great public appeal.
The Lighting Supreme Award went to Wellington's Bayley LuuTomes for his Take a Second Look garden designed to raise awareness of the issues faced by children with arthritis.
The Supreme Design Excellence Award also went to Christchurch Botanic Gardens for Burn after Reeding.
Design judges said it had huge impact, evoked emotion and had beautiful plant combinations with a subtle use of colour.
Under My Umbrella won exhibitor Ben Hoyle a Silver Distinction this year. Photo: RNZ
Budding gardeners praised
Fifteen exhibits won gold medals, with several school entries being singled out for praise by the judges on Tuesday.
Four were awarded to Tai Tapu School, Lyttelton Main School, Chisnallwood Intermediate School and West Eyreton School.
A spokesperson for the show says the school gardens were far beyond expectations, with the children who made the winning exhibitions horticulturists and perhaps judges of the future.
The Ellerslie International Flower Show is being held from Wednesday until Saturday.
