Chronicle garden competition: Ros Wackerling, Michael Glennon, Sheryl Lothian show off incredible gardens

Signing up for something new can be daunting, but these first-time Chronicle Garden Competition entrants are urging others to follow suit and jump in, gumboots and all.

Signing up for something new can be daunting, but these first-time Chronicle Garden Competition entrants are urging others to follow suit and jump in, gumboots and all.

After much fence-sitting and encouragement from friends and family, Ros Wackerling is excited to have entered her acreage garden into the competition.

“At first I wasn’t sure, because my garden is not like the grand champion gardens, but in the end decided ‘Why not!’,” Mrs Wackerling said.

The Chronicle Garden Competition first time entrant, Ros Wackerling, with her dog Wallace on her acreage garden in Westbrook

Nestled on top of a hill a short drive out of Toowoomba in Westbrook, the Wackerling’s garden is a joy for the senses – set to a soundtrack of lambs bleating and the occasional ruckus from the resident guinea fowl – “they are mad as cut-snakes” – expect to be enthusiastically escorted by young border collie cross, Wallace, as you take in the fresh aroma of rosemary, citrus and lavender.

Among the mix of flowers, orchard fruits and lush veggie patch, you will also discover bright pops of artwork – from mosaics to cat totems, and handpainted golf balls taking the form of ladybugs and agapanthus.

The Wackerling’s garden is also home to approximately 70 rose bushes – but while some buds are starting to appear, you will need get yourself invited back in October to see them in full bloom.

“We have a lot of hybrid tea roses – some we transplanted some from our parents’ gardens when they downsized, so there are fond memories associated with a lot of our plants,” Mrs Wackerling said.

From sprawling country acreage to inner city courtyards, The Chronicle Garden Competition offers a variety of private gardens to explore.

Mount Lofty gardener and first-time entrant, Michael Glennon, has made big dreams a reality in his pocket of suburbia.

First time Chronicle Garden Competition entrant, Michael Glennon, seated in his inner city Mount Lofty front garden.

Turning a relatively typical suburban grassed front lawn into a mini sanctuary of lush plants, with no blade of grass in sight, instead a garden with carefully planned heights, tones and textures, proving a front entry can be more than just functional, even when space is at a premium.

A wooden ramp – designed to accommodate an injury – cuts a clean line to the front door, giving way to weaving stepping stones that lead to a bench tucked neatly under a tree at the end of the garden, offering a sense of journey and destination.

“I’ve designed it so I can manage it and enjoy it for years to come. I can’t bend down because about a third of my leg is metal these days, from surgery to remove a bone tumour, but you just adapt,” Mr Glennon said.

Another first-timer, Sheryl Lothian of ‘Rosebud Gardens’ in Highfields, agreed you should always have a special place in your garden to take in the surrounding beauty.

Mrs Lothian has created several sweet little nooks and crannies to take advantage of different aspects of the garden throughout the day, but she has a clear winner.

“My favourite spot is in the gazebo, beside the fishpond – it’s the perfect place to sit, listen to the lorikeets, and enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake,” Mrs Lothian said.

Sheryl Lothian entering her Highfields garden into The Chronicle Garden Competition for the first time this year

Entering Rosebud Gardens is like being transported into an enchanted world, emerging from the narrow front gate into an expanse of garden beds overflowing with colour and the soft hum of bees and fairies hidden in the knots of trees that her grandchildren delight in trying to find.

It’s a far cry from the run-down property she took over less than two years ago.

“There wasn’t a petal in the place! I’ve given it an extreme makeover,” Mrs Lothian said.

But for Mrs Lothian, the transformation of her garden is symbolic of her own journey and growth, where gardening has given her a focus and sense of purpose through darker times, when she was struggling with clinical depression and recovering from spinal surgeries.

“I’ve pushed myself and worked hard and now I’m so proud of what I have achieved – gardening has helped me get back to a happier, healthier state of mind,” Mrs Lothian said.

The Chronicle Garden Competition gardens will be open to visitors 17-19 and 24-26 September, with many opening during the week in between.

Visit thechronicle.com.au for details.