Local Government Flower Garden Awards for 2006 launched
18 January 2006
The Australian Local Government Flower Garden Awards return in 2006 where the efforts of local parks and gardens teams are acknowledged with winning gardens selected in each state and territory as well as a national winner chosen.
First held in 2004, they are being organised every two years by Bedding Plants Australia, the national association of seedling and flowering bloomer growers.
"I am pleased to announce that this year we will have a joint sponsor, Toro Australia, which will mean we will be able to make the Awards even more valuable, "said the president of BPA, Mr Peter Douglas.
Toro is a world leader in the design and manufacture of automated irrigation systems and commercial turf maintenance equipment and has been in Australia for over 55 years. Toro’s irrigation division manufactures a wide range of products for commercial and residential use.
"Flower gardens make a huge difference in public spaces - whether in parks, malls or streetscapes – they add colour, variety and a freshness unmatched by other plantings," said Mr Douglas.
The awards have been endorsed by the Australian Local Government Association, which represents all local government authorities across Australia.
"We are pleased to see these Awards continue and I hope many more of our members will take part in 2006," said the President of ALGA, Councillor Paul Bell. "Much time and effort goes into planning, planting and maintaining gardens for year round enjoyment or for special events. The Awards will be great recognition for these efforts."
A major change in the Awards from the inaugural ones in 2004, is that gardens right through the 2006 year will be eligible, with entries not closing until the end of the year. (In 2004 awards were for winter garden plantings.)
"In our first year we found that a number of registrants did not have their garden looking their best by our close-off date in October, so by extending the period to the full year, councils can choose which seasonal garden they want to enter," said Mr Douglas.
"With water being such a critical factor in gardening these days, it is great that we have been joined by Toro Australia to present the awards. With controlled and effective watering systems, there is no reason why gardens cannot feature displays of flowering annuals."
Toro’s Irrigation Business Manager, Mr. Ken Woods, said the Awards will be an encouragement to the councils and home gardeners alike.
"Many councils and shires are already well attuned to the need for effective watering systems and their gardens will provide examples to home gardeners on how easy it is for them to add colour to their gardens," he said.
Bedding Plants Australia is the national association of seedling and flowering bloomer growers and is well known for its national Flower of the Year which has been released every year for 38 years. It is part of Nursery and Gardening Industry Australia.
An independent judging panel will assess the entries and includes well-known gardening personality Graham Ross, and leading Victorian garden designer, Carolyn Blackman.
Criteria and entry are simple. Gardens or plantings need to include at least a majority planting of flowering annuals, need to be 'waterwise' and simple descriptions accompanied by photographs are required for entry.
A brochure will be mailed to every local government authority in January 2006. Registration is requested for all intending participants by 1 July 2006 and entries will close on December 31, 2006. Winners will be announced in March 2007.
Each State winner will receive a framed certificate, a plaque for display at the site of the winning garden and at least $1,000 value of product – seedlings and irrigation product. The National winner will receive in addition a further $2,000 of seedlings and irrigation products, as well as registration for their representative to attend the National Conference of Nursery and Gardening Industry Australia in March/April 2007.
Full details will be outlined at the BPA website www.beddingplants.com.au or a brochure can be obtained by contacting mail@beddingplants.com.au
- For further information:
- Neville Sloss, Bedding Plants Australia - 0414 562 010
- Peter Douglas President Bedding Plants Australia - 03 9798 7066
- Marjoleine Lloyd, Marketing Services Coordinator, Toro Australia - Irrigation Business - 08 8300 3629
- Rohan Greenland, ALGA Public Affairs - 0412 85 9434 / 02 6122 9434
