MORE gardening, not-so-trivial information and a scoop for the Free Times – our gardening columnist BEATRICE HAWKINS shares her writings for this week …
Over the last few weeks many of us have enjoyed viewing the beautiful gardens showcased in the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. However, the claim that this is the longest-running garden competition in Australia, is, I believe, incorrect!
The Garden Competition that can really lay claim to this title is much closer to home and, by the time you are reading this, will have been judged for the 108th year … right here in Warwick!
The first garden competition in Warwick was held in 1908 and only had one class but has been held since with classes added as required. This year there is an added class to cater for small communities that do not have the advantages of town water.
So, sorry Toowoomba, we may be a smaller town but we have been having garden competitions for much longer than the 67 years you advertise!
This year, with the season being kind to us, gardens are looking great and we have an amazing 50 entries in the various sections covering an area from Allora to Leyburn to Stanthorpe, so our judge will have had a busy few days.
I’ve been asked what my gardening style is and I have to admit that I don’t really have one. I am an interested, enthusiastic amateur who has memories of many special people, plants and gardens. Most things in my garden were either given to me by friends or have a sentimental attachment, eg. gardenias – my mother’s favourite flower even though her second name was Daphne!
One of the gardenias is showing some yellow leaves, a sign of magnesium deficiency, so a dose of Epsom salts is called for.
I like flowers but LOVE vegetable gardening, the practical side coming out and garden fresh vegies taste so much better!
I am very proud of the hippeastrum that came out this week … these bulbs were rescued from a neglected garden and on their way to the tip. I thought one or two might survive but I have about 30 growing well. Admittedly they are only the common red but everyone has to start somewhere and who knows what delights I may acquire before next season! I saw some spectacular green and red ones in a garden at Pittsworth on Sunday.
I went to the Stanthorpe Garden fest at their wonderful new venue last Friday and what a spectacular display of garden related things to enjoy. The support from the community was especially good to see. There was a huge crowd of people busy looking and buying. Congratulations to the organisers.
We are spoilt for choice for flower shows at present with the rose show at St Mark’s Hall on Friday 14th and the Spring Flower Show in St Mary’s Hall on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th October. If you are a gardener, think about entering some of the classes. Entries accepted at St Mary’s Hall from 8am on Wednesday with judging commencing at 10am. If you aren’t a gardener, come and see what others have done, enjoy lunch, morning or afternoon tea, and maybe you will get inspired.
Turn to page 24 for the Warwick Horticultural Society’s 2016 Spring Garden Competition winners.
