Just minutes outside of Hamilton, tucked away in a tiny corner in one of the Island’s most densely populated areas, Edmundo Faria has recreated the Garden of Eden in his own backyard. So lush is the vegetation and resplendent the flora, that it was just named the winner of the 2006 Bermuda in Bloom competition, a contest co-ordinated by the Garden Club of Bermuda.

“Bermuda in Bloom is a contest which aims to foster civic pride by encouraging people in Bermuda to enhance their own piece of the rock,” says Veronica Lowry, one of the co-ordinators for this year’s competition.

The contest was first conducted in 2000 as a contribution to millennium celebrations and is held every three years to coincide with Heritage Month.

“All Bermuda residents with gardens that are visible from a public or estate road are eligible to enter, whatever the size of the garden,” Mrs. Lowry explains. “In some cases, it is a patio or driveway or just a flight of steps.”

The contest is Island-wide and each entrant is assessed on a points system. Gardens that reach the standard number of points are then awarded a gold, silver or bronze designation.

“Judges look for gardens that are well-tended, free of disease, pests and weeds, and that have a pleasing visual effect with a range and variety of colourful plants. Garden features, such as arches, ponds or statues, should be creatively designed and have aesthetic appeal and presentation.”

When you venture into Mr. Faria’s garden at his home, “Casa Nova” at 16 Fourth Avenue, Devonshire, there is no question why it was awarded this year’s grand prize. He describes his “real job” as a supervisor for the Corporation of Hamilton, but his passion lies in his back yard.

“I have always loved to garden,” this talented gentleman says. “I love to mix colours and plants. I cycle three gardens for the three seasons a year.”

During the winter, his garden is full of rich greens, while the spring has some of the best flowers, he explains. During the summer, his garden is a rich mix of flowers and greenery, many of which are kept in pots to help better control moisture levels and prevent drying.

To help him create his living masterpiece, he has two main work areas - a small green house where he keeps plants in their off-season and grows new plants, and a gardening table for his budding seedlings.

Predominantly self-taught, Mr. Faria advises budding gardeners that the first and most important step in starting a garden is to prepare your soil and make sure that your plants have enough food. Plants need to be watered at least every other day and should be fertilised at least every three weeks. His plant food of choice is Miracle-Gro.

To prepare the soil for planting, he digs in at least six to eight inches, loosens the soil and mixes it with peat moss and plant food.

“Most of my plants come from slips,” he explains.

In fact, his large collection of pink, blue and white hydrangeas, his favourites on the lot, all came from three small plants he brought over from the Azores many years ago.

His other favourites include begonias and petunias, both of which flourish in every corner. To complete the garden, it is accented with a number of herbs and vegetables, three variations of grapes, several beautiful rose bushes, Spanish moss, a wonderful old Bermuda cedar in the front yard and two elegant water features.