Start preparing for return of competition’s famed garden tours

Like every major community event the Chronicle Garden Competition took a hit from COVID-19. But the organisers are keen leave 2020 in the past and have started preparing for Spring time in Toowoomba.

Glenvale Villas gardener Stewart Dorman with his entry into the 2018 Chronicle Garden Competition.

DARLING Downs’ green thumbs should start spreading mulch and preparing their soil with the Chronicle Garden Competition set to make a triumphant return to its former glory in 2021.

Barring any COVID-related hiccups the competition’s famed backyard tours will be back.

TAFE horticulture teacher and Chronicle garden columnist Mike Wells is one of the many people working behind the scenes for the 2021 event.

He said entrants should put the work in to ensure their gardens are at peak beauty in September.

“Prepare your soil now because you will need to plant in late April,” he said.

“Lay down a good compost, build up the soil quality and spread plenty of mulch to keep all this lovely moisture we have received.”

The organisers are looking at some new categories for 2021, including a footpath garden competition.

Mr Wells wants to take advantage of council rules that allow homeowners to plant a small garden bed along their property boundary.

“You have 50cm to work a bit of magic,” he said.

“If a couple of people in a street do a footpath garden, it will cheer the place up a bit.

“For people who are concerned about the cost of starting a garden this is a good way to get in.

“I also have a list of Spring-flower plants, annuals and bulbs available for anyone thinking to enter the competition for the first time.”

The organisers may combine some of the lesser town and country competitions, while keeping the main categories separate.

Mr Well also flagged a new category for new gardens

However, the final look is yet to be decided upon.

Regardless it will be a vast improvement on the pared back 2020 event, that was hampered by COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

“The virtual tours, for the gardeners, were quite disappointing but it wasn’t anyone’s fault,” Mr Wells said.

“There had to be some way to highlight the work of our gardeners and there is not much that has not been affected by COVID-19.

“But nothing beats walking through a garden, smelling the smells and seeing all the colour.”