Celebrating Sustainable Gardening at the 2024 Roma Show: Ozzi Kleen's Commitment to a Greener Future

The 2024 Roma Show was a resounding success, drawing over 10,000 visitors from Roma and the greater Maranoa Region. This year's event was particularly special due to the Ozzi Kleen Sustainable Gardening Award, which highlighted the importance of eco-friendly gardening practices. The award went to Helen Cosgrove, whose stunning garden featuring the Eremophila mackinlayi captivated judges and visitors alike.

Helen Cosgrove: A Champion of Sustainable Gardening

Helen Cosgrove's garden stood out in this year's competition for its innovative approach to tackling the harsh conditions of the Roma district. By carefully selecting plants and creating raised beds and swales, Helen was able to slow runoff and retain water during rain events, showcasing a garden that is both beautiful and sustainable. Her use of Eremophilas, particularly the Eremophila mackinlayi, demonstrated how native plants can thrive even in challenging environments.

The Eremophila mackinlayi, with its vibrant purple flowers and silver-green foliage, was a star attraction. Helen's garden transitions smoothly from a naturally wild look to formally hedged areas, offering a diverse and aesthetically pleasing landscape. The judges were particularly impressed with how Helen integrated these plants, creating a space that is not only visually appealing but also environmentally responsible.

The Impact of Helen's Garden on the Roma Community

Helen's winning entry has not only earned her the prestigious Ozzi Kleen Sustainable Gardening Award but also sparked a newfound interest in sustainable gardening practices within the Roma community. Many visitors expressed admiration for the Eremophila mackinlayi and inquired about incorporating it into their own gardens. This surge of interest suggests that Helen's influence will extend far beyond this year's show, encouraging more Roma residents to adopt eco-friendly gardening techniques.

The Role of Ozzi Kleen in Promoting Sustainability

The Roma Show Society extends heartfelt gratitude to Ozzi Kleen for their continued sponsorship of the Sustainable Gardening Award. When businesses like Ozzi Kleen sponsor categories in the Roma Show it allows the show society to promote exclusive categories and events which are a drawcard for those seeking recognition for their individual talents and projects.  Without generous category support such as that provided by Ozzi Kleen, regional shows are in danger of petering out, as without drawing crowds or entry fees from participants it is simply not cost effective for show societies to proceed.

Highlights of the 2024 Roma Show

This year's Roma Show was a testament to the community's resilience and adaptability. Despite missing the sheep and cattle exhibits due to a scheduling clash with Beef Week and the State Sheep Show, the event was packed with attractions and activities that delighted visitors.

- Machinery Alley: This area was bustling with exhibits, drawing significant attention and praise from attendees.

- Market Stalls: The revamped market stall area saw a mix of regular stallholders and new traders, offering a variety of goods and services.

- Championship Dog Show: Held on Saturday with back-to-back shows, the event attracted over 200 entries, with many competitors travelling from the coast to participate.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Roma Show

The Roma Show Society is already planning for next year's event, which promises to be even bigger and better. With the return of the sheep and cattle exhibits and Roma hosting the State Sheep Show in 2025, there is much to look forward to.

The dates for the 2025 Roma Show are set for Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10. The Society is continuously seeking new ideas and activities to enhance the show experience, and they welcome suggestions from the community.

The 2024 Roma Show was a celebration of community spirit, innovation, and sustainability. Helen Cosgrove's award-winning garden exemplified the potential of sustainable gardening to beautify and benefit our environment. The Team from Ozzi Kleen are exceptionally proud to have been able to help make the event possible, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in achieving shared goals.

As we look forward to the 2025 Roma Show, let us take inspiration from Helen's garden and the values it represents. By embracing sustainable practices, we can create a greener, more resilient future for our community. Congratulations to Helen Cosgrove for her remarkable achievement.

Together, we can cultivate a brighter, more sustainable future.