The 2026 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show continues to showcase the very best in gardening innovation, with the Sustainable Garden Product of the Year Award recognising products that are shaping a more sustainable future.
Judged across environmental and social sustainability, innovation, visual appeal, functionality and quality, this year’s recipients demonstrate how design can respond to real-world challenges — transforming the way we garden, grow and connect with nature.
Sustainable Garden Product of the Year – Womby Hand Trowel
The Womby Hand Trowel by Gardening on Country has been awarded the 2026 Sustainable Garden Product of the Year Award.
Gardening on Country is an Aboriginal-owned and operated business with a mission to support a circular economy and care for Country through gardening.
Womby is a durable, easy-to-use garden trowel made from 100% recycled Australian plastic bottle caps. Each product repurposes approximately 75 bottle caps, transforming a material that is difficult to recycle into a practical and long-lasting garden tool.
Manufactured in Australia, the product supports local industry and reduces reliance on overseas production. Its one-piece design improves durability and removes common weak points found in multi-part tools.
The judges noted the product’s environmental and social sustainability, including its ability to be reprocessed at end of life and its use of recycled materials that are typically challenging to recycle. They also recognised the incorporation of First Nations perspectives and strong social connection.
Womby is lightweight, durable and suitable for a range of gardening tasks including planting, digging and soil preparation. Its ergonomic design supports ease of use for gardeners of all ages and experience levels.
Highly Commended -The Lucky Garden Block
The Lucky Garden Block by Axon Garden Studio was highly commended by judges for its innovative approach to edible gardening.
The product is a fully enclosed, seed-to-table growing system designed to manage pests without the use of chemicals. Built from stainless steel mesh and Australian timber, it provides a durable and long-term solution for home food production.
The system uses a layered mesh design to exclude common pests while allowing beneficial insects and rainfall into the growing environment. This reduces the need for chemical pest control while supporting healthy plant growth.
Judges highlighted the product’s ability to address a significant challenge for home gardeners—protecting crops from wildlife without harming fauna. They also noted its aesthetic appeal and suitability for urban garden settings.
The Lucky Garden Block uses recyclable materials and avoids the use of plastics, PVC and chemical treatments. It is designed for longevity, with materials selected to withstand outdoor conditions over time.
The product is scalable and can be adapted to a range of garden sizes, supporting edible gardening in both small and larger spaces.
Shaping the future of gardening
The Sustainable Garden Product of the Year Award highlights practical, solution-focused innovation within the gardening industry.
This year’s recipients demonstrate how thoughtful design and material choices can support more sustainable gardening practices — delivering both environmental benefits and everyday functionality.