Donovan van der Heyden's art is his garden, and he combines his love of gardening with the youth project he runs in Hout Bay.
Although it's not yet up to the standard he says he'd like it to be, Van der Heyden was honoured with first prize in the Community and Township Garden category in the Western Cape Gardens of Pride competition on Thursday.
Van der Heyden was unable to pursue his dream of being an artist, and has channelled his creativity into a community garden.
Van der Heyden uses his garden in Hangberg in Hout Bay to give children in the area an alternative activity to keep them occupied.
He is a youth development worker, and says he is inspired by his elders, especially his grandmother, who used to spend a lot of time in the mountains with him.
"There used to be a garden competition run by the Divisional Council, and I wanted to revive that," he said.
The competition is held annually and is sponsored by Pam Golding Properties and Home Loans from Absa.
It is held under the auspices of the SA National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi).
A Corporate Gardens category was added in 2006, and the Eastern Cape now also has a competition.
The emphasis is on the use of local indigenous plants and water wise gardening methods, while adding value to properties and promoting the greening of communities.
The winner of the School Gardens category was Northwood Primary School of Woodlands, Mitchell's Plain. This category is open to more than 80 schools involved in Sanbi's outreach greening project.
The Corporate Gardens section winner was Dr Joan Parker, representing the Bishopscourt Village Residents Association.
The Small Gardens (smaller than 800m²) was won by Eric Pike of Fish Hoek. Hans Viljoen of Durbanville won the Large Gardens category.
These winners go forward to the national finals.
The overall winner receives an all expenses paid trip for two to 2007 Chelsea Flower Show in London.