Green thumbs-up given

Trimming trees, mowing lawns and watering plants are jobs gardener Steve Feldman does on a daily basis.

The green thumb was awarded the City of Rockingham’s Beautiful Garden’s Award for his commitment to maintaining Kolbe Catholic College’s school grounds.

A gardener at the school for almost three years, Mr Feldman said he felt honoured to be recognised for his day-to-day efforts.

“I felt really proud of myself because I’d won a lot of trophies in my young adult life through sport but nothing through my employment, so it was something I was really happy with,” he said.

A humble man, Mr Feldman said there was no special trick to gardening.

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to make a garden look good,” he said.

“You plant student-friendly plants — generally something that adds a bit of colour to the school and I guess hedges are a big part of the school to determine certain areas.

“Basically you try and stick to the local native plants, the hardier plants that can put up with the conditions.”

He said he enjoyed creating beautiful gardens for the school because everyone appreciated it.

“I get a lot of positive feedback, which I think drives you a little bit as well and is really good for your motivation,” Mr Feldman said.

As a man who takes pride in his work and his garden, Mr Feldman said it would be sad to see the Beautiful Gardens Awards come to an end.

“I really think it is a shame — so many people have just lost interest in it — this year there weren’t many schools that went into it, when there are so many schools in the Rockingham area,” he said.

Principal Robyn Miller said she felt very excited to win the award.

“We are very appreciative of the work Steve does within the community because we want to provide an environment where the students know that someone cares and appreciates the grounds, as a hope that they will do so as well,” she said.

“If we can create an environment that is well cared for and maintained, students will fee happy about coming to school and giving their best.

“We are very, very pleased and delighted for Steve.”