Miwa Gawaian Living Streets Verge Garden Competition

The 2025 Miwa Gawaian* Competition is now closed. All verge gardens registered under the Inner West Council Verge Garden Policy and Guidelines are automatically entered into the competition.

*Miwa Gawaian – Traditional name of the waratah flower/seasonal indicator.

About the competition

This competition celebrates the fantastic work and dedication of our participating residents for keeping our streets alive and beautiful through the Living Streets Program.

By planting and maintaining verge gardens, you help enhance the area's ecological health, boost biodiversity, and improve liveability. Your efforts also play a key role in showing community commitment to Caring for Country and creating greener, healthier streets.

Winners will be announced in December.

How it works

Two gardens from each ward are selected, with selected finalists receiving email notifications. In October, judges will visit nominated gardens, spending 20 minutes at each garden. Participants have the chance to meet the judges, discuss your garden, and participate in a photo opportunity. Judging is based on the following criteria:

• Verge gardens should feature locally sourced native plants.
• Gardens should provide habitat-friendly spaces, attracting native fauna such as birds, lizards, and insects.
• Adherence to Council’s Verge Garden Policy and Guidelines is required.
• Gardens should show evidence of biodiversity benefit, such as wildlife habitat creation. 

Free gardening resources

As a registered verge gardener, if you haven’t already, you can collect free plants from our local nurseries to help kick-start your garden! Our expert staff will also be available to offer helpful advice. Plus, you can pick up free mulch from Marrickville Nursery subject to availability. Visit the links below for more information:

• Community Native Plant Nurseries
• Learn About the D'harawal Calendar - Indigenous Weather Knowledge

Permission to use the D'harawal seasonal calendar is granted by the D'harawal Traditional Knowledge holders' and Descendents' Circle, and Dr. Aunty Francis Bodkin-Andrews.