The Christchurch Botanic Gardens has won the Judges Supreme Award at this year's Ellerslie International Flower Show with a garden of fungi, mould and lichen.

The Convenor of Judges Robert Hillier of England says the exhibit is a real show-stopper. "The Botanic Gardens exhibit is simply outstanding. They have kept the garden very focused and not over complicated it - the public will be blown away by it."

Life and Death is a display of the plant kingdom in light, sound, movement and texture, bringing together elements of sensory inspiration. Using plant materials associated with natural decay, the garden demonstrates nature's ability to reuse and recycle.

He says the message is strong and it is a very clever garden: "The garden has an enormous wow factor".

"They have a good message to give and get it across well."

In the Starlight Marquee, Life and Death is about challenging Ellerslie visitors to think about the planet and taking care of the environment.

The Judges said it was a "stunning garden taking the viewer into the underworld of root system, fungi and decomposing organisms using a captivating display of lighting and sound effects to enliven this other world in an extraordinary fashion."

The garden also won Gold and a Gold Lighting Award.

All Black halfback Andy Ellis and his mate Danny Kamo of John Marsh Landscape Architects won the Supreme Award for Design Excellence for The Last Laugh, a serious statement about the impact humans are having on the environment and the planet's natural resources.

The judges said the elegant garden interprets a challenging message well - that of nature fighting back against human excesses. "It has an uncluttered simplicity and a strong coherent planting design. The tectonics of ground movement are brilliantly represented which was undoubtedly a challenge to build."

The duo also won Gold for the garden.

Lincoln University graduates Cameron McLean, Desmond Stock and Gareth Ford won the Supreme Award for Construction for Finding Solace in the Sky a 21st Century slice of New Zealand's quarter acre paradise in the sky.

"The wide range of construction elements in this design presented an opportunity for displaying excellence in workmanship," the judges said.

"Of note, were the brickwork, timberwork and rendering which was faultlessly executed. Moving elements and suspended lawn areas constructed in steel were cleverly constructed and of a high standard. All components were skilfully integrated with the underlying corrugated roofing."

The trio also won Silver and a Silver Distinction Lighting Award for the garden.

The NZ Alpine Garden Society won the Supreme Award for Horticulture with their exhibit which the Judges' said "continued the proud tradition of showing 'the best of the best' horticultural specimens". "Seldom is such an outstanding collection of rare and unique plants seen at a Show. The exhibit was well-designed, delightfully charming and an engaging reminder of gardening's fundamental pleasure: wonderful plants.

"The subtle joys to be seen are captivating and will keep visitors enthralled. Plus the challenge of growing these species to perfection trumps all other horticultural achievements. This exhibit was an absolute delight to judge and is a huge credit to all involved."

The garden also won Gold. Awards:

National Lighting Awards

Gold Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Silver Distinction Finding Solace in the Sky - Cameron McLean, Gareth Ford and Desmond Stock

Bronze Bush Telly An Icy Oasis - Dan Rutherford for the Christchurch International Airport Ellegance - Allwood Trees Ikebana International Ikenobo School

Merit Kinetics of Stone Forest & Bird MK Design Claire Hamilton Avon Floral Art Annette Waller