Weetwood race day to bloom after Carnival of Flowers' award

By Darren Cartwright

Roses may be synonymous with Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, but Toowoomba’s Weetwood race day could be renowned for its blooming petunias after a ‘podium finish’ at the prestigious Carnival of Flowers

For the first time in many years, Clifford Park 'competed' in Toowoomba’s renowned flower spectacular that draws thousands of visitors from across Queensland and interstate throughout September.

Clifford Park Racecourse, where the time-honoured Weetwood Handicap will be held on Saturday as Queensland's metropolitan meeting, was entered in the Commercial Premises division.

The display was orchestrated by venue manager John Rutherford (pictured, holding the third place flag) and his small team of green thumbs.

Together, they busily planted close to 3500 annuals in everything from planted beds to hanging baskets.

And all public and members areas were utilised, from the car park and main entrance to the front lawn with lots of potted colour, the parade ring and mounting yard.

Pink Petunias were planted in the mounting yard to draw from the grey wall, boarded with blue dwarf violas, while the top beds were planted with mixed dwarf snapdragons, said proud venue manager Mr Rutherford.

“We started preparation and planting in May with the over sowing of the grassed areas and bed preparation,” he said.

“The trick is to get all areas at their best at the same time, so we had to understand which location could take a bit longer to mature and they were first on our list to plant.

“We remove all flower buds until August 1 and then let them flower merrily until Carnival of Flowers but try to focus on the end of September and our Weetwood Carnival.”

Facing some stiff competition in the Commercial section which included full-time Nurseries and Horticulturalists, the TAFE horticulture department and the City Golf Club, Clifford Park racecourse came in a credible third place.

None more pleased than CEO Lizzy King who was full of praise for Mr Rutherford and his team for bringing the course into full bloom for the Carnival of Flowers and ultimately their biggest day on the racing calendar.

“The Club is so proud of John Rutherford and his small team for the time and meticulous effort to produce a stunning diverse arrangement of flowers in readiness for the Carnival of Flowers and the Weetwood," Ms King said.

"For the venue to place third in the Carnival of Flowers commercial category in Weetwood Week is wonderful and anyone attending this weekend will see a stunning display of flowers from the entrance to the front lawn. The mounting yard/parade ring is sure to impress."