Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
25-29 March 2026
Growing the future of water-wise gardens
As Melbourne’s population grows and our climate becomes drier, every drop of water counts. With more homes, gardens and outdoor spaces placing greater demand on our precious water supplies, it’s never been more important to use water efficiently - at home and in the garden.
That’s why Yarra Valley Water partnered with Melbourne Polytechnic and its landscape design and horticulture students to showcase innovative, water-wise gardens at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show in March 2026.
These gardens challenged the next generation of designers to think differently about how we use and value water - creating spaces that are beautiful, resilient and sustainable for years to come.
Supporting students and inspiring the community
Through this partnership, we’re fostering creativity, innovation and shared learning while supporting local students to gain hands-on experience in designing for a drying climate and growing demand on water. By bringing educators, industry and Yarra Valley Water together, this project supports students throughout their learning journey and encourages them to make water efficiency a core principle of design - while providing practical inspiration for home gardeners.
Meet the students and their gardens
For this project, students were challenged to take a typical Melbourne home and design a water-wise garden suited to our climate and conditions, applying practical, sustainable solutions that can be replicated at home.
The two student-designed water-wise gardens showcase innovation, creativity and sustainability, demonstrating how smart design choices can significantly reduce water use while remaining beautiful and functional.
Water-wise display gardens
Afterrain
Introducing Naomi Teo and Emerson Zandegu
Emerson and Naomi are emerging landscape designers driven by a shared passion for bold, climate-responsive garden design. Together, they blend creative expression with practical water-wise solutions to deliver landscapes that are visually striking and environmentally responsible.
Emerson draws on his background in visual art and digital media, using vibrant colour, contrast and planting design to create gardens that spark emotional connection. He holds a Certificate IV in Horticulture and is completing a Certificate IV in Landscape Design.
Naomi’s journey began with a love of gardening and creative design. Inspired by naturalistic meadow-style planting, she recently completed a Certificate III in Horticulture and is now undertaking a Certificate IV in Landscape Design, supported by her digital marketing experience.
Together, they co-designed Afterrain, a water-efficient garden that balances sustainability with strong visual impact.
Throwing Shapes
Introducing Lauren Kish, Belinda McDowall and Ceinwen Thomas
Lauren, Belinda and Ceinwen are recent Certificate III Horticulture graduates who share a passion for contemporary, playful garden design, resilient native planting and practical water-wise solutions. Combining hands-on horticultural skills with strong design thinking, they are focused on creating landscapes that respond to real climate conditions while remaining bold, modern and full of character.
Each brings a unique perspective shaped by diverse professional backgrounds spanning strategic and creative communications, technology, music, events, heritage architecture and the not-for-profit sector. This collaborative experience is reflected not only in the garden design, but also in their co-design approach and the way the project has been brought to life.
Creating a water-wise garden
Creating a water-wise garden means working with nature to keep plants healthy while using less water. These practical ideas show how soil care, plant choice, smart irrigation and alternative water sources can help create gardens that are both beautiful and water-wise in Melbourne’s changing climate.
Water-wise garden tips
Soil, mulch and groundcovers
- Help keep moisture in the soil to support healthy roots.
- Mulch reduces evaporation, regulates soil temperature and suppresses weeds - helping your garden stay healthy and hydrated with less watering.
- Healthy soils rich in organic matter retain moisture more effectively, supporting strong root systems and resilient plants.
- Groundcovers protect soil from direct sunlight, reducing evaporation and helping to retain moisture.
- Wicking beds draw water up from below, providing steady moisture directly to plant roots with minimal loss.
Smart plant and garden design
- Make plant choices and arrange plants to naturally reduce water demand.
- Choose local native plants that are naturally adapted to Melbourne’s climate and soil, thriving with minimal watering once established. Designing gardens with native species supports biodiversity and reduces long-term watering needs.
- Some exotic species can also be drought-tolerant - look for those that perform well in dry conditions and complement native plantings.
- Grow herbs, fruits and vegetables that thrive in low-water conditions - for a productive and sustainable garden.
- Trees provide shade, reduce evaporation and cool your home and garden - making them one of the most valuable water-saving investments.
- Consider sun, wind and shade when planning your garden - microclimate-aware design can reduce evaporation and water stress.
Water-efficient irrigation and technology
- Drip systems, timers and soil moisture sensors deliver water directly to roots, avoiding waste through runoff or evaporation.
- Smart watering systems and meters make it easier to track your water use and spot leaks early, saving water and money.
Alternate water sources
- Make the most of the rain by using runoff to soak and reuse water where it falls.
- Paths and paving (permeable paving) that allow water to soak through reduce stormwater runoff and help recharge soil moisture.
- Use landscape features to slow and filter stormwater, allowing it to soak into the soil and nourish nearby plants.
Thanks to our partners
This project has been made possible through the collaboration with Melbourne Polytechnic and the generous support of industry partners including Antique Perennials, Kuranga Native Nursery, Lilydale Instant Lawn, Plants Management Australia, Proteaflora, Repurpose It, Shapescaper, Smart Water, Southern Plants, Speciality Trees, and The Greenery - whose expertise and commitment to excellence have helped bring our vision to life. We extend our sincere thanks to each organisation for their collaboration, shared passion for innovation and dedication to inspiring our community.