Garden Competition winners announced

The winners of this year's Lockyer Valley Garden Competition have been officially announced at a presentation morning tea.

Council's Mayor Steve Jones said the calibre of this year's entries were outstanding.

Driving around the region, there are so many stunning gardens that obviously take their owners a considerable amount of time, effort and money to maintain, Cr Jones said.

I have no doubt this year's judges had to spend a considerable amount of time deliberating who would take out the grand prize.

Entrants were judged by industry-expert Rod Hultgren and local gardener extraordinaire, Eileen Zahnow.

This year's winners are:

Grand Champion Garden:

Wayne and Val Lawson, 77 Blenheim Road, Blenheim.

Small Town Garden:

Winner: Betty Noline Dallinger, 93 William Street, Gatton

2nd place: Tanya Herberich and Andy O'Brien, 21 Hill Street, Gatton

Large Town Garden:

Winner: Alex and Joan Body, 11 Tyrrell Court, Laidley

2nd place: Janice and Derek Holstein, 5 Roser Court, Withcott

Small Rural Garden:

Winner: Trevor and Lorelle Niebling, 33 Mt Berryman Rd, Blenheim

Large Rural Garden:

Winner: Wayne and Val Lawson, 77 Blenheim Road, Blenheim

2nd place: David and Daphne Carpenter, 119 Topps Road, Flagstone Creek

3rd place: Royce and Karen Johnston, 14 Weebill Court, Laidley Heights

First Time Entrant:

Winner: Leone Wegner, 28 Highview Avenue, Gatton

2nd place: Val McNicol, 51 Storr Street, Laidley

3rd place: David and Daphne Carpenter, 119 Topps Road, Flagstone Creek

Best Street Appeal:

Winner: Doreen Hannant, 7 Andrews Drive, Gatton

2nd place: Leone Wegner, 28 Highview Avenue, Gatton

3rd place: Val McNicol, 51 Storr Street, Laidley

Business, Health Services or Community Group:

Winner: Glenore Grove Catholic Church, 7 Brightview Road, Glenore Grove

2nd place: Gatton Health Services Hospital, William Street, Gatton

3rd place: Laidley Town and Country, 6 Cooper Street, Laidley

School / Child Care Centre

Winner: Laidley State High School Special Education, 98 Alfred Street, Laidley

2nd place: Faith Lutheran College, 5 Faith Avenue, Plainland

3rd place: Withcott State School, 26 Biggs Road, Withcott

Waterwise Garden:

Winner: Faith Lutheran College, 5 Faith Avenue, Plainland

2nd place: Alex and Joan Body, 11 Tyrrell Court, Laidley

3rd place: David and Daphne Carpenter, 119 Topps Road, Flagstone Creek

Gardens will be open to the public from September 5 - 13, with a public bus tour on 11 September, departing from the Laidley Cultural Centre at 10am. The cost is $10 per seat and bookings can be made at the Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre only on (07) 5466 3426.

I would strongly encourage everyone to take the opportunity to see the hard work and dedication entrants have put into their gardens, Cr Jones said.

For more information, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au or contact 1300 005 872.