WHIE this year’s Whakatāne District Garden Competition will be the first since the death of its strongest supporter, Dianne Yeoman’s creative energy will not be entirely absent.

The Keep Whakatāne Beautiful Committee chairman Andrew Iles said Mrs Yeoman would be greatly missed but they had secured one of her vibrant, floral paintings for a jackpot prize for those attending the prizegiving evening at this year’s competition.

Mrs Yeoman was the organiser of the annual garden competition for nine years, dedicating hours of her time to securing sponsorship from local businesses, ensuring there were prizes for everyone and visiting and judging dozens of gardens every year.

Entries for the competition can now be picked up from Whakatāne District Council, Radio 1XX, SunFM, Mitre 10, Bunnings Warehouse, or by emailing [email protected].

Entries for the 23 categories from best preschool garden to most prestigious garden close on October 18 and judging will take place from October 21 to 25.

Mr Iles said that to be eligible to win the jackpot prize, entrants needed to be at the prizegiving event on Friday, November 8 at the Whakatāne War Memorial Centre reception lounge.