RESIDENTS are encouraged to spruce up their front yards as judges make their way around the town for Penola’s garden of the year competition.
The annual prize will be awarded to a resident’s garden located within Penola and is selected on the basis of the appearance from the road.
No nominations are necessary for the competition and the selection of the winning garden could be made at any point during the year.
Last year’s winner Sandra Spillman said she never expected to receive the award, labelling the win as a shock.
“I did not think the garden was good enough but I did spruce it up once I knew there was a competition going on,” she said.
“We have been slowly evolving the garden for around 30 years now with my husband doing the hard lifting such as the lawns and placing statues.”
Competition judge Glenys Mulligan said one thing the judges noticed was Ms Spillman’s garden being “immaculate” year-round.
“This is because they work with it all year,” Ms Mulligan said.
“To judge the gardens we stand on the road and judge it from the road side.
“For me, I like to see the harmony of the house, garden and the fence as well as the blend and not having it glare at you.”
The judging criteria states gardens must be clearly visible to the passing public, with judges looking at the most appropriate positioning of displays, overall design, plant selection and any integration of seasonal displays.
Judges also assess the maintenance of hard landscape features and take sustainability into consideration.
Absence of pests and disease is also considered, along with design in relation to site and best use of space.
The major winner receives $1000 and a plaque.
The winner of the Penola’s newly established or renovated garden receives a $500 voucher at Penola True Value Hardware.
Awards will be presented to the winning gardeners at the 155th Annual Penola Show.
