TABEEL’S sea of colourful poppies, petunias, perennials and a memorial rose garden set it apart from competitors to take home the prize as Best Business Garden 2011.

The award was part of Lockyer Valley 2011 Garden Competition presented by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council on 7 September and the prize was a $100.00 Mitre 10 voucher.

The competition was held at Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre and aligned with Laidley’s Spring Festival and featured seven prize categories. Tabeel won the business category which was open to all traders in the region including nursing homes.

Tabeel Lutheran Home General Manager Roland Weir said the award came as a result of hard work by staff and residents to create the horticultural masterpiece.

“This is recognition of what a wonderful place Tabeel is,” he said.

“Residents enjoy strolling around the home and love the aesthetically pleasing environment the gardens afford.

“Tabeel’s gardens have enhanced our reputation as the residential facility of choice in the Lockyer Valley and we are committed to maintaining this image.”

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Steve Jones said Tabeel’s garden was beautiful.

“It’s an oasis in the middle of the township,” he said.

“The courtyard in particular is very special for those older people and it’s really something for them to enjoy and get out in the garden and get away from it all.

“The whole place is very inspirational and it’s so important to the people that live there.

“It’s not just a garden it’s where they live and it’s their home and the people who live there are very passionate about the service itself.”

Roland said preparation began in March when the garden beds were prepared and the seedlings were then planted in May.

“The Spring display has been on show for around 10 years and features a broad range of annuals like sweetpeas, delphiniums, petunias, foxgloves and many others,” he said.

“The permanent plantings give a year-round display. 

“Tabeel’s residents are involved when and where possible so everyone feels they are a part of year-round garden projects.”

All award recipients took home a trophy and a certificate.