The Judges' Perspective Anthony Scott, Head Judge, Victorian Landscape Awards

The Judges' Perspective

As the winners of this years Victorian Landscape Awards celebrate their achievements, we caught up with landscape designer and head judge, Anthony Scott, to discuss what is involved in judging the Industry’s most prestigious awards.

What has been your experience as a judge for the Victorian Landscape Awards?

I’ve been a judge for the Victorian Landscape Awards for six years now, and each year I’m blown away by the outstanding quality of the jobs we get to see. Each landscape has an amazing back story, and when you see the final product, and how members have managed to meet the client’s brief in spite of serious challenges, I’m honestly flabbergasted. I always walk away from the process thinking how proud I’d be to produce such amazing work.

We take the judging process very seriously - we see it as a responsibility to ensure that the process is fair, and that excellent work is recognised for what it is. We’re very lucky in that the judging criteria for each of the landscape award categories are the product of many years of consultation with industry. They have been developed to showcase excellence and best practice in landscape design and construction, and to elevate the standards of our industry. As such, there isn’t a lot of scope for personal opinion during the process - the criteria are very clearly documented, and as judges we have a very clear framework against which we judge the entries. It can be a very intense process - we have set the benchmark really high - but at the same time, it’s very rewarding.

What were the challenges faced this year as judges?

I think the biggest issue we had this year was around logistics and finding the time to get to all the entries. One of the great things about the Victorian Landscaping Awards is that the judges get out to each and every project. Our industry is so busy at the moment, just finding the time in everyone’s schedules to get on site, and coordinate with homeowners to have access to the property, is a challenge. It really is testament to everyone’s commitment to be able to line it all up in such a short window of time.

How has being a judge impacted your own landscaping practice?

Being a judge has undoubtedly influenced my own work. Just seeing some of the amazing work that is submitted over the years is inspiring. I also get to work with the other judges and absorb their knowledge and experience.

Being a judge has also given me insight into what it takes to produce an award-winning garden. When you have the opportunity to observe the judging process behind the scenes, you begin to understand the nuances; the details that make one landscape stand out from another.

What’s in store for the 2023 LV awards?

Each year, the Judging Committee comes together to conduct an indepth review of the judging process, and evaluate how we can improve the experience for entrants. This includes taking on board the feedback we receive from our Members. We know it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there, and as judges, we want this to be a fair and rewarding experience that elevates the Industry.

Following the feedback we received this year, we are looking forward to revealing some exciting new changes to the Awards in 2023, that we hope will make it easier to enter and have more Members get involved in the Awards in future years.

Is there an opportunity for people to become part of the Awards judging panel?

Absolutely. We welcome anyone who is keen to take part in the process. They can reach out, let us know that they’re interested in learning more, and we can have a chat. They don’t need to have judging experience - we make sure everyone is familiar with the process before judging begins, and we’ll pair them up with someone more experienced, so they can learn, and get as much out of the experience as possible.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering entering the awards in 2023?

Yes, get on the front foot early, and reach out for advice - especially if it’s the first time you’re entering, or even if you’ve entered before. It can be frustrating as a judge when you see a terrific garden, but that person hasn’t submitted an application to its full potential which can cost valuable points, and may be the difference between a highly commended and a winning entry.

LVML would like to thank the following judges for their generous contribution to the 2022 Victorian Landscape Awards: Anthony Scott (head judge), Alistair Kirkpatrick, Brent Reid,Brian Rankin, Bruce Winstanley, Chris Keay, David Pierre-Humbert, Erin Green, Graham Bradtke, John Van de Linde, Kate Bryce, Luke Scott, Marty Semken, Micah Venturini, Mike Jansz, Nic van Diemen, Pat Pezzimenti, Rod Hanley, Ros McCully, Sally Tulloch, Teena Crawford.