BUILDING on the success of last year’s event, Whiddon’s Spring Garden Competition is back, with residents and clients across all homes invited to embrace their green thumbs and creativity.

Whiddon Aged Care has announced the return of its much-loved Spring Garden Competition, with all Whiddon communities encouraged to get creative outdoors. ​

This year, the competition will run until November and is expanding to welcome home care clients and retirement village residents – offering more participants the opportunity to join and showcase creativity.

Last year, Whiddon Mudgee took out the inaugural prize with a heartwarming and community-inspired design, winning $5000 to further enhance their outdoor spaces.

Residents were involved every step of the way, from planning meetings to plant selection and creating mosaic art.

Last year, Whiddon Mudgee took out the inaugural prize with a heartwarming and community-inspired design, winning $5000 to further enhance their outdoor spaces.

Sustainability was celebrated through solar-powered water features, recycled pallets, upcycled wine barrels paying homage to Mudgee’s renowned wineries and, of course, a tribute to Mudgee’s iconic Second World War Memorial Clock Tower.

Whiddon Mudgee residential services manager, Charne Ross, said the inaugural competition was a tremendous hit with residents.

“We loved seeing our residents pour their hearts into their gardens last year,” Charne said.

“From smashing tiles for mosaic art to planting flowers, every moment was filled with stories, laughter, and joyful collaboration.” ​

More than a gardening challenge, Whiddon’s Spring Garden Competition celebrates collaboration, friendship, and community pride.

Last year, gardening clubs, Men’s Shed groups, local volunteers, and school students rallied around Whiddon homes, lending their skills to bring residents’ visions to life.

From crafting planter boxes to hosting garden-themed morning teas, their support created vibrant spaces that strengthened bonds across generations.

Whiddon is encouraging all residential aged care residents, home care clients, and retirement village residents to embrace their green thumbs and participate.

Whether it’s planting colourful flowers, building sustainable features, or creating spaces that spark conversation and connection, the competition is about more than beautiful gardens – it’s about celebrating creativity, community, and the joy of coming together.

Chief customer experience officer, Michael Monteleone, said Whiddon teams are buzzing with excitement for this year’s competition.

“We’re thrilled to see the creativity and community spirit return this year,” Mr Monteleone said.

“The Spring Garden Competition is a wonderful way for our residents and clients to connect with nature, express themselves, and strengthen bonds with their carers and communities.”