A Bairnsdale-based business has taken the top sustainability honour at the prestigious Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, marking a major milestone for the local enterprise.
Gardening on Country, a three-year-old business operating on Gunaikurnai Country, was awarded the title of ‘Best Sustainable Garden Product’ for 2026 during the five-day event held from March 25 to 29.
The award was presented by Craig Taberner, chief executive officer of Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria, following an overwhelming response from the thousands of attendees who visited the show.
Co-founder Sarah Skuta said the recognition was a proud moment for the small team, especially as it was their first time exhibiting at the world-renowned event.
“This is a huge achievement for our three-year-old business. We have managed to divert 1.4 million bottle caps from landfill so far,” Ms Skuta said.
The star of the show was the “Womby” trowel – a lightweight, super-durable tool designed for gardening, camping and beach trips.
Each individual trowel is crafted from 75 post-consumer bottle caps, turning household waste into a high-performance garden implement.
The manufacturing process remains rooted in East Gippsland, with the products made locally in Bairnsdale.
By keeping production on Gunaikurnai Country, the business continues to highlight the potential for regional innovation in the circular economy.
The award highlights a growing trend in the gardening industry toward products that not only serve a practical purpose but also actively reduce environmental impact.
For Gardening on Country, the 1.4 million caps already diverted represents just the beginning of their mission to clean up Country while providing tools that are built to last.
