The Chronicle Garden Competition

Key Dates

Front or Back Garden only

The front garden will be judged back to any dividing fence or natural screen, but no further than the back corners of the house. The back garden will be judged forward to any dividing fence or natural screen, but no further than the front corners of the house.

Floral Garden

Open to whole of garden, front garden, or back garden options.

Judging will be based on the predominance of flowering annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees, visual impact, colour combinations, plant selection and placement, plant health and vigour and the use of sustainable practices.

Footpath Garden

As per Toowoomba Regional Council Guidelines, Self-Assessment is available Checklist SLL 1.1 — Alteration or improvement to local government area or road — Vegetation on council controlled area and road/footpath gardens). Footpath garden no wider than 500mm on front boundary of property.

Small Space (under 80m2) Unit / Courtyard / Balcony / Pergola / Shadehouse / Potted Plant Collection

Use of live plants in these areas essential.

Productive Area

Garden area comprising edible plants such as vegetables, herbs, and/or fruit trees, vines and bushes.

Over 70 years Gardener

Open to entrants who are 70 years of age or older.

Under 45 year old Gardener

Open to entrants who are 45 years of age or younger.

First Time Entry – Garden only

Open to any sized garden which has not previously been entered by the current owner in the competition. Entrants cannot win this category if the property has been purchased from a previous Garden Entrant who has won any class or option in the last three years.

Commercial Premises

Open to any For-Profit commercial business in the Toowoomba Region. 

Not For Profit Premises

Open to any Not-for-Profit business in the Toowoomba Region. 

Accommodation Premises

Open to any business (For Profit or Not-For-Profit) providing short-term accommodation in the Toowoomba Region.

School Premises

Open to any school garden (tended by staff or gardener) in the Toowoomba Region.

Students’ Garden

Open to any school garden in the Toowoomba Region wholly cared for by students of that school. 

Budding Gardener

Open to any Toowoomba Region garden wholly cared for by an entrant under the age of 18 years - parents/guardians must complete and sign the entry form (may be a “stand-alone” garden area or part of a residential garden entry).

CBD Business Premises

Open to all businesses within the Toowoomba CBD —  (as far West as Victoria Street, as far East as Hume street, as far North as Russell Street, as far South as Herries Street.  Shop front decorations must be viewable from the footpath and be in the spirit of the Chronicle Garden Competition to include gardening themes, use of colour. Real plants/flowers are not necessary for this category, but community spirit is.