Gardeners pick up your shovels, rev up your lawn mowers and start planting – the Victoria in Bloom garden competition is now open.

Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell today declared the competition open and encouraged public and community housing tenants to think creatively, put on their gardening gloves and spruce up their gardens.

The Victoria in Bloom competition is designed to recognise the gardening achievements of social housing tenants who are enhancing the amenity of their homes and communities.

“We’ve had a lot of wet weather lately, which has made it an ideal time to start preparing gardens for summer. It’s a great growing season and we want tenants to show off their skills and display their beautiful gardens,” Ms Lovell said.

“Gardening improves both our physical and social environments. It is a great opportunity for tenants to connect with their local communities and share their gardening tips and tricks with their neighbours.”

Ms Lovell said she was delighted to announce a new award category this year that encourages young people living in social housing to enter the competition.

“More young people are thinking about careers in gardening and landscape design and we’re keen to foster these interests through our new Best Young Gardener Award,” Ms Lovell said.

Victoria in Bloom award categories include:

• best balcony, small enclosed or container garden;
• best household garden; best edible garden;
• best sustainable garden;
• best common area garden; and
• best young gardener (12 to 25 years of age).

“I know that there are many public housing tenants creating exceptional gardens and I look forward to announcing the winners of the competition in March 2014,” Ms Lovell said.

“More young people are thinking about careers in gardening and landscape design and we’re keen to foster these interests through our new Best Young Gardener Award,” Ms Lovell said.Victoria in Bloom award categories include: best balcony, small enclosed or container garden; best household garden; best edible garden; best sustainable garden; best common area garden; and best young gardener (12 to 25 years of age).“I know that there are many public housing tenants creating exceptional gardens and I look forward to announcing the winners of the competition in March 2014,” Ms Lovell said.