“It’s my favourite place to be,” Ms Floyd said, standing proudly out the front of her public housing unit in Ballarat North. 

After overcoming cervical cancer a few years ago, Ms Floyd said gardening was the best form of therapy for the painful Lymphedema she has in her leg after undergoing surgery to remove lymph nodes during her cancer treatment. 

Overflowing with cabbages, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, onions, lettuce and carrots, Ms Floyd’s garden is a sea of colour.

Ms Floyd doesn’t have much in her modest unit, but what she has in her garden, she gives to those who surround her.

“I share one of my patches with Michael across the driveway, so he is able to take any fruit and vegetables he wants,” Ms Floyd said pointing at the unit opposite her home.

“My other neighbours come over for the tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries ... anything they need.”

On Thursday, the gardening enthusiast won the Best Edible Garden in Victoria section in the Bloom Regional Awards.

The awards recognise the work of tenants at public and community housing properties who create gardens that bring beauty and joy to the community around them. 

“It’s very rewarding for me to even be recognised,” the humble greenthumb said. “But the most important part of it all is that it gives people the initiative and desire to want to improve their own environment.”

More than 140 entries were submitted from across the state.

Awards were given to gardeners in Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens by Ballarat MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Human Services Sharon Knight. 

Ms Knight handed out the awards for seven categories, including best balcony, household garden, edible garden, sustainable garden, common area, community garden and best young gardener.

Ms Knight said gardens were not simply a place where people went to relax. They also helped create and unify communities. 

“There is often a bit of a perception of people who live in public housing that is just completely wrong,” Ms Knight said.

“All you have to do is look at the gardens presented today to see that people who live in public housing and social housing take enormous pride in their space and gardens. 

“Their gardens become a place for people to sit around and talk about their own garden, swap gardening tips and cuttings and create a sense of community.”

melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au