A disabled pensioner has won a Victorian Government competition for his Cowes garden.

In late April, Wayne Clarke, who is in a wheelchair following a leg amputation, won the state-wide Victoria in Bloom competition, run by the Department of Housing, after winning his Gippsland division earlier in the year.

The 71-year-old has lived in Lions Court retirement village for 12 years and says in that time he has transformed a “bland, blank backyard” into a green oasis.

“My philosophy has been stick it in and if it grows that’s good,” says Wayne, who was conscripted to the army in the late 1960s. The garden has grown from cuttings, seed, propagation and plants I’ve been given. Seldom do I buy plants.”

Two garden areas, each measuring about eight by three metres, contain an array of flora including orchids, clivias, ferns and even a Chinese pistachio.

The former olive grove manager planted an olive tree that produces about 15kg of fruit a year, which he gives away.

“Because I get Meals on Wheels I don’t cook, so don’t really have a need for an edible garden,” Wayne says.

He also upgraded a verandah to be wheel-chair accessible, adding a ramp and pavers.

Wayne estimates he can spend all day in the garden, pottering.

“In summer I can head out at 8am and then realise it’s getting dark and head in about 8pm, but I’ll rest in between. I just enjoy being out there, instead of twiddling my thumbs or watching TV. I’m in a wheelchair and so I’ve got to sit still but I like to keep moving while still sitting.”

“Have a go”

Wayne grew up in South Australia and in his career has worked around the nation in agricultural industries, from working on outback cattle stations to fishing for prawn in the Gulf of Carpentaria and working as caretaker on an olive grove in the Grampians.

He lost his left leg in 2000, from either a sports injury or artery disease.

“The day I got my leg off was wonderful, I was pain free. I’m now far more active doing what I want to do. I don’t think I’ve been as happy in my life as I am today.

“I’m a poor old pensioner with not a penny in the bank but I do everything myself. There’s always a way of achieving what you want as long as you know what’s available and how to get it.”

Wayne nominated himself for the award, with the Gippsland gong earning him a $105 Australia Post gift voucher and the state prize reaping a $150 Bunnings voucher, which he has spent on more gardening equipment.

And his tip for would-be green thumbs?

“Have a go. Get in and get dirty. If it doesn’t work, there’s always something else to try.”