Across the state, the lack of rain is creating hardship for rural landowners and residential garden lovers.

But despite the shortage of water and severe restrictions in many parts, 'mother nature' has a way of adding natural colour to the landscape as spring arrives.

In the fire-ravaged Grampians the scene of wildflowers and trees bursting into greenness from blackened trunks is truly nature at work.

Spring is also the time when home gardeners start to see the fruits of their gardening labours bursting into life.

It is also the time when Victoria's public housing community joins the annual parade of gardening and landscaping competitions with Victoria in Bloom.

Victoria in Bloom was initiated in 2004 as part of Housing Week.

The first year was a great success with 2005 achieving even greater heights in terms of numbers and enthusiasm by the entrants and the quality and standard of the gardens entered in seven categories.

In 2006, Victoria in Bloom is once again a highlight on calendars across the State.

Judging of regional entrants is underway and, while visiting Seymour recently, Housing Minister Candy Broad took the opportunity of visiting two neighbouring families to wish them well in the Hume Region section.

Both gardens have been entered in the household category.

Paulina Chapman and her daughters are nurturing an English-style garden that includes aviaries while long-time residents Robert and Marie Jackson have had many years to develop the variety of plants and fruit trees in their garden.

Ms Broad said the awards were a worthy initiative to recognise outstanding gardens nurtured by social housing tenants.

'The Government believes everyone deserves a decent home and nothing turns a house or a flat into a home better than a good quality garden, no matter how small.

'As a keen gardener, I am pleased this event has become so popular with housing tenants.

'I'm delighted many people across Victoria—singles, couples, families and groups—have reaped so much pleasure from their gardens.

'While only a few can receive awards, everyone who takes pride in the garden is a winner.'

The competition categories include those for households, balcony/small enclosed areas, seniors, innovative, water-wise and common areas including community gardens and a new award in 2006 for gardeners under 18.

The winners will be announced and awards presented at the Royal Botanic Gardens in December.