Toowoomba Competition Open Garden and Art Trail

Visitors are invited to experience a vibrant celebration of gardens, art, and remembrance, at a special Open Garden and Art Trail event taking place with FREE entry every weekend throughout September 2026.

This stunning private garden is proudly entered in the annual The Chronicle Garden Competition and offers guests a colourful and inspiring experience featuring an extraordinary variety of flowering plants, vegetables, fruit trees, themed garden spaces, and artistic displays.

A heartfelt feature of the garden is its dedication to a cherished friend lost to domestic violence, creating a space of reflection, awareness, and hope. Visitors will also discover the moving “Lest We Forget” garden area, dedicated to the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Armed Forces.

Adding to the experience, respected professional artist Vivienne Heckels will be displaying, demonstrating, and selling her artwork as part of the wider Toowoomba Art Trail which coincides with the event. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist, watch live demonstrations, and purchase unique original works.

The event promises fun and activities for all ages, including:

• Daily Teddy Bears’ Picnic
• “Adopt a Bear” fundraising activity supporting Back to the Bush Koalas
• Gifts and specialty items for sale, with proceeds supporting Protea Place – Women’s Support Centre.
• Unique Plants will be available for purchase
• Coffee and snacks are also available for sale
• Gardening Hints and Tips available during Q & A
• Beautiful photographic opportunities throughout the gardens
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Organiser Heather Smith says the event is about more than gardening.

“This garden has been created with love, remembrance, creativity, and community connection at its heart. We want people to leave inspired, uplifted, and knowing they have contributed to important local causes.”

The Open Garden and Art Trail event is expected to attract garden enthusiasts, art lovers, photographers, families, and visitors from across the Darling Downs and beyond.

Event Details

Location: 114 Nelson Street, Middle Ridge, Toowoomba

Dates: Every weekend in September 2026, including 18th–27th September

Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily

Entry Cost: FREE

Bus Parking is Available and the front garden is wheelchair accessible.

Media & Public Enquiries

Heather Smith

Phone: 0488 171 500

Email: [email protected]

Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras, friends, and their love of gardens, art, and community spirit for a memorable Toowoomba spring experience.

The event aims to support important community organisations while celebrating creativity, resilience, and the joy that gardens can bring.