Community & Business
26 September, 2025
Gardens look bloomin’ perfect!
The place-getters of the Carnival of Flowers Garden Competition were announced last week with two local efforts receiving third prize. Although there weren't as many Pittsworth entries this year, each one is certainly a testament to other regions that our gardens are worthy contenders!
Spring means blooms, bees and a delightful climate, which goes hand-in-hand with the weekly chore of mowing the lawn.
While some of us struggle to keep even succulents alive, there is a talented group of green thumbs in our district who have a true passion for gardening - and at this time of year, it’s a feast for the eyes to see such beauty in and around our town.
The annual Carnival of Flowers parade was held on Saturday, and while those who participated were likely drenched, the 28 points of rain in Pittsworth was the perfect tonic for our competition gardens.
Always a worthy contender in the commercial category, McKinlay’s Nursery claimed third prize.
Penny McKinlay said she has received first, second and third place throughout the years, but the most important thing is to simply enter into the competition.
“You’ve got to be in the Carnival,” she said.
Mrs McKinlay said two bus loads of visitors had already been to see her garden last week.
It may not surprise you that the key to her success is having a good source of water.
“People always ask me, ‘what fertiliser do you use?’ It’s called W.A.T.E.R.”
Her garden is the perfect combination of perennials and annuals.
“I like perennials, you’ve got to put them in,” she said.
“You need permanence and annuals, that’s the structure of the garden.”
Keeping on top of her beautiful blooms is not an easy job between watering and pruning, but she said it’s well worth it.
In the school premises category, St. Stephen's Primary School received third place.
Much of the hard work must be accredited to Helen Wright, the school gardener, who worked tirelessly to make the garden as beautiful as it is today.
"A huge congratulations to Mrs Wright - your dedication and green thumb have truly made our school bloom beautifully," a spokesperson for St Stephen’s School said.
"Thank you for bringing so much colour and joy to our grounds."
Margaret and Barry Stafford, who last year received second prize in the First Time Entry, decided to throw their hat in the ring again this year.
Despite not placing in the Regional competition, the Staffords said their passion for gardening is about so much more than just a competition, it’s a genuine love for plants and being able to share their creation with others.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into it, so it’s great to have people come and have a look at it,” Mrs Stafford said.
Their garden is filled with colour, and you will find something quirky around every corner.
Mrs Stafford said maintaining a competition garden is a constant process, with initial planting taking place in May to prepare for the judging in September.
One of the first things to catch your eye at the Stafford’s garden is banksia roses on their fenceline, which were planted as a tribute to their grandson Matthew, who battled with a brain tumour for five years before he passed in 2022.
Since the competition results were published, the Staffords have welcomed people to their garden from Pittsworth, Aubigny and Toowoomba but are hopeful more will come in the next few days.
The competition gardens are open until Sunday:
McKinlay’s Nursery, Briggs Street, 9am to 5pm every day
St. Stephen’s Primary School, Murray Street
Barry and Margaret Stafford, 14 Collins Street, 9am to 5pm every day.
It might be just the encouragement you need to enter your garden into next year’s competition!
The Grand Champion of the Regional competition was Narelle Hurse of 4 Cashmore Street, Wyreema.
Reserve Champion was John and Lenore Ferris of 3 Perseverance Dam Road, Crows Nest.
So what is the recipe for a successful garden? This method might be a good place to start:
Step 1: Select your ingredients - remember to take into consideration soil type, sun and shade factors.
Step 2: Prepare your “dough” - turn the soil, add compost, break up any clumps to create a welcoming bed for your plants.
Step 3: Plant the “spices” - sow your seeds at the right depth and space to grow and thrive.
Step 4: Mix in the “herbs” - introduce fragrant flowers, native species or fruit trees for a multi-sensory garden.
Step 5: Nuture - water and warmth give plants time to establish themselves.
Step 6: Season with care - mulch the garden, providing a home for beneficial insects, pluck out pesky weeds that steal nutrients.
Step 7: Allow natural “cooking” time - let the garden flourish in its own time, understanding it is sometimes a slow process, unseen beneath the soil.
Step 8: Serve the harvest - after patiently tending, the garden will offer blooms, fruits, and fragrant scents.
Step 9: Share your creation - let others come and enjoy the harvest of all your efforts, time and love.
