The 2026 Sustainable Scarecrow Competition has highlighted the creativity and environmental awareness of Victorian students, with finalists selected by the Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence MP.
This year, 42 schools and kindergartens took part, embracing the theme ‘Habitat Farmer’, the helpful visitors to the garden protecting the habitats that they live in and teaching others about how to create habitats in and around the garden. Their imaginative, eco-friendly scarecrows were showcased at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, impressing visitors with their innovation and strong sustainability messages.
Winners:
🥇 Grange College – “Native Nat the Bird Friendly Mate” (1st place, $1000 voucher)
Nursery & Garden Industry President, Carl Soderlund and Agriculture Minister Ros Spence.
🥈 Dean Marsh Primary School – “Swampy” (2nd place, $750 voucher)
Nursery & Garden Industry President, Carl Soderlund and Agriculture Minister Ros Spence.
🥉 Toorak College Junior School – “Ivy” (3rd place, $500 voucher)
Nursery & Garden Industry President, Carl Soderlund and Agriculture Minister Ros Spence.
People’s Choice Winner:
🥇 Spotswood Primary School – “Lid-ia”
VSGP Chairman Craig Taberner and Rory Clarke, Landscape Designer – Urban Discovery