Gardeners live up to city name

Judging began last week

IT’S through the hard work and dedication of green thumbs like Perth St gardeners Les and Fae Stephson that Toowoomba lives up to its name of “The Garden City”.

The duo, who credit their success in The Chronicle Garden Competition to hard work, had their garden judged this week.

Kim Woods Rabbidge, the city judge for the 2017 competition, said judging began a week ago.

She said she had really enjoyed being able to meet the happy and proud gardeners.

“I’m looking for happy owners,” she said.

“Because I know if I’ve got a happy owner, their garden is going to be wonderful.”

The biggest piece of advice she had for entrants

❝I know if I’ve got a happy owner, their garden is going to be wonderful. — Kim Woods Rabbidge

(first time entrants and long term entrants) was to go and visit other gardens - in Australia and around the world.

“Just get out there and have a look at what someone else is doing,” she said.

“You always get great ideas and it strengthens your own and what you want.”

Competition coordinator and The Chronicle marketing manager Stacey Hixon said without the support of major sponsors like the Toowoomba Regional Council and Heritage Bank, the event, which has been running for 68 years, would not be possible.

Toowoomba’s Cr Geoff McDonald said he was in awe of the Stephsons’ garden.

The winners of the competition will be announced on September 13 and The Chronicle Garden Competition Visitors Guide 2017 will be in The Chronicle on September 15.

Copies can be purchased at the office at 109 Neil St.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED CARNIVAL PREPARATION: Toowoomba grandparents Brian and Joan Nimmo had some help from their granddaughter Lana Mathers, who pruned the daisies ready for the carnival.

THANK YOU: Celebrating what has so far been a wonderful competition are sponsors (from left) Jan Johnson of Heritage Bank and Toowoomba Regional Councillor Geoff McDonald with judge Kim Woods Rabbidge, Les and Fae Stephson and The Chronicle’s marketing...