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Westernport Water hails Cowes horticultural havenOlga Bolitho’s magnificent Cowes garden has been named the Urban Landcare garden of the year. By Susan Webster - 25th October 2007 - Back to News The award, sponsored by Westernport Water, recognises the best water-conscious garden on Phillip Island and surrounds.
The large suburban block is fitted with four large water tanks. It encompasses a traditional garden of exotics, a cottage garden and potager, a full vegetable garden, fruit trees and an extensive array of native and indigenous plants.
Ambling paths lead to a grove of native trees at the back of the block. There are ponds provided for frogs and a cat run protects native birds from pets.
There is extensive mulching and evidence of good soil conditioning. The lawn areas are designed to absorb run-off from the vegetable garden beds, which further boosts water use efficiency.
Westernport Water Managing Director David Mawer said: "Olga started her garden at a time when most people are looking to downsize. She took an unpromising bare suburban block and, within a decade, has created a horticultural haven.
"The beauty, scope and vision of this garden – together with its water efficiency – make it a standout winner."
Olga’s garden was named the winner at a presentation ceremony in Cowes on October 19.
Westernport Water presented $15,000 to Phillip Island Landcare. Westernport Water helps fund Urban Landcare.
Corporation chair Pamela Cameron said: "Between 35-50% of all domestic water use occurs in the garden," Mrs Cameron said. "We are recognising sustainable gardening involving the use of indigenous plants, improving soils and mulching gardens. It is possible to have a garden that can create year-round interest and require little water."
Westernport Water is one of the major backers of local Landcare initiatives. Groups from Bass Valley, Phillip Island and the Candowie/Lance Creek Catchment Management Group were the most recent recipients of nearly $50,000 in support from Westernport Water.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: susanw@ptarmigan.com.au

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