Twenty-five years in the making, the garden the Harris’ call ‘The Rainforest Walk’ has now become what many have known for years, an award-winning garden.

The Harris’ recently entered their spectacular garden in a Sustainable Garden Challenge, competition run by Keep Australia Beautiful and Raine and Horne Real Estate.

The state-wide competition attracted entrants from over New South Wales, and Harold and Betty were named winners of the Hunter / Central Coast individual category.

The challenge is a competition that aims to recognise the achievement of individuals, schools, community groups and councils in creating and maintaining gardens that not only look good but also achieve positive and sustained outcomes for the environment.

Built on the side of a mountain, the Harris rainforest walk has taken over two decades to create and takes garden lovers on a spectacular walk into its secret mountain paradise with over 100 steps carved out of rocks, various species of plants and trees and even a spectacular cave. Most importantly, their garden is sustainable.

To enter the sustainable challenge, gardens had to be self-functioning, rely on minimal additional resources and avoid adverse effects on the natural environment.

The Harris’ secret to their win and their sustainable Rainforest Walk is minimal water and keeping it full with mulch.

“It’s a self supporting garden,” said Betty Harris.

“The key is not watering it much, using no fertiliser and lots of mulch.

“The garden is also protected by an overhead canopy of native trees and red cedars that we have planted that shields it from the sun.”

Their garden is a mix of native trees and ferns and plants such as maidenhair ferns, birds nest, staghorn, orchids and the Harris’ favourite clivias.

On Tuesday, Harold and Betty Harris were presented with a framed certificate from Raine and Horne’s Cessnock proprietor Robyne Cleaves recognising their win in the Hunter / Central Coast section of the Sustainable Garden Challenge.

Runner up in the same category was fellow Bulga garden enthusiast, Helen Upward who took out second place for her native garden and fernery.