Somerset Regional Council’s annual spring competition invites green thumbs to proudly display their gardens for their share in a $3,500 prize pool.

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

IMPORTANT DATES

ENTRIES OPEN

Monday, 14 July

ENTRIES CLOSE

4pm, Thursday, 11 September

JUDGING

Scheduled for Monday, 15 September to Thursday, 18 September

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Tuesday, 23 September

OPEN GARDENS

9am to 2pm Saturday, 27 September and Sunday, 28 September

ENTRY FORM

See HERE

Major categories

Best Rural Garden - Typically on an acre or more in land size, well separated from neighbours and reliant on tank/bore water and/or septic systems.

Best Urban Garden - Typically less than an acre in size and connected to town water, in a suburban/town environment or with neighbours in close proximity.

Best Tiny Garden - These gardens comprise of a small area (e.g. courtyard, patio or balcony) and includes potted plants, raised garden beds and/or in-ground garden beds. The gardens do not need to include a lawn component.

Best First Time Entrant Garden - Entrants must not have previously entered the Somerset Garden Competition at that property.

Encouragement awards

Will be presented for each of the major categories - entrants must meet criteria and display a high level of knowledge and enthusiasm.

Bonus categories

These additional categories will be awarded at the discretion of the judges based on the suitability of the gardens against the category

Best Sustainable Garden - These gardens focus on being environmentally sustainable. They may include features like compost, water tanks, worm farms, mulch and native plants. Plants are grown, propagated and/or locally sourced and there is an edible component. Minimal to no use of commercial pesticides.

Best Habitat Garden - These gardens will attract and support native wildlife and insects and feature native plants and habitat features such as hollows, nest boxes, hives and ponds/water sources. The garden may also include features to help native wildlife travel around more easily and protect wildlife from introduced species.

Best Floral Garden - These gardens will have a strong visual impact and represent a selection of annuals, perennials and/or bulbs and include flowering native or introduced species conducive to the regional climate. It may also include edible flowering plants.

Best Repurposed/Upcycled Garden - Must contain items that have been repurposed into a garden feature. Knowledge of the history of the item considered an advantage.

For more information, contact Council.

5424 4000

mail@somerset.qld.gov.au