The garden of Logan Reserve couple John and Marcia Rivett has tonight been named the 2008 Grand Champion Garden in the annual Logan City Garden Competition.
This year's competition, reinstated this year for the first time since 2005 after several years of drought, attracted 55 entries from across the expanded Logan City.
Mayor, Councillor Pam Parker, said the competition was always a favourite event in the community.
"I am absolutely amazed by some of our gardeners and what they can do, particularly in these times of water shortages," Cr Parker said.
"This year we encouraged gardeners to focus on waterwise and energy efficient gardening practices, and the results were fabulous. We have some brilliant gardens which are worth promoting, and I congratulate everyone who took the time to show us their gardens this year."
The gardens were judged by popular media personalities and respected horticulturalists, Colin Campbell and Annette McFarlane, who joined Cr Parker at tonight's ceremony.
This year's winners are:
Residential
Best Small Residential Garden: for gardens under 800 square metres
1. Merlinda O'Connor, Marsden
2. Danny and Sue Collins, Loganholme
3. Gavin and Debra Ottway, Regents Park
Judges' choice: Jurgen Parge, Boronia Heights
Best Large Residential Garden: for gardens over 800 square metres
1. John and Marcia Rivett, Logan Reserve
2. John W. Smith, Cornubia
3. Andrew and Atsuko Bennett, Cornubia
Judges' choice: Evelyn Andrews, Jimboomba
Most innovative use of space, plants and materials
1. Carole Bradley, Slacks Creek
2. Mark and Katie Blomkamf, Chatswood Hills
3. Pamela Fagg, Browns Plains
Best Outdoor Room: for outdoor entertaining areas that incorporate a garden
1. June Gray, Logan Central
2. Kent and Narelle Jorgenson, Loganholme
3. Andrew and Atsuko Bennett, Cornubia
Grand Champion Garden: selected from the first place winners in the residential category
John and Marcia Rivett, Logan Reserve
School/Community Project Gardens
(project gardens largely maintained by students, parents and teachers, and community groups)
1. Loganholme State School
2. Burrows State School
3. Greenbank State School
Commercial and Industrial
(includes street beautification works carried out by a commercial enterprise)
1. J.J Richards and Sons Pty Ltd, Underwood
2. Unicentral Domain Apartments, Meadowbrook
3. Animal World Pet Motel, Cornubia
"Once again I thank everyone for beautifying our wonderful city through their gardens, and thank the judges for their time. I can't wait for next year's competition to come around again," Cr Parker said.