This story is based on an article by Lindy Monson, Bushcare volunteer, in the newsletter North Sydney Bushcare, Summer 2015, issue 28, and updated for 2019.
Harry Loots has won awards for his native garden in 2015, 2016 and 2019.
2019
In 2019, Harry’s garden was awarded Winner – Best Urban Forest.
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Photos: North Sydney Council’s winners presentation at: www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Get_Involved/Garden_Competition
2016
In 2016, Harry’s garden was awarded Highly commended – Best Urban Forest and Winner – Most Environmentally friendly garden.
2015
Bushcare and Streets Alive volunteer Harry Loots was awarded two prizes in the 2015 North Sydney Garden Competition. He was awarded runner-up in the most environmentally friendly garden and best urban forest categories. North Sydney Council put on a lively event for the presentation of the garden competition awards at the North Sydney Oval Function Centre in October. Mayor Jilly Gibson and gardening superstar Costa Georgiadis hosted the event, engaging an enthusiastic room of gardeners with their wit and grace.
Harry Loots with North Sydney mayor and Costa
Harry with Mayor Jilly Gibson and host Costa Georgiadis
The North Sydney gardening community were able to share in the enjoyment and appreciation of each others’ gardens, as well as the work Council staff put into running the local programs. It was a fun night with generous prizes, food and drink as well as a focus on the local environment. Many local residents have seen Harry’s garden on Council’s annual Native Havens tour.
Harry has been growing Australian plants for over 25 years and is a member of the Northern Beaches Group of the Australian Plants Society (APS) and the Honorary Treasurer of APS NSW. The Society promotes the growing and conservation of Australian native plants. It would be great if the North Sydney Garden Competition could also include a specific category for Australian plant gardens.
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Photos: North Sydney Council presentation at ceremony in 2015.