The gardening skills of public housing tenants were recognised this week in a special awards ceremony for Victoria’s most outstanding public and community housing gardens.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams MP, congratulated Dandenong resident, Neriman Ali, for winning the Best Creative Garden category of the 2018-19 Victoria in Bloom awards.

Victoria in Bloom recognises public and community housing tenants who maintain gardens in their neighbourhood and celebrates the hard work they put into producing some of the most attractive and sustainable gardens in their communities.

Minister for Housing Richard Wynne presented winners with their awards in a ceremony at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

More than 200 entries were received from across Victoria. The judges paid tribute to the creativity in the gardens, and the time and energy spent by tenants to create vibrant, wonderful outdoor spaces.

Launched in 2004, the Victoria in Bloom awards provide public and community housing tenants with an opportunity to exercise their green thumbs and showcase their skills in a diverse range of categories.

Categories include Best Balcony or Container Garden, Best Small Enclosed Garden, Best Household Garden, Best Edible Garden, Best Sustainable Garden, Best Community or Common Area Garden, Best Creative Garden, Best Young Gardener and Best First Year Entered Garden.