With the winners of the 2006 Australian Local Government Flower Garden Awards announced earlier this year, judges said drought conditions across most of Australia resulted in limited entries.
“Considering the tough circumstances and water restrictions with which they had to work, it is great to see Councils still putting effort into brightening up their communities with colourful displays of annuals,” the judges said.
Organised by the national association of seedling and bloomer growers, Bedding Plants Australia, the awards were open to Council gardens and public spaces planted last year. They were supported by the Australian Local Government Association and sponsored by irrigation specialists Toro Australia.
President of Bedding Plants Australia, Peter Douglas, said there were several outstanding entries from New South Wales, which led to the decision to have metropolitan and regional award winners in that State.
Rockdale City Council took out the Metropolitan award for a streetscape planting in Ramsgate Road, a busy road adjacent to a shopping centre.
Judges commended the excellent display of colour and quality of plants in a difficult location.
Regional winner, Newcastle City Council, was recognised for the design and quality of display in the gardens of King Edward Park.
In Victoria, Colac Otway Shire was recognised for its plantings in the Colac
Botanic Gardens.
The City of Fremantle took out the Western Australian division for the simplicity and effect of plantings at a roundabout in Fremantle.
This location was described as difficult for plants, due to pollution from a large volume of traffic and a wind tunnel effect caused by buildings either side.
Peter Douglas said the judges were impressed by the attention to watering efficiently and the use of effective watering systems where possible.
“Despite water restrictions in all areas, entrants showed that impressive displays of colour can still be created,” he said.
