Greenthumbs impress with giant vegies at Care For Hedland’s Great Garden awards

Giant home-grown vegetables impressed judges at this year’s Hedland Great Garden, with Helen and Wayne Jacobson taking home the title of top gardeners at last week’s ceremony. Hosted annually by Care for Hedland, the awards recognise the hard work of residents across the town’s backyards. The Jacobsons took home a $1000 cash prize for their flourishing vegetable patch and claimed the Giant Veggie Award for their 559g tomato. St Cecilia’s Primary School was recognised for its 4kg zucchini grown in the community garden. Gardening presenter Josh Byrne made the journey to Hedland for the event, joining locals in two days of garden tours and sustainable gardening workshops. Nine category prizes are up for grabs as part of the award ceremony, including an encouragement award. Care for Hedland community garden coordinator Robyn Todd said though participant numbers were lower than last year she was proud of local efforts. “We had 28 entries this year but two new sponsors came on board which is a testament to the strength of the garden competition,” she said. “It was great to see previous contestants improving and it is amazing to see how local people are continuing to transform their yards and garden spaces.” Care for Hedland Association chief executive Kelly Howlett thanked sponsors and Hedland residents for participating.