Winning Gardens

20 October 2009  

On Tuesday 20 October winners for Goulburn Valley Water’s 2009 Waterwise Garden Award were announced at the Goulburn Broken National Water Week Award Night held in Shepparton.

Goulburn Valley Water’s Public Relations Officer, Mary Connelly-Gale said that the Corporation received nominations from across the entire region.  “The types of gardens varied greatly from a succulent/cacti style garden to a cottage garden to wonderful blend of native and exotics.”

“Our judge for the awards was Michelle Banfield from Flourish Landscaping. This is the third year that Michelle has been our judge and she remarked on how people are really embracing waterwise garden concepts, said Ms Connelly-Gale. “We were amazed at the number of gardens that had little or no lawn this year.”

“Michelle visited every nominee and commented on how difficult it was to decide on a winner for the awards this year especially in the new small garden category.”

Ms Connelly-Gale said that there were five categories for the 2009 waterwise garden awards and the winners were presented with a certificate, trophy and a $500 cheque from Goulburn Valley Water’s Managing Director Mr Peter Quinn.

All gardens were judged on six criteria

• Plant selection and groupings;

• Garden design;

• Watering systems;

• Garden management – focussing on use of mulching, pruning and mowing practices to influence water usage;

• Water management itself;  and

• Garden enjoyment – the level of satisfaction and pleasure derived from the gardens.

The winners for each category are:

Best Professionally Landscape Garden was awarded to Jenny and Ian Wadelton from Kyabram.  Their garden was designed by Roy Roberts and is a great example of what can be achieved when professional advice is help is sought.  The garden has a range of plans including Lemon scented myrtles, flaxes, grevilleas, hakeas, jasmine, lavenders, dietes and succulents just to name a few.

The Best Established Large Garden was awarded to Eileen Ross from Kialla Lakes.  Eileen has created a wonderful waterwise cottage garden utilising exotics and natives.  In the garden you will find westringia, grevilleas, roses, lavenders, cannas and lots of other interesting plants.

The Best New Large Garden was awarded to Polly Johnstone of Mooroopna.  Polly’s garden consists of 90% natives she created this garden to be waterwise and attract native birds.  She has also created lovely pathways that lead you around the garden and it is a very peaceful garden.

Authorised By P.A. Quinn, 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton