Sustainable Balcony Display by Drew Burns at MIFGS 2023

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show provided Evergreen’s designer, Drew Burns, with a wonderful opportunity to design a balcony garden for the Balcony Garden Competition at this year's MIFGS.

Promoting Small Space Garden Design

Purpose and Vision

The garden's express purpose is to promote the principles of small space garden design, proving that you can have a beautiful, crafted garden space without a large backyard.

'Junk': A Sustainable Approach

Creating Beauty from Recycled Materials

Drew’s garden, called 'Junk,' was created to challenge other show gardens to create beauty out of old, recycled, or reused items. The materials used in this show garden were either destined for landfill or a scrap heap.

Budget and Resourcefulness

With a budget of $600, most materials were sourced from hard rubbish, second-hand marketplaces, or obtained for free from unused scrap heaps. Each item was destined for a life after the show, with the timber and roofing to be used for a new garden shed, the pavers in a designed landscape, and bricks as the path.

Ensuring Longevity and Sustainability

Zero Waste and End of Life Clause

While many gardens are destined to be thrown away, with thousands of dollars and significant carbon expenditure for a short 5-day display, it was imperative that Drew ensured his garden would live on elsewhere once dismantled. The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is about showcasing new and industry-changing designs. Drew’s belief is that all gardens built at garden shows worldwide can operate with a zero-waste and end-of-life clause, ensuring we do not add to the scrap heap or landfill.

A Message of Sustainability

Great job, Drew, on a fantastic project and for highlighting the sustainability message you are so passionate about.