Not how much, but how you mulch that matters

Run by the Tamworth Regional Tidy Towns committee, the annual awards reward those individuals and groups that go the extra mile in being sustainable in not only the way they tend their gardens, but how they live their lives.

The use of solar panels and water, water collection techniques, the type of plants, the use of mulch, recycling practices and the use of recycled materials, and whether they grow their own food – both for themselves and others – are all considered in the judging criteria.

“It is not a competition about who has the best-looking garden,” 

Tamworth Regional Council senior parks and horticulture officer Hugh Leckie said.

The awards are now in their 18th year and are attracting more interest with each passing year.

The grand champion title this year was taken out by the Tamworth Community Organic Group, which also claimed first prize in the community group section.

Campbell and Emily Walker were first in the rural section (Don Willis Award) and John Harris claimed first place in the residential award category (Laurie Beattie Award).

Last year’s residential winner, the Harris family, were back in the mix this year, taking home a highly commended for their permaculture garden.

Other winners were Tom Magill (residential runner-up), Amanda Daws (residential highly commended), Jonathan Smith (residential highly commended), St Nicholas Primary School (first large primary) and Denison St Early Learning Centre (first small school).