A group of green-thumb residents from Forresters Beach Retirement Village at The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast have taken one of their most popular social activities to another level, as they compete for the first time in the Gosford District Garden Competition.

Resident of the village Robyn Goldsmith has been living in the community for the past five years, and has observed the garden transform into its current thriving condition over that time with the help of other enthusiastic community members.

“We have a core group of about ten people who work consistently in the garden, and about 30 who contribute in some way,” she said.

“The garden has flourished with all the vegetables, herbs, citrus trees and passionfruit vines we’ve planted – it’s a very good social activity! We spend a lot of our time chatting!”.

Assistant Village Manager Julie Ramage said residents had worked together fantastically over the last few months to ensure their entry is award-worthy.

“The group takes a lot of pride in their garden,” she said. “It’s a wonderful community project that really brings people together.”

The competition is made possible by a grant from Central Coast Council and includes 14 classes, with judging running from 9th to 13th October. Awards will be presented at a ceremony on 27th October at Erina Fair.