Tuesday, 23 April 2019

The gardening skills of public housing tenants were recognised this week in a special awards ceremony for Victoria’s most outstanding public and community housing gardens.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing congratulates Barry and Janice Sharp of Traralgon for winning the Best Edible Garden category of the 2018-19 Victoria in Bloom awards.

Victoria in Bloom recognises public and community housing tenants who maintain gardens in their neighbourhood and celebrates the hard work they put into producing some of the most attractive and sustainable gardens in their communities.

Minister for Housing Richard Wynne presented winners with their awards in a ceremony at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

More than 200 entries were received from across Victoria. The judges paid tribute to the creativity in the gardens, and the time and energy spent by tenants to create vibrant, wonderful outdoor spaces.

Launched in 2004, the Victoria in Bloom awards provide public and community housing tenants with an opportunity to exercise their green thumbs and showcase their skills in a diverse range of categories.

Categories include Best Balcony or Container Garden, Best Small Enclosed Garden, Best Household Garden, Best Edible Garden, Best Sustainable Garden, Best Community or Common Area Garden, Best Creative Garden, Best Young Gardener and Best First Year Entered Garden.

Quote from Minister for Housing Richard Wynne

“The diversity and ingenuity on display in these gardens is really inspiring – it’s a reminder that gardens come in all sizes large and small, with so many purposes ranging from edible to decorative.”

Quotes from Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“These awards are a way of celebrating gardeners like Janice and Barry Sharp and thanking the many public and community tenants who dedicate their skills and time to making their gardens and neighbourhoods beautiful, sustainable and invigorating.” 

“I’m delighted that the creativity and enthusiasm of two of our talented local gardeners has been recognised at a state level through this prestigious award.”