'Wow factor!' Hunt on for Toowoomba's top garden

A GARDEN is more than a collection of plants – it’s an expression of character, says Chronicle Garden Competition judge Lawrie Smith.

Chronicle Garden Competition city garden judge Lawrie Smith (second from left) chats with entrants in Primrose St Peter Kotzur (left) and Del and Alf Wagland. Picture: Bev Lacey

A GARDEN is more than a collection of plants - it's an expression of character, says Lawrie Smith.

The renowned landscape architect has already walked through dozens of Toowoomba gardens this week as he judges The Chronicle Garden Competition for 2013.

Mr Smith designed a series of international character gardens along West St in the 1990s, as well as gardens for Brisbane's Expo 88 and Roma St Parklands.

He said he was looking for the "wow" factor in Toowoomba.

"The first impressions are always the most lasting," he said.

It's your garden, it's an expression of who you are

"Then the most important thing is the design of the garden, and how you are subconsciously led through the garden by the skilful design of the owner.

"Equally important are the…sculptural things that people put into the gardens that just catch your eye and embellish the garden, make it something special and something unique.

"It's your garden, it's an expression of who you are."

The country entrants to the competition have also impressed.

Ross McKinnon, who is curator in charge of Brisbane's botanic gardens, is judging the competition for the ninth time.

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He said this year entrants had delivered "clever gardening", battling dry and windy conditions.

"I've seen amazing standards," he said.

"They're a lot less kitsch, there's better colour integration… combinations of magenta and grey are the dominant colours, combined with greens."

Judging finishes tomorrow.

>> The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Souvenir Guide is published on Friday, September 20.

Originally published as 'Wow factor!' Hunt on for Toowoomba's top garden