10 October 2007
Wyndham’s residents can pick up some free water wise tips when co-host of Channel 9’s The Garden Gurus, Trevor Cochrane, heads to town later this month.
Coinciding with the Manor Lakes fifth birthday celebrations on Saturday 20 October, the City West Water Garden Gathering aims to encourage local residents to plant drought tolerant plants in their garden.
Cochrane will lead a number of free workshops, giving residents advice on how to plant and maintain a water efficient, drought tolerant garden.
There will be the chance to get one on one horticulture advice as well as go into the draw to win two prizes of $250 worth of drought tolerant plants, thanks to the savewater! Alliance.
There will be entertainment for children too, with staff from Iramoo Sustainable Community Centre helping them plant their very own water efficient cutting to take home.
Trevor Cochrane said there were many tricks and tips to keep gardens looking great, despite the drought and water restrictions.
“I’d encourage everyone to learn more about water wise gardening, whether they are a novice gardener or a green thumbed guru,” he said.
“Drought tolerant plants don’t have to be native, there are so many varieties to suit everyone’s style. These workshops will provide advice on how to choose and maintain drought resistant plants, not just from Australia, but from all over the world.”
Geoff Gardiner, City West Water’s General Manager of Service Sustainability, said with Stage 3a water restrictions now in place for the summer, people need to be smart about how they use water in their homes and gardens.
“Trevor and the Garden Gurus team are big advocates of sustainable gardening, making this workshop a must for people wanting to maintain a beautiful garden this summer,” Mr Gardiner said.
“With climate change a stark challenge for the future, this event aims to inspire residents planning new gardens or wanting to give an established garden a new lease of life.”
Ken Munro, Manor Lakes Senior Development Manager, said Manor Lakes was proud to be a sustainable development, with dual supply recycled water infrastructure installed and extensive parkland through the estate.
“We’re really committed to sustainability and the City West Water Garden Gathering is a great way to encourage local people to consider a drought tolerant garden.
“We’ll be leading by example too. All the display homes in the next stage of Manor Lakes, due to be built in February 2009, will feature water saving gardens. We’re also keen to incorporate water saving gardens into other Dennis Family Developments display villages.”
The savewater! Alliance works with water businesses, government agencies and companies to deliver water conservation programs throughout Australia. CEO Nigel Finney said many gardeners wanted to create water efficient gardens but needed some inspiration to put them on the right track.
“Our booklets outlining how to plant five beautiful garden styles mean there’s something to suit every taste, with plant lists for backyard, cottage, formal, Mediterranean and subtropical styles.”
Manor Lakes fifth birthday celebrations and the City West Water Garden Gathering will take place on Saturday 20 October, from 12pm to 3pm at Linear Park, Hindmarsh Drive, Manor Lakes, Wyndham Vale.
Manor Lakes fifth birthday celebrations will feature plenty of entertainment, including a free sausage sizzle, face painting, jumping castle, roving entertainers and a giant birthday cake.