Garden your way to happiness

Studies show that gardening can make you healthier and happier.  So why not dust the cobwebs off the gardening tools and put your green thumbs into action!

There are many reasons to get into gardening - it’s good for your health and a great way to beautify your community.

Vice-president of the Dalby Beautification Association Inc, Rob Parsons, says gardening provides great exercise and is the perfect way to reduce stress and improve your wellbeing.

He should know.  About nine years ago a health scare saw Rob reevaluate his lifestyle; and he and wife Cheryl started developing what’s now become an award-winning garden.

“It’s our hobby and our passion.  Some people watch footy on Saturday afternoon… we garden.”

Rob is urging locals – from experienced green thumbs to novice gardeners – to get behind this year’s spring garden competition.

The competition, hosted by the Dalby Beautification Association Inc and supported by Dalby Town Council, is judged in September. That means, now is the perfect time to start planting.

Some entrant gardens will be open for display from 21 to 30 September to coincide with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

There are categories to suit gardens of all sizes and styles including letterbox garden, potted plants and garden beds, right through to acreage gardens and waterwise gardens.

According to Rob, dry conditions shouldn’t deter local gardeners, but rather encourage them to be more creative with water-efficient solutions.

“We are seeing some really great gardens using drought-tolerant plants and clever ways that people are using water.”

So there are no excuses.  It’s time to try out the therapeutic benefits of gardening, help beautify Dalby, and put yourself in the running for an award. For ideas on how to get started, call 4662 4369.