CIT Floristry students blossom at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

CIT floristry students have taken out high honours at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Australia’s largest horticultural and floral event, placing second in both the prestigious hanging installation category and the Petal Project display.

The hanging installation featured a stunning foam-free floral design crafted using reusable, recyclable, and compostable materials, showcasing a sustainable and innovative approach to floristry.

Narelle Phillips, Teacher for Floristry at CIT Horticulture and Floristry, said placing second in both categories is a testament to the skill, creativity, and dedication of the students.

“This achievement highlights the incredible talent of our students and their ability to create breathtaking designs while embracing sustainability in floristry.

“Creating large-scale displays without relying on conventional, harmful products can be extremely challenging, but the students have shown it is entirely possible,” Ms Phillips said.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, held annually at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, brings together the best in horticulture and floral design, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year. The competition provides an invaluable opportunity for students to gain industry exposure, work alongside leading florists, and showcase their skills on a national stage.

“Competing at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is an unparalleled experience for our students, giving them hands-on industry experience and a chance to push the boundaries of floral artistry,” Narelle said.

“Stepping beyond Canberra for a taste of floristry on the national and international stage provides immense inspiration, and it can be a watershed moment for many students.”

This year marks the fourth year CIT floristry students have participated in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, with CIT and students receiving excellent results each year they have competed.

CIT students were excited to participate in the Petal Project display, which celebrates fresh, seasonal and locally grown flowers.

“We’re delighted to add the Petal Project display to our work at the show this year,” Narelle said.

“The opportunity to collaborate directly with a grower to highlight fresh, seasonal, local flowers aligns perfectly with our ethos to take a grassroots approach and work as sustainably as possible.

“Being matched with Sydney Flower Market and with Jonima Flowers feels perfect, many of our students are regular Jonima clients, and our annual Sydney trip to visit the farm and then the Flower Markets is a highlight and an integral learning opportunity for them.”

CIT’s floristry students consistently produce award-winning work, reflecting the institution’s commitment to excellence in training, sustainability, and industry collaboration.

These latest achievements reinforce CIT’s position as a consistent leader in floristry education and highlight the real-world opportunities available to students in Canberra’s vibrant floral industry.

Narelle Phillips and a selection of the students who created the installations can be available for interviews.

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