Blooming with Pride: Whiddon Mudgee Takes Top Prize in Inaugural Whiddon Spring Garden Challenge
Whiddon Mudgee has blossomed to victory, winning $5,000 in the Whiddon Floral Frenzy Spring Garden Challenge with a heartwarming and community-inspired garden design.
15 December 2024
Earlier this month, Whiddon Mudgee was crowned the grand prize winner of Whiddon’s Floral Frenzy Spring Garden Challenge. The heartwarming initiative, invited all Whiddon care homes to create outdoor areas where residents could spend more time outside, connect with nature and strengthen bonds with their carers and other residents, whilst engaging in friendly competition.
Each participating home was given a $1,000 budget to bring their garden vision to life, with Whiddon Mudgee awarded the $5,000 grand prize toward further outdoor space upgrades.
Judges were inspired by Whiddon Mudgee's ability to incorporate local Mudgee attractions, such as the iconic clock tower, into their design. Their thoughtful efforts to engage residents throughout the process made their garden not only visually stunning but also a testament to the power of relationship-based care.
Mudgee residents played a hands-on role in every phase of the project, from planning meetings to choosing plants at local garden centres and creating mosaic art. Sustainability was also a key focus, with the use of solar-powered water features, recycled pallets for planter boxes, and upcycled wine barrels that paid homage to Mudgee’s renowned wineries.
“Our residents poured their hearts into this project. From smashing tiles for the mosaic art to painting pots and planting flowers, every step was a joyful collaboration that sparked stories, laughter, and reminiscences of gardens past.” said Charne Ross, Residential Services Manager at Whiddon Mudgee.
The garden showcased Whiddon’s signature colours and themes, including a mosaic that featured hands and hearts, highlighting that residents are in good hands at Whiddon. The project also celebrated diversity, with contributions reflecting a rich tapestry of ages, genders, and cultures.
Whiddon’s Floral Frenzy Spring Garden Competition would not have been possible without the incredible support of local community groups across all participating homes. Gardening clubs, Men’s Shed groups, and dedicated volunteers – from high school students to family members – generously contributed their time and skills. Whiddon’s catering teams also played a vital role, keeping spirits high with garden-themed morning teas and cooking clubs, while staff and residents shared countless hours of stories, laughter, and camaraderie.
While Mudgee claimed the grand prize, the judges also recognised outstanding efforts across other regions, including:
- Easton Park – Sir David Martin
- Southern Region – Temora
- Hunter – Belmont
- Northern Rivers – Casino
- Far West – Narrabri Jesse Hunt
The first annual Whiddon Floral Frenzy Spring Garden Challenge leaves behind more than beautiful outdoor spaces, the initiative has strengthened bonds, inspired creativity, and brought communities closer together. Whiddon Mudgee residents are already planning their next artistic venture, with hopes of spreading more mosaic art throughout Mudgee.
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider that aims to inspire every day in its 22 RAC homes, dedicated community care and NDIS support across NSW & SE QLD. Its purpose is to enrich people’s lives and make a real difference.
Whiddon has been providing exceptional care to older Australians and people with disabilities across regional, rural, and remote NSW and QLD for more than 75 years.
Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities to remain at the forefront of innovation as it leads the latest thinking, programs, and training around quality of life and ageing.
