The garden - also known as the ''Eden Garden'' - operated thanks to the ''endless support and time'' of volunteers and provided important support for the community, Trustpower community relations representative Emily Beaton said.
The garden, now in its 12th year, included an extensive garden producing fresh vegetables for the community foodbank and distributed weekly through a coupon system for clients; 10 allotments in which families could grow their own vegetables; an 8m tunnel house; and a large glasshouse.
The winners of five other categories were announced at a function in Alexandra yesterday.
The Clyde Railhead Community Eco Nursery won the Heritage and Environment category for its work planting and maintaining seedlings in the local community and donating plants to other areas.
The Cromwell Newcomers Network won the Health and Wellbeing category for its volunteer network that supports those who moved to the Cromwell area.
The combined Lions groups along the Otago Central Rail Trail won the Sports and Leisure category for their work running the annual Otago Central Rail Trail Duathlon and associated financial donations given to the community.
Maniototo St John Youth won the Education and Child Youth Development award for its ''fun, engaging and educational'' programme.
Courtney Anderson, of Cromwell College, won the Youth Spirit Award. She is active in a variety of organisations, and was described by judges as a ''mature, cheerful and responsible student'' who could be relied upon ''to give her best in any setting''.
Award recipients were.-
Heritage and Environment: Winner, Clyde Railhead Community Eco Nursery. Runner-up, Lindis Pass Conservation Group Inc.
Heath and Wellbeing: Winner, Cromwell Newcomers Network Runner-up, Dunstan Eco Action Group. Commendation, Maniototo Support Network.
Sports and Leisure: Winner, Combined Lions groups of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Education and Child Youth Development: Winner: Maniototo St John Youth. Runner-up, Alexandra Scout Group.
Youth Spirit Award: Winner, Courtney Anderson. Finalists, Caileigh Forbes and Grace Robyn Wells.
Supreme winner: Salvation Army Community Garden, Alexandra.
