Floriculture, Floral Art, Orchids

Floriculture Competitions at the Atherton Show

Location: Lower Merriland Hall
Stewards: Maree Wickham, Sam Hunt, Irene Chapman

Celebrate the beauty, creativity, and dedication of our local growers and floral artists with the vibrant Floriculture Section of the Atherton Show. With a wide range of classes including pot plants, cut flowers, floral art, and orchids—this competition brings colour and elegance to the showgrounds!

Whether you’re an experienced grower or just love flowers, there’s a place for your blooms at the Atherton Show. We look forward to seeing your creativity in full bloom!

Hanging Basket Competition

2026 Show Theme ‘Fields of the Future – Innovate, Cultivate, Celebrate’ 

Honouring the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 

ABOUT THE COMPETITION 

This colourful feature celebrates creativity, small space growing, and the joy of plants. Entrants are invited to design a hanging basket that showcases innovation, sustainability, and the beauty of plants suited to the Tablelands climate. 

OPEN TO ALL! 

We’re thrilled to announce the introduction of the Hanging Basket Competition presented by Burrawong Garden Nursery for 2026! We eagerly anticipate the creative ideas you’ll bring. Whether you prefer a traditional hanging basket or a more cutting-edge approach utilising modern techniques, technology and accessories, we’re open to all concepts. Use your Hanging Basket as a canvas to showcase your garden inspiration, favourite themes, or simply to have a good time! Join the competition and let your creativity blossom! 

The competition is open to individuals, groups, companies, schools, or any other interested party that is interested in showcasing their skills at the Show! It involves creating a unique and wonderful hanging basket that stands out from the rest. Your creation will be displayed for the duration of the Show for the public to see. 

 LIMITATIONS 

There are only a few limitations when it comes to your creation: 

• 30-35cm coir-lined wire hanging baskets must be used for your creation
• Your basket must include living plants
• Accessories are encouraged but not mandatory
• Your display should not include any live animals or insects
• Only one basket per entry can be used per participant – participants can have multiple entries

 SPECIAL OFFER FOR COMPETITORS 

To support entrants, Burrawong Garden Nursery Malanda is offering: 

• 10% discount on a 30-35 cm wire hanging basket
• 10% discount on 10L premium potting mix

Simply mention you are entering the Atherton Show Hanging Basket Competition at the time of purchase. 

 DESIGN INSPIRATION 

Entrants are encouraged to reflect the Show theme: 

Innovate • Creative planting combinations • Upcycled or sustainable materials • Waterwise or lightweight designs Cultivate • Edible plants • Herbs, flowers, natives, or mixed plantings • Designs that celebrate the Tablelands’ growing traditions 

Celebrate 

• Colour, storytelling, and joy
• Optional recognition of the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer
• Cultural or community symbolism

JUDGING 

Judging will take place before the Show, where the top 2 baskets will be announced. 

The winners of the competition will be clearly labelled at the hanging baskets site throughout the show. 

The key criteria used by the judging panel include: 

• Scale & Proportion
• Plant health & appearance
• Plant maturity
• Creative use of accessories
• Innovative use of the basket and/or accessories
• Overall presentation & wow factor

PRIZES 

Thanks to the generous support of Burrawong Nursery, Malanda: 

• 1st Prize: $50 Burrawong Nursery voucher 
• 2nd Prize: $30 Burrawong Nursery voucher 

CARE OF BASKET 

Participants acknowledge the Hanging Basket, and its contents are left at the Show at their own risk. The Show will make its best endeavour to water all displays sufficiently throughout the Show. 

DROPPING OFF YOUR HANGING BASKET 

Hanging baskets will need to be dropped at the Atherton Showgrounds on Saturday 27th June between 8:00 – 10:00am Baskets will be stored, then moved into position by Stewards on Sunday 28th June. Please take this into consideration when creating your basket, as it may not be immediately hung in position. 

COLLECTION OF HANGING BASKET 

Collect your hanging basket after 4:00pm Tuesday 30th June.  

All baskets must be collected by 12 noon Wednesday 1st July.  

Remaining baskets will be donated or recycled. 

Floral Art Competitions at the Atherton Show

Steward: Jimmy Sinapius

Key Details

• Entry Forms & Fees Due: Friday 26th June
• Deliver Exhibits: Before 10AM, Sunday 28th June
• Judging Starts: 12 Noon, Sunday 28th June

Conditions of Entry

• Exhibits must display class cards clearly.
• Accessories allowed, but horticultural materials must dominate.
• Size Limit: Max 60cm wide x 30cm deep, height unlimited.
• Open Class winners may not return to Novice.
• Minimum entries required for prizes to be awarded.
• Refer to General Conditions of Entry & Show Rules.

Categories

• Special Class: Inspired Textures & Colours – Theme “Avocado” – all ages & abilities
• Open (Professional/Experienced)
• Novice (New exhibitors, no training or prior wins)
• Juniors:
  • Primary
  • Secondary

Orchids Competition at the Atherton Show

Sponsored by: Atherton Tableland Orchid Society (ATOS)
Stewards: ATOS Members
Judges: Atherton Orchid Council Judges

Key Details

• Entry Forms Due: 5PM, Friday 26th June
• Deliver Exhibits: Between 12PM – 3PM, Saturday 27th June
• Judging Starts: 10AM, Sunday 28th June
• Entry Fee: Free
• Prizes:
  • 1st: $5.00 + Certificate
  • 2nd: $3.00 + Certificate

Conditions of Entry

• Entries limited to 4 per class per exhibitor
• Class cards must be clearly displayed
• Refer to General Conditions of Entry & Show Rules

Categories

• Australian Native Orchids:
  • Species & Hybrids
• Exotic Orchids:
  • Calanthe, Cattleya, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Vanda, Other Hybrids & Species