By Callum Ludwig
Young Montrose resident Dekoda Bell has been recognised in the 2022-23 Victoria in Bloom awards for his great gardening skills.
Mr Bell was not only given the award for the Best Creative Garden but also took out the overall Gardener of the Year award.
Mr Bell said his garden has come a long way since he started.
“It looks good now, but it took a lot of hard work. The awards are my first awards, which feels really good, I like them,” he said.
“It took probably two years all up, two years a bit maybe and with all the trees everywhere, I spend probably half a day to maintain it and keep it tidy because I’ve got to get under all the bushes and blow it.”
The Victoria in Bloom awards recognise and reward avid gardeners in public or community housing for their great work with the Best Creative Garden award, in particular, reflecting Mr Bell’s garden showcasing self-expression, uniqueness and creativity.
Mr Bell said he started the whole garden from scratch.
“I dug it up and put all the plants in and it had different coloured mulch, instead of black, it had white or yellowish one which I replaced, got rid of the thornbush and blackberry bush and rake it every weekend.”
Mr Bell’s garden also features a small pond and bridge, creating a nice walkthrough to their front door for visitors to enjoy.
Mr Bell said anyone interested in getting creative with their garden should just have a go.
“It won’t look good when you first start, but if you put in the work, it looks good eventually. I see it and it makes me smile, and it keeps me out of trouble,” he said.
“My advice would be not to go for all the same plants, go for all different plants and switch it up.”
Minister for Housing Colin Brooks said it’s fantastic to see young gardeners such as Dekoda Bell get involved in gardening.
“Dekoda’s garden in Montrose brings colour and life to his backyard and he’s been able to take everyday objects he’s found along the way and turn them into beautiful pieces amongst the garden, Dekoda takes such pride in his garden and loves sharing his passion with his friends – as well as his own mum,” he said.
“It’s an honour to recognise all our public housing gardeners, who play an important role in growing their community and enhancing the natural environment.”
