Gardens set to blossom at flower and garden show

Many of our past students have started here and have gone on to win gold medals in the open categories at MIFGS and have also won prizes overseas.

For the past 15 years, Swinburne University of Technology horticulture students have participated in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) and this year is no different.

Three students are taking part in the Achievable Gardens category in the upcoming flower and garden show, which challenges students to create small, stylish and functional gardens for everyday gardeners.

For many students, being involved in the MIFGS is a steep learning experience.

 “Throughout the process, students are busy contacting suppliers, working with industry and being very creative. The outcomes are wonderful. Often the students will further their career opportunities with the exposure that they receive from these gardens,” says teacher, Mr Michael Callaway.

“Many of our past students have started here and have gone on to win gold medals in the open categories at MIFGS and have also won prizes overseas.”

Mr Callaway says the gardens may be small in size but students and staff put in an enormous amount of work to get outstanding results.

This year three very different gardens will be on show.

Rancho Relaxo by Vivian Scapari, Diploma of Horticulture

This garden is designed to encompass Mexican Influences which embrace colour texture and form. The colours have been chosen to reflect Mexican culture and to produce a calming effect. Blue is used in many plant forms and the warm tones of sand and Terracotta create a homely and comforting feel.

“This is a low water maintenance garden, leaving more time for relaxing,” says Vivian Scapari.

Inviolatum by Holly Bedyn, Certificate III Production Horticulture

This tropical themed garden is designed for those with a strong sense of wanderlust, soothing the urge to travel with this ancient castle-like ruin.

“This garden is ideal for someone who is situated in the heart of the city with tall surrounding buildings causing low light levels with only a small area and balcony,” says Holly Bedyn.

“Inviolatum is a sanctuary where you can take a step back in time to a place unspoiled by today’s society.”

Symphony of Life by Mahshid Malekazary, Certificate III Horticulture

Designed with different textures and colours, this garden invokes a sense of joy. It is an open space of grass with a sitting area built up on a small slope to create the feeling of expansion using natural elements of varied foliage, water, stone paving and steps.

“What this shows is that we can dream big even in a small space,” says Mahshid Malekazary.

“Being outdoors is a chance to remind us not to be in a hurry in life because delightful changes need time and patience to happen.”

See these drawings come to life and visit the MIFGS from Wednesday 16 March through to Sunday 20 March.

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