Lions Ron Gregory and the president John Bull introduced the judge, Christine McKay, from Earth Guardian Garden Design and Consultancy, Bermagui, and thanked Margaret Woolley for her organisation of the competition.

Ms McKay said that while judging she could see the passion and love that everyone had for their garden, so in effect all entries were winners by "creating a space for yourself in nature and doing something to help the earth and plant more trees."

The overall winners of the garden competition were Jill and Ray Hamilton of Tanja-Wapengo.

"This garden had a wonderful use of space, a great water feature and everything was integrated", said Ms McKay.

Jill and Ray Hamilton also came second in the established garden section.

Bev and John Beruldsen were the winners of the new garden under two years.

Graeme and Janine Dixon won the best established garden for their creative use of the land and the way they used recycled material.

They also won the best front yard garden which the judge described as a nice haven for native wildlife and they came second in the best back yard.

Margaret Woolley won the prize for a garden maintained by someone over 70 and came second in the best front yard which Ms McKay said had a welcome feeling.

First prize in the best backyard was won by Joyce and Ted Groves which the judge described as one which could be anywhere in the tropics.

She also commended their use of a difficult slope.

Joan and John Reeve won the best produce garden.

They not only grow fruit and vegetables for themselves but for their neighbours and friends and they save their seed to grow organically

The best commercial garden was Helen and Bob Beruldsen's bed and breakfast.

"I loved the whole feel of the place," said Ms McKay.

Lorraine Harris won the single unit garden and the encouragement award was given to Margaret Evans for her very quirky garden.

Ron and Pat Gregory came second in the garden maintained by over 70s.

The Good Neigbour award went to Bev, John, Helen and Bob Beruldsen.