Get your gardens ready for Somerset’s spring competition

Published on 20 June 2025

Entries for the 2025 Somerset Garden Competition open 14 July. Pictured: judges Carol Blacklock, Councillor Sally Jess and Councillor Michael Bishop with 2024 Best Rural Garden winner Fay Craddock (second left).

NOW IS the time to grab your shovels and don your gloves, because the Somerset Garden Competition is back for 2025 with entries opening mid-July.

Somerset Regional Council’s annual spring competition invites gardeners to put their plants on display for their share in a $3,500 prize pool.

Thanks to event major sponsor Searles, the leading market innovator in the home garden industry, all entrants will receive a signature Searles gift pack to help get their gardens competition-ready.

Somerset Councillor Sally Jess encouraged all residents, businesses and community groups in the region to participate.

“This competition is an excellent way for residents to show off their gardening talents and we’re excited to see what Somerset can grow” Cr Jess said.

“I look forward to touring the region with Councillor Michael Bishop and our external judge, Carol Blacklock, in mid-September.”

Major categories include Best Rural Garden, Best Urban Garden, Best Tiny Garden and Best First Time Entrant.

There are bonus category prizes for the best Habitat Garden, Floral Garden, Sustainable Garden, and Repurposed/Upcycled Garden.

“We’ll be judging on the design and maintenance of the gardens, looking at originality, the selection of plants, landscaping and cleanliness,” Cr Jess said.

“There are encouragement awards for the major categories, and all entrants are eligible for the bonus categories.”

Competing gardens will be open for public viewing over the weekend of 27 and 28 September.

Entry forms will be available from 14 July at Council’s Customer Service Centres and Visitor Information Centres, and on Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au

Entries close 4pm Thursday, 11 September.