Biggest challenge facing gardeners ahead of competition

For first-time entrant in The Chronicle Garden Competition, Karissa Lawrence, the lack of water was not the biggest impediment.

DEBUT GARDENER: First-time entrant in The Chronicle Garden Competition Karissa Lawrence is excited about entering her garden at Sunray Motor Inn in Wilsonton in this year's competition for the 70th Carnival of Flowers. Picture: Bev Lacey

TOOWOOMBA'S Carnival of Flowers competition gardeners are a resilient lot.

Tested by a myriad of challenges, not least a prolonged drought, each year they produce magnificent display gardens which attract thousands of people to the Garden City during Toowoomba's signature event.

Yet, for first-time entrant in The Chronicle Garden Competition, Karissa Lawrence, the lack of water was not the biggest impediment.

"We've got a good tank and so much roof that when it rains it fills the tank quickly," she said.

"I've found the cold and shade to be more of a challenge, the shade makes you think what goes where."

Garden Competition Launch

VIEW GALLERY

Karissa's family rund the Sunray Motor Inn in Wilsonton which has a huge garden that takes a lot of work, but gardening is her passion.

"Weeds spring up overnight so you have to keep at it but I love it, the garden is my happy place," the 29-year-old explained.

"We're trying to do it as organically as possible."

Karissa attended the official launch of The Chronicle Garden Competition at the weekend.

Despite the dry conditions, this year's competition has attracted 122 entrants who will open up their gardens for inspection during the carnival which will run from September 20 to 29.

Originally published as Biggest challenge facing gardeners ahead of competition