A sweet opportunity for local gardeners.

A LOCAL community group is digging up community spirit, with their gardening challenge, which has sparked some friendly competition. PHOTO: Barry Dale Gilfry

A LOCAL community group is digging up community spirit, with their gardening challenge, which has sparked some friendly competition.
The Middlemount Community Gardeners hosted their free Potted Sweet Pea Challenge on Sunday, March 28 at the Middlemount Golf and Country Club at 5pm.
President of Middlemount Community Gardeners Jodie Crawter said community members will be given a seed and a pot on the day, which they will then take home to grow to the best of their ability.
“The sweet peas will take five to eight weeks to grow and bloom, and the first flower that blooms, wins,” Ms Crawter said.
“The person whose plant survives, but does not thrive will get a wooden spoon award.
“Paula at Heartz De Zire, who helped organise this event, used to have an annual family challenge of the same kind, so we’ve taken that and modified it to suit Middlemount Community Gardeners.”
Ms Crawter said part of the idea was to “do something fun that was water responsible, as Middlemount is currently under level three water restrictions”.
“On March 28, people can go onto the Facebook page and click ‘going’ to register for the event,” she said.
“You can decorate the pot however you like, but you only get one seed and one chance in the competition.
“The thing I’m looking forward to the most is the fun for the community – it’s an easy and simple way for gardeners to come together.
“Anyone and everyone can participate, which is what Middlemount Community Gardeners is all about,” Ms Crawter said.
To register, for next year, see the event on the Middlemount Community Gardeners Facebook page.