GREEN thumbs will soon be able to enter the annual Somerset Garden Competition with entries opening on 1 July.

The popular program, organised by Somerset Regional Council is sponsored by Searles, the leading market innovator in the home garden industry.

Somerset garden enthusiasts have until 4pm, Thursday, 5 September to enter the competition.

Somerset Councillor Sally Jess, who has put her hand up to be one of three garden judges, encouraged all residents, businesses and community groups in the region to get involved.

“This has been a fantastic competition run by the council for many years and brings together the best gardens in Somerset for everyone to enjoy over one weekend at the end of September,” Cr Jess said.

Cr Jess said there were four major categories to enter and the introduction of new categories including Best Sustainable Garden, Best Habitat Garden, Best Floral Garden, Best Repurposed/Upcycled Garden.

Cr Jess, together with Councillor Michael Bishop and a third judge, Carol Blacklock, who was endorsed by the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club and Council for the external judge position as a regular entrant into the Somerset Garden Competition and previous runner up in the 2023 Best Rural Garden Category.

“Carol has a keen interest in gardening and is very knowledgeable on plants having been a member of the Garden Club for more than eight years,” Cr Jess said.

“We look forward to touring Somerset, looking at all the wonderful gardens when judging starts on Monday, 9 September.”

Gardens entered into the competition will be open for public viewing and enjoyment from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 September 2024.

Entry forms are available at www.somerset.qld.gov.au, at Council Offices in Esk, Lowood and Kilcoy and at the Visitor Information Centres.