Aussie billabong scoops Chelsea Flower Show gong

Australia’s gardeners have created history at the Chelsea Flower Show by claiming the prestigious event’s top prize for the first time with their daring, environmentally-friendly design.

Wes Fleming, head of Fleming’s Nurseries, bowed out a winner in his ninth and final attempt yesterday after he and his crew were awarded the Best in Show for their landscape-style design encompassing desert, wildflower and water elements.

Fleming’s crews have collected plenty of prizes over the years but never the big one, and a team of 18 volunteers erupted into wild celebrations after being told the news.

“You can’t imagine it,” Fleming said. “I never thought it would happen, but as I’ve told the crew about 20 times this morning, we can go home knowing that we’re the best in the world at what we do.

“We’ve had 18 volunteers taking six weeks out of their lives, they’re the best in the world and I couldn’t be more proud to be Australian.”

Fleming had held high hopes for the biggest and boldest Australian display yet, created by award-winning landscape designer Phillip Johnson.

It had received rave reviews from the British media and also earned the approval of the Queen and Prince Harry when they visited on separate occasions.

The design, half funded by sponsors, blends several elements of Australian nature and has a strong focus on sustainability.

It features a lush desert gorge with huge boulders, a native wildflower meadow and a natural billabong and waterfalls using recycled water from nearby buildings.

The centrepiece is the “waratah studio”, which towers over the garden and features a viewing area.

Johnson, at his first Chelsea Flower Show, hoped the win would help the industry back home.