THE inaugural Penola Garden of the Year was announced at the weekend’s Penola Show with a picturesque garden on Petticoat Lane taking out the honours.
Robert and Sandra Spillman’s garden was chosen out of the township to win the first annual award and the couple came away with $1000 in prize money.
The pair had heard about the competition earlier in the year, but did not think they would be selected as the winners.
“I could not believe it when I first got the call,” Ms Spillman said.
“There are so many lovely gardens around town, I would never have thought that ours would win.
“Glenys (Mulligan) called me back after letting me know to ask another question, but I thought she was calling to tell me she had made a mistake and we were not the winners.”
Judges from the competition spent the past few months inspecting gardens around the township to pick the perfect winner.
Although they were shocked to win, the Spillmans said they were grateful for the recognition.
“We only garden for the fun of it,” Mrs Spillman said.
“We have never even entered any of the gardening competitions at the show because we did not ever think of it like that.
“It’s just nice and relaxing to potter around the garden and do little bits and pieces.”
