Brighton Council has set a target to increase plant and tree cover across urban areas. Greener gardens, parks, and public spaces provide shade and shelter, help regulate high tem­peratures, retain moisture, and support biodiversity by provid­ing habitat for birds and other wildlife. These are all essential steps toward building a more climate-resilient Brighton.

To support this goal, Council partnered with the Derwent Catchment Project to host a garden design competition at the recent Bridgewater Bridge opening. The aim was to inspire the community to consider incorporating native plants into their gardens to help green Brighton.

Council staff from the Reserves and Gardens crew, Planning department, and Infrastructure teams helped judge the competition, assessing entries for both creativity and practicality— including considerations like maintenance and safety. With more than 100 entries, it was a tough decision.

“So many great designs were submitted. We hope that everyone who entered will be inspired to bring at least some of their ideas to life. It would really make a difference in greening Brighton,” explained Josie Kelman from the Derwent Catchment Project. Brighton Council’s CEO, James Dryburgh, said, “The winners will receive native plants to help bring their designs to life.” Elaine Goodyer was named the overall winner, and Council’s Reserves and Gardens staff are hoping to incorporate elements of her design into landscaping around the new Bridgewater Parklands walkway. Other winners included Mia Small, Sheldon Cartledge, Bailee Graingen, Jenn Green, Helen Glassick, Isobelle Banfield, Sammie & Grace Hall, Timothy Radosavljevic, and Felicity from Dromedary.