Green thumbs are being encouraged to get out their tools and put the finishing touches to their yards ahead of Whittlesea council’s annual search for the city’s best gardens.
Entries are now open, with prizes awarded for the best front garden and best edible garden.
Council parks and open space manager Kristen Jackson said the competition was always popular.
“We have a lot of outstanding gardeners in our city, and we want to encourage their efforts,” she said. “An attractive garden adds to our neighbourhood appeal, which we love.”
Last year’s competition was won by Epping’s Velupilai Thurairatnam and Sue Guirguis.
Ms Guirguis won the best front garden category, while Mr Thurairatnam took home the prize for best edible garden.
Mr Thurairatnam, who grows fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants in his garden, is not taking part in this year’s competition, but is encouraging others to nominate their yards.Edible gardens will be judged on the amount and quality of the fruit and vegetables, and the types grown. Eco-friendly garden practices, such as the use of grey water or rain tanks, will be viewed favourably.
Entrants for the best front garden will be judged on innovative colour schemes that use both annual and perennial flowering plants, or use interesting foliage combinations or eco-friendly gardening practices.
Entries close on Friday, January 27, giving residents plenty of time to get planting and growing.
To enter, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
