King named Horticulturist of the Year

15 Nov 2011

Deicke Richards Associate Director and landscape architect Arno King has been named Horticulturist of the Year 2011.

The title is the most significant annual award given by the Australian Institute of Horticulture, from the AIH member body in Australia and overseas.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Canberra last Saturday night and it specifically recognises King’s work on the Kim Walter’s Choices Garden.

The Choices program offers support for women living with breast and gynaecological cancer and is based at The Wesley Hospital, Toowong. The new garden, designed by King, will create a green entry to the Choices building and a tranquil backdrop for its outdoor terrace.

‘The garden has already generated interest from the wider hospital population on site, so we’re keen to see the project as an indicator of what can be achieved in healthcare environments,’ says King.

The garden project has been a voluntary commitment for Deicke Richards. Its design and development has taken place over the past year and a team of volunteers celebrated a key milestone with ‘planting day’ last month.

One of the challenges for King has been to select plants able to cope with the site’s deep shade.  A special part of the project has been the donation of cordylines by the International Cordyline Society and the special naming of three new cordylines -  ‘Kim’s Choice’, ‘Pink Ribbons of Hope’ and ‘Ann Moran’. The latter references one of the garden project’s founders and longest standing supporters, Ann Moran.

The garden’s development will continue, with future planned stages including a regenerative garden nearby and the installation of artwork.

For information about the garden project or to make a donation contact (07) 3232 6584 or email jo.thompson@uchealth.com.au. To find our more about the Choices program, visit www.uhc.com.au/choices