Grower not throwing stones at rival’s glasshouse
EACH year, greenfingered gardeners spend hours trying to grow the biggest pumpkins or the brightest beetroot with the hopes winning a prize or two in the Wanaka A&P Show’s homegrown vegetable competition.
For brothersinlaw Owen Perkins, from Millers Flat, and Keith Syme, of Queenstown, the competition is a bit more personal.
The two men have been battling each other in the competition for some years.
Each year when it comes time to plant the seeds for the competition, each has the other in mind.
‘‘Oh heck, yes — when you’re sowing them you’re thinking now these are for the show so I’ve got to do everything right,’’ Mr Syme said.
Both men let it slip that seaweed was the answer for any garden in need of a ‘‘pickmeup’’.
While Mr Syme would not call his brotherinlaw’s use of a glasshouse cheating, he did say it did give him an edge.
Although the pair won several first places in individual categories, they were not enough to give either of them the top prize for the show this year. However, Mr Syme claimed a victory of sorts over his brotherinlaw.
‘‘It’s the first time he’s beaten me and he’s done me good , so that’s one for him,’’ Mr Perkins said.
This year, Mr Perkins was particularly proud of his sweet capsicums while Mr Syme was very happy with his red potatoes.
As the show has grown, the home and produce section had been overshadowed somewhat by some of the more glamorous aspects of the big event
‘‘It’s a shame, because there’s a lot of satisfaction and joy and . . . hard work that comes from growing really good vegetables,’’ Mr Perkins said.
❛ It’s the first time he’s beaten me and he’s done me good , so that’s one for him❜