Support for the Chronicle Garden Competition blooms

TOOWOOMBA Regional Council has thrown its support behind the Chronicle Garden Competition, approving a more hands-on approach to the event.

TOOWOOMBA Regional Council has thrown its support behind the Chronicle Garden Competition, approving a more hands-on approach to the event.

At yesterday's ordinary meeting of council, Cr Sue Englart said the council and The Chronicle would help residents and visitors find their way around a huge number of manicured lawns.

Cash prizes are also being introduced, a strategy Cr Sommerfield said would lead to the money being reinvested back into the community.

The council unanimously approved support of $64,175 that will be partially spent on gardener workshops.

GARDEN CHAMPIONS: Bob and Val Ford (right) in their Burke St garden after being announced the Chronicle Garden Competition grand champions for 2015 with representatives from the council, Heritage Bank and The Chronicle. . Picture: Bev Lacey

This is a change from previous years' mentoring program and is expected to engage more gardeners and entrants.

Cr Englart encouraged residents this year to plan time to visit gardens throughout the carnival period.

"Often the gardeners are there and they're only too helpful to give you advice and tell you the best way to grow and plant," she said.

"The garden competition really is the Carnival of Flowers in many ways, and as long as I can remember it's always been a major part. It's important for council to support this because it brings visitors to our city."

Signage, traffic management, gardening workshops, and cash prizes make up the cost of the event and help improve garden quality.

A report was prepared by tourism and events administration officer Simon Underwood.

It said the garden competition was a foundation event within the 10-day program, generating social and economic benefits.

"High quality gardens are a key component to the success of the event and visitors have a high expectation that these will be available to visit," the report said.

The Chronicle Garden Competition and the Carnival of Flowers both began in 1949.

The Carnival of Flowers will be held from Friday until Sunday, September 16 to 25.

Originally published as Support for the Chronicle Garden Competition blooms