The Chronicle Garden Competition FAQs
Got questions about our Garden Competition? We’ve got you covered! Whether you're wondering about entry requirements, judging criteria, or key dates, you'll find all the answers right here.
FAQS
Who are the judges?
Our Commercial/Not for Profit/Schools judge for 2025 is Mr Duanne Karle and our City/Regional Residential judge for 2025 is Mr John Daly.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry to the Competition is free.
How is my garden judged?
Every year we carefully select and engage a residential section garden judge who has high quality horticultural credentials and extensive experience, and who we believe can judge your gardens objectively based on the judging criteria (available on request).
When will my garden be judged?
Judging will commence on 1 September 2025. You will be advised of your anticipated judging day and time soon after entries close (days and times may change, but you will be given as much forward notice as possible). Someone will need to be present when judging occurs - the nominated entrant is preferrable. For 2025, judging will take place from the 1st September to the 5th September.
How long does judging take?
Most gardens will be scheduled for a 15 to 30 minute visit, depending on size. On arrival, the judge will commence their assessment immediately after being introduced to the garden owner. You may then be required for a few official photos and/or a video (for the Visitor’s Guide, newspaper and Presentation ceremony). If there is free time, you may chat to the judge after they have completed their assessment. Please remember the judge will be on a strict time schedule to visit all gardens on that day.
When are the results announced?
Winner and placegetters are announced at the official Presentation ceremony, usually held on the Thursday before the 10-day opening period. For 2025, this will be Thursday 18th September.
When do the gardens open, and for how long?
The Open Gardens Element of the competition will be facilitated by our good friends at The Chronicle.
Gardens are opened the day after the Presentation ceremony (in 2025, this is Friday 19th September). Most gardeners choose to open for the traditional 10 days (Friday to Sunday week), however, for those who choose to do so, they have the option to open for two long weekends (Fri-Sun).
In 2025 the 10 day period would be from the 19th Sept to 28th Sept, with the two long weekend dates being 19th to 21st Sept, and 26th to 28th Sept. All gardens are required to open at 9am and close by 5pm.
Pick up a copy of The Chronicle on Friday 19th Sept for the Visitor Guide which will announce the winners and include maps to help you plan your visit. The Visitor Guide will also be available for free from the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre and the Visitor Information hubs located at Laurel Bank and Queens Park from Friday 19 September.
For more information about the Open Gardens please contact The Chronicle below: toowoomba@news.com.au
Still have questions?
Our knowledgeable team are ready and happy to help
Contact Us
