Judgement day approaches for grass growers

THE greatest show on turf returns to Surf Coast backyards this weekend, as the Jan Juc Grass Growers Guild (JJGGG) holds its fourth year of competition.

The slightly light-hearted lawn-growing contest originated on a surfing boat trip in the Mentawai Islands, where a group of friends were comparing their lawn prowess.

It is now an annual multi-category event featuring expertly grown and curated grass in Torquay and Jan Juc.

“We’re very grateful to live where we do and to celebrate the short window of lawn that only lasts a few months in Jan Juc before the dry summer heat turns it brown,” JJGGG member Andrew Flitton said.

“We celebrate the occasion and also raise money for local support organisation Spring Creek House, which does great work in the community.

I don’t think anyone except judge Jamie ‘Chooka’ Woods – who’s an ex-Torquay Golf Club greenkeeper – can call themselves experts but we’re supported by our wives, who benefit from the improved outdoor areas for Christmas and we all just enjoy the camaraderie of the members.

“It’s a great chance to catch up and celebrate the incredible environment we’re all blessed to live in. Judgement day for the JJGGG is Saturday, December 1, and members will visit all the lawns in the field in the Wave Rider bus.

The categories for judging are:
• Best Large Lawn
• Best Small Lawn
• Best Combo – Front and Back
• NAGGA – Not A Grass Growers A******

The 2018 event will also feature a new category – the Dr Turf “Green Jacket” for the Best of the Best standout lawn, awarded to the competitor “who lives out the values of the JJGGG every day, who values the life of their lawn, who makes the lawn conversation count, who finds a better way and makes the complicated simple, who treasures the care and respect and quality of their lawn”.

For updates on the day, follow jan_juc_grass_growers on Instagram.