Garden guru to launch greenscaping contest in Darebin


Chelsea Flower Show-winning gardening doyen Wes Fleming is teaming up with Darebin City Council to launch an exciting new competition promoting green urban design – and to kick things off, he’s giving Reservoir’s Carson Street a rapid-fire green makeover on Saturday 16 November.

The makeover coincides with the opening of the Transforming Darebin competition, which offers a chance for three lucky streets – one in each ward (Rucker, Cazaly and Latrobe) – to be ‘greenscaped’ by Wes and his team.

Wes will be trucking in a plethora of plants and trees to give Resorvoir’s Carson Street shops a temporary green makeover between 11am and 2pm.

The event will showcase the exciting possibilities ‘greenscaping’ can present – so media and residents are encouraged to get along to see Wes and his award-winning team in action.

There will also be work by local artists on display and food to sample from local businesses including Ruthven Fish and Chips, tacos by Cornucopia and cakes by Lady Bower Café. And there’ll be a mobile animal farm, free exercise sessions, demonstrations by Melbourne Water and giveaways.

Earlier this year Wes and his cohorts became the first Australians in over 100 years to win best in show at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. However, despite having rubbed shoulders with the Queen and other dignitaries abroad, he’s now more excited by the prospect of doing something locally to promote the benefits of trees and green spaces.

“Trees really are a silver bullet solution for so many issues our cities face – they help with stormwater control, reduce pollution, produce oxygen, keep things cooler during heat waves – and just make us feel happier,” said Wes.

“I’m hoping the Transforming Darebin competition will inspire people to think more about the benefits of green urban design and look at ways they can help shape a more sustainable future for their community.”

Darebin Mayor, Councillor Tim Laurence, said to be in to win, residents should nominate their street and explain why and how they would like to see it transformed – and how their residents group is prepared to support the new streetscape.

“As well as participating in the design process, the winning residents group will need to contribute to some maintenance of their new streetscape. Darebin City Council will provide ongoing maintenance, design advice and materials and Fleming’s Nursery will provide top quality plants and trees – not to mention considerable horticultural expertise.”

The Transforming Darebin competition officially opens on Saturday 16 November, with the deadline for entries closing on Friday 14 February.

To nominate your street, or for more information, visit Darebin City Council