75th Toowoomba Chronicle Garden Competition judging begins

Despite frost and heat, Toowoomba’s best gardens are blooming into a kaleidoscope of colours in preparation for tens of thousands of visitors to the city for Carnival of Flowers.

The Chronicle Garden Competition judge Elizabeth Swane and co-ordinator Mike Wells, Monday, September 2, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Gardeners across Toowoomba are trimming their hedges, pruning their lawns and watering their garden beds in anticipation of the 75th Chronicle Garden Competition, a staple attraction of the annual Carnival of Flowers.

In less than three weeks gardens across Toowoomba will open their gates to tens of thousands of visitors eager to browse through backyard wonderlands, visiting some of the best blooming gardens in the country. 

Garden competition co-ordinator Mike Wells visited gardens in Wyreema on Monday and browsed a couple of gardens on Cashmore St with the 2024 garden judge Elizabeth Swane

This year has had an “exceptional” intake of new garden entrants, with under 45s being “well-represented” and even a “budding gardener who is under 18,” Mr Wells said.

Judging the gardens is rosarian, gardening presenter and horticultural consultant Ms Swane.

The Chronicle Garden Competition judge Elizabeth Swane, Monday, September 2, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The “remarkable” handiwork of the gardeners despite recent weather moving quickly between a frost to a heatwave was a part of the biggest challenge this year, Ms Swane said.

“The combinations of colours have been amazing,” she said.

“Some gardeners have used all of one theme, and some have gone for a kaleidoscope of colours, it’s just absolutely fantastic to see and brings a great deal of joy.”

Winners will be announced on September 20 as more than 90 gardens open to visitors across the city.