Victoria in Bloom celebrates gardeners

For the past 18 years, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing has been running the Victoria in Bloom garden competition – a state-wide celebration of gardeners and the gardens they have created.

Encouraging people to get involved in gardening is what Diggers has been doing for over 40 years, so when we were asked to be on the judging panel for the 2022 Victoria in Bloom gardening competition, we couldn’t wait to be involved. What we discovered was a community of passionate gardeners brimming with ideas and enthusiasm.

So what is Victoria in Bloom?

In simple terms – a gardening competition like no other. This truly inspirational initiative was established to encourage and celebrate gardeners in public and community housing, and since its inception in 2004, both the competition and interest in gardening have been growing.

With categories accessible to gardens big and small, entrants are first awarded in their local division before making their way through the stages to the state-wide judging. But it’s not just about the accolades and awards, it’s also about community and for many entrants, gardening has helped them find purpose and contribute to growing a better future.

And the 2022 winner is …

Victoria in Bloom has not only encouraged people to start gardening but has also unearthed some real garden heroes, toiling away in their own piece of paradise. This year’s Gardener of the Year was awarded to Paul Nelson for his ‘rooftop oasis’ entry in the Best Community or Common Area Garden category.

Paul was injured at work and also diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so he would venture to the rooftop terrace of his apartment building for fresh air and solace. The space was a bit of a wasteland, with only a few of the trees from the original landscape design still alive.

As part of his rehabilitation, Paul knew he had to keep moving to help with his back injuries, so he looked at the rooftop space and thought that he could make it better – and he has. Over the last five years, he has completely transformed this communal area and created an oasis in the sky where anyone in his complex can enjoy the shade, tranquillity and greenery.

Paul spends an hour a day hand watering and tending the rooftop garden, and he says the health benefits are immeasurable. He can’t imagine a better way to start each and every day.

Entries for 2023 open now

The 2023 competition opens on 29 August 2022 and closes on 25 November 2022, and is open to anyone living in public or community housing in Victoria. If you’re eligible, be sure to get involved – you may just find another kindred gardener in your local community.

The categories include:

• Best Balcony or Container Garden
• Best Small Enclosed Garden
• Best Young Gardener (under 25)
• Best Household Garden
• Best Sustainable Garden
• Best Community or Common Area Garden
• Best Edible Garden
• Best Creative Garden
• Best First Year Entered Garden

For more information or to submit an entry: www.housing.vic.gov.au/victoria-bloom-garden-competition

Written by Marcelle Swanson, Diggers horticultural editor, sustainable farmer and auther.