General News
10 December, 2024
Hazelmans’ clean up in shire’s gardening comp
Lindsay and Helen Hazelman’s heritage home won Best Garden in the Shire in this year’s Central Goldfields Shire Garden Competition.
The judges of the competition, which is run by the Maryborough and District Garden Club on behalf of the shire, cited how the historic outbuildings of the former police lock-up and stable added to the garden’s feel.
“Over the years we’ve maintained it as best as possible but it’s also a family home to live in, comfortable and cold,” Lindsay said.
Since moving to Talbot in 1977 the home has become a reflection of the Hazelmans and their family as much as it is a preservation of historic Australian buildings.
As the pair sat in the garden, behind them grew an apricot tree — in the place of their now grown childrens’ sandpit.
“You have special memories in the garden. Like things from my mum and dad, or from a good friend, or someone who has died, you know? Things that make it special,” Helen said.
The Hazelmans are very involved in the community in Talbot. From the community garden, to fundraising, and opening their home to others including historic groups. They entered the competition this year so Talbot would be represented.
“We’re very much for Talbot. If Talbot didn’t have an entry how would that look,” Lindsay said.
This isn’t the first time the couple have entered the competition either but it is the first time they won Best Garden in the Shire which was a shock to them both.
This came after winning the Best Overall Garden in Talbot this year, Best School or Community Garden in the Shire for the London House Community Garden (Helen was convenor), and impressing the judges with their vegetable/fruit garden but not winning the category.
“It was getting a bit embarrassing, wasn’t it? Gardeners tend to be modest people,” Lindsay said.
The Hazelmans encourage everyone to try gardening in whatever way they can.
“If you’re fortunate enough to be able to do it, it’s very rewarding and sometimes frustrating,” Helen said.
Being a gardener doesn’t have a high barrier to entry either, as Helen points out. If you don’t have the space you can also get involved in your local community garden.
“Most people are a gardener even if they just have a pot, or gnomes, or whatever. Everyone is proud of what they have,” she said.
Other category winners from this year’s competition included Havilah Hostel for Best Commercial Garden in the Shire, while Maryborough’s Coobah Court was awarded Best Kept Street in Maryborough.