Winners of The Chronicle Garden Competition 2025 were announced at the official awards presentation on 18 September 2025 • This iconic event continues to showcase Toowoomba’s passion and talent for gardening as part of the Carnival of Flowers.
Toowoomba’s best gardeners have been recognised at The Chronicle Garden Competition Awards Presentation, celebrating the creativity, dedication, and community pride that has been at the heart of this event since 1949.
The competition, a highlight of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, continues to inspire both seasoned and first-time gardeners who transform homes, schools, businesses, and community spaces into breathtaking floral displays.
2025 Grand Champions include:
(Photo by @vonhofftrc) Toowoomba Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff with Val and Bob Ford
• City Grand Champion: Val & Bob Ford, 19 Burke Street, Rangeville – Opening times: 10-day period from the 19th of September to 28th of September, 9 am to 5 pm.•
City Reserve Grand Champion: Cheryl Ganzer, 21 Talinga Street, Mt Lofty, 4 Cashmore Street, Wyreema – Opening times: 10-day period from the 19th of September to 28th of September, 9 am to 5 pm.
• Regional Grand Champion: Narelle Hurse – Opening times: Weekends only from the 19th of September to the 21st of September, and 26th of September to the 28th of September, 9 am to 5 pm.
• Regional Reserve Grand Champion: John & Lenore Ferris, 3 Perseverance Dam Road, Crow’s Nest – Opening times: 10-day period from the 19th of September to 28th of September, 9 am to 5 pm.
A full list of winners is published in The Chronicle on Saturday 20 September and available in the official guide distributed at the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre and the Carnival Info Hubs located at Laurel Bank Park and Queens Park Botanic Gardens during the open garden period.
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO and event MC, Jude Wills, said this year’s winners embody the legacy and spirit of the competition. “Toowoomba has always been known as the Garden City, and today’s winners show us exactly why. Each garden reflects not just beauty, but passion, dedication, and a sense of community pride. Our gardeners have created living works of art for all of us to enjoy, and we congratulate every entrant who helped make this year’s competition so vibrant.”
Since its beginnings in 1949, The Chronicle Garden Competition has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic community gardening competitions, playing a pivotal role in the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers celebrations and cementing the city’s reputation as Australia’s Garden City.
Submitted By:
Melinda Bond
BRAND & PERFORMANCE OFFICER
07 4616 6166
melinda@toowoombahospitalfoundation.org.au
Toowoomba Hospital Campus, Pechey St
toowoombahospitalfoundation.org.au
