Grass growing gets going

THE greatest show on turf in the Surf Coast is drawing closer, with members of the Jan Juc Grass Growers Guild (JJGGG) putting the finishing touches on their lawns.

The highly competitive if light-hearted best lawn competition has drawn a field of 14 in 2017, with entrants from Bellbrae, Bells Beach, Jan Juc and Spring Creek.

JJGGG’s Andrew Flitton said everyone was frantic with their final preparations, and would be mowing and edging into the night before judging took place on Sunday.

“December is a good time of year for the comp as it’s traditionally an average time for surf in Torquay.

“It’s also a good excuse to get together with mates before Christmas and a good opportunity to prepare your yard for the festive season.

“JJGGG celebrates and appreciates the beautiful environment we’re all lucky enough to live in.

“The members and their families promote good organic gardening practices when possible, environmental sustainability and sympathetic indigenous garden design”

All lawn entrants, plus social members are driven around in the Ride the Wave Bus while the head Judge is Jamie “Chooka” Woods, aka Dr Turf.

Award winners last year included Martin Reid in the Best Large Lawn (over 200sqm) with his fine couch grass and Mike Disciasio in the Best Small Lawn (under 200sqm) with a lush healthy tall fescue. The event is also a charity fundraiser, with JJGGG donating $1,260 in 2016 to Spring Creek Community House.