Despite the limited space the couple have transformed the empty yard into a floral wonderland.

Last week, their efforts were awarded when they won the Lakeside Pakenham garden competition.

The competition focused on gardens that were creative, colourful, used drought-tolerant plants and added to the visual appeal of the estate.

The four categories were best contemporary garden, best water-wise garden, best native garden and best overall garden.

The Shallcrosses built in Pakenham four years ago when the yard was nothing but mud.

"We've built it up ourselves. Our intention was to put a great variety of plants in because my wife loves to have fresh flowers indoors. So we planted a garden which would let us have cut flowers in the house every week of the year."

The garden features seasonal bulbs, small shrubs, fushias, hibiscus, duraniums and a diverse range of roses.

Bill says planting a smaller garden had been a challenge.

"Everything is so condensed we had to try and fit in as much as we could. But it is good because I really never have to mulch. We catch water out of our washing machine and do a bit of watering when we are allowed and that is enough."

As competition winners, the Shallcrosses were given a cheque for $200 and a winners' plaque to display in their yard.

"[The money] will go back into the garden. There is always the potting mix, the blood and bone, the replacement plants and the bulbs. We'll probably buy the best part of that with the money."

Lakeside Pakenham project director Sharon Coates said the competition was a "wonderful way for the community to recognise those truly outstanding gardeners and their gardens for the beauty they bring to their neighbourhood".