How does your garden grow?

Published on 12 August 2019

2018 Grand Champions Cheryl and David Turner with Mayor Strelow and Councillors Smith, Rutherford and Fisher.jpg

Rockhampton Regional Council are once again on the hunt for the region’s best gardens with entries to the annual gardening competition now open.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Cherie Rutherford said she was sure local residents would deliver yet again.

“Each year I am just so impressed with the gardens and gardeners we have in our community.

“Whether it’s the use of native plants, the arrangement of flowers, or the growing of food there is such a diverse range of talent across our region.

“That is why we have so many different categories, to make sure all of these achievements can be recognised.

“This year we have added another category called My Garden Story, which opens the competition up to an even wider audience.

“My Garden Story is open to all ages and is a way for the participant to tell the story of their garden and why it is important to them.”

Councillor Neil Fisher said that people had nothing to lose by entering the contest, which this year is sponsored by Fitzroy River Water.

“FRW are sponsoring the Garden Competition to highlight the importance of using water sustainably in our gardens, so that we can continue to enjoy the benefits that our important water resource brings to our community.

“Gardens and gardening are a great example of how water contributes to our urban environment. Whether it be the backyard vegie-patch, that small pocket of lush tropical palms around the pool, or the carefully selected bird-friendly patch of native plants, water is key to establishing and sustaining our gardens, private or public.

“I think we can be guilty of talking ourselves down a bit, so please don’t doubt how great your garden is!

“There are hundreds of dollars in prize vouchers up for grabs and entry is free, so what have you got to lose?”

Last year’s Grand Champions, Cheryl and David Turner, said they loved taking part in the competition.

“We enter our garden into the competition because it gives us a good feeling and is a great opportunity to show our garden to others.

“A lot of hard work goes into the planning and upkeep. My part (David) is Cheryl tells me where to dig and how big the hole is to be and then she makes it look wonderful!

“Entering the competition allows us to show our pride in our garden.”

Entries close on Wednesday 28 August 2019.

For full details, including categories and judging criteria,click here.

For any enquiries, please email events@rrc.qld.gov.au or call Rockhampton Regional Council Customer Service Centres on 49329000.

Nominate in one or more of the following categories:

1.            Best use of native plants

2.            Best food garden

3.            Best Young garden – individual/s

4.            Best school garden

5.            Best corporate garden

6.            Best flower garden

7.            Best senior’s garden

8.            Best environmental/sustainable garden

9.            My garden story

You will be in the running to be a category winner or take out the major grand champion prize.

IMPORTANT DATES

∙                     Nominations close Wednesday, 28 August 2019

∙                     Judging 9, 10 and 11 September (please note your garden will be judged on only one of these dates)

∙                     Presentation Friday, 13 September

∙                     Bus Tour Sunday, 15 September