Somerset’s Bloomin’ Best Garden Competition underway

Published on 20 July 2026

Somerset Garden Competition 2026 guest judge Michele Rowse of Esk won the Best Repurposed/Upcycled award in 2025.

DO YOU love gardening? Now’s your chance to share your green thumb passion with the community, and go in the running for a share in a $3,500 prize pool.

Entries are now open for the 10th annual Somerset Garden Competition, and to mark the occasion, Somerset Regional Council has introduced a special ‘Bloomin’ Best’ category to celebrate longstanding entrants and multiple award winners.

Somerset Councillors Sally Jess and Michael Bishop will judge the September competition, alongside former Esk entrant and gardening expert Michele Rowse.

Cr Bishop said the ‘Bloomin’ Best’ award would celebrate the Somerset residents who have championed the garden competition for the past decade.

“We’re so grateful for the community’s support for this competition and we would like to give special recognition to the residents who have made it such a success,” Cr Bishop said.

“New and returning entrants should begin preparing their gardens with entries now open and judging set for mid-September.”

Cr 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.

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 26 and 27 September.

Thanks to event major sponsor Searles, the leading market innovator in the home garden industry, all entrants will receive a signature Searles gift pack.

Entry forms will be available from 20 July at Council’s Customer Service Centres, Libraries and Visitor Information Centres, and on Council’s website.

For competition details and to enter, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/SomersetGardenCompetition

Entries close 4pm Thursday, 10 September.