Garden Competition to bloom again in 2023

Registrations for the upcoming Lockyer Valley Garden Competition are now open, with local green thumbs encouraged to apply.

The competition, which will see locals open their gardens and outdoor spaces up to visitors, is part of the annual Laidley Spring Festival.

Now in its 60th year, the Festival will run from September 8-10.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said the competition is open to all residents, businesses and schools, with lots of great prizes up for grabs.

“Spring is only just a few weeks away, meaning now is the perfect time to start preparing your gardens to impress the judges,” Mayor Milligan said.

“I know a lot of effort goes into creating an amazing garden, so this is your opportunity to share your own pride and joy with other gardening enthusiasts.

“It’s free to enter and there are some great prizes up for grabs, so be sure to register your garden on the Laidley Spring Festival website before 5pm on Friday, August 18.”

The competition will be split into several categories including the Grand Champion Award, Best Small Residential Garden, Best Rural Garden, Best Environmentally Sustainable Garden, Best Community Garden and Best Business/School/Commercial Garden.

The competition is sponsored by Pohlmans Nursery, who is also a supporter of the overall Festival.

Laidley Garden Club President, Eileen Zahnow said she is excited for the return of the Garden Competition, as it’s a great way to bring more visitors to the region.

“The Garden Competition has always been a popular part of the Laidley Spring Festival, and it was certainly missed during those few years when it couldn’t run because of the drought and COVID-19,” Mrs Zahnow said.

“To have the competition running again this year is great because it is such a big drawcard to attract visitors.

“It will bring in lots of people from other gardening clubs who will be keen to find inspiration in what locals have done in their own personal spaces and gardens.

“If you would like to take part in the competition I would recommend registering now because with some plants, you need to have them in your garden now so they will bloom in time.”

The Laidley Garden Club will also present the Laidley Spring Gardening Fair, which will be held across the two days at the Laidley Cultural Centre.

The Fair will feature an array of workshop demonstrations, professional gardening advice, trade stalls, plant sales, floral art displays, food trucks and barista coffee.

The floral art display competition is open to all, and Mrs Zahnow is hoping a number of local businesses and schools will enter.

To register your interest for the Garden Competition, visit https://www.laidleyspringfestival.com/register-garden-comp

For more information about the Floral Art Display, visit https://www.laidleyspringfestival.com/floral-art-competition-adult