Victoria in Bloom Garden Competition 2008 - for water wise gardeners

The Victoria In Bloom garden competition recognises and rewards the hard work of gardeners who develop and care for their gardens, either at home or in public spaces.

It is organised by the Department of Human Services, Office of Housing, and all tenants living in public and community-managed housing across Victoria can enter.

In 2008, the competition specifically recognised the efforts of tenants caring for their gardens in drought conditions and while water restrictions have applied.

There were over two hundred entries from public and community housing tenants in Victoria in Bloom 2008 and this year’s water-wise theme helped demonstrate how to reduce water use while still maintaining great gardens.

On Wednesday 10 December 2008, Housing Minister Richard Wynne presented the state-wide awards at a ceremony held at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Congratulations to the 2008 winners:

Best water wise household garden
John Bellenger from Flemington.

A beautifully designed garden features a variety of flowers, shrubs and vegetables in hanging baskets and pots. Rainwater tanks and recycled materials are used to add to this creative and water-wise garden.

Best water wise common area garden
Hamilton Community House.

A wide variety of flowering plants are augmented by a selection of herbs for use in home cooking. A rainwater tank, drip irrigation system and extensive mulching help minimise water use.

Best water wise balcony or small enclosed garden
Angelina Williamson from Kensington.

Recycled grey water helps keep Angelina’s colourful range of potted plants including succulents, cordylines and geraniums green all year round.

Best water wise edible garden
Debra Hanson and Edward Head from Mildura.

This extensive vegetable garden with tomatoes, potatoes, leeks, beans, silver beet and lettuce to name a few is watered with grey water from the kitchen and laundry and provides great healthy food all year round. 

Best water wise indoor garden including pots and aquariums
Jason Ross from South Melbourne.

Extensive knowledge and experience ensures that this well-established tropical aquarium is maintained with optimal water quality, creating a captivating display of aquatic life. 

Best individual water wise plot (community gardens -supported by Office of Housing)
Hong Thu Nguyen from North Melbourne.

Rainwater tanks and mulch helps ensure this fantastic community garden bed with twelve different types of vegetables and herbs thrive. 

Most creative water wise garden
Colin Hannasky from Ballarat East.

A thoughtful design means that this garden can withstand has local environmental conditions. An imaginative blend of hardy, drought tolerant native varieties has produced an extremely creative and impressive garden.

There were also 3 special judges commendations:

• Mr Robert Honeyman from Hawthorn East - best water wise common area garden
• Carlton Primary School in Carlton - best water wise edible garden
• Mr Brett Downard from Cranbourne North - best water wise household garden

Each winner was awarded with a certificate, $100 gift voucher and a book titled 'Water-Wise Gardening' by Kevin Walsh. 

For futher information about Victoria in Bloom contact 1800 663 662 (toll free) or via email vicbloom@dhs.vic.gov.au.