Blooming brilliant show of gratitude

DANAELLA WIVELL shock to find out.

“The doctor called me on the phone and told me I would only live for about three months,” he said.

“I used to be a geriatric nurse, but I had to give that up.

“My partner had died and I didn’t think I would have long to live.

“But here I am more than 30 years later.”

Living in public housing was the only option for Mr Hale.

“We’re so lucky to have public housing, so you have got to show your appreciation,” he said.

The keen gardener said he devoted most of his spare time to sprucing up his garden.

“Some public housing properties can look horribly untidy and I don’t want my home to look like that,” he said.

“We’ve got citrus trees, parsley – which is particularly good to grow at this time of year – and the rest is mostly tropical flowers.

“The hibiscus has just come out in full bloom, it’s lovely.”

There are eight categories in this year’s awards: house garden, edible/bush tucker garden, courtyard garden, balcony garden, water-wise gar- den, new gardener, children’s garden and communal garden.

My Home Awards winners will receive vouchers or hampers valued at $80 for first prize, $50 for runner up and $30 for highly commended.

Entries close Friday, August 24 and judging will be held in September and October.

For more information about the 2018 My Home Awards, go to www.qld.gov.au/housing or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).