The qualified horticulturalist devotes a large amount of time not only to tending to her own garden, but also teaching TAFE students about the industry, while working on her garden design business.

Now the Singleton woman is taking time out to experience the gardens created by our local green thumbs as judge of the Wellington Times/Rotary Garden Competition.

More than 20 entries have been received for this year’s competition, which will be judged on Friday, with a great range of gardens on offer for Mrs Brennan to inspect.

Competition “helper” Helen O’Brien, who has known Mrs Brennan for a number of years, said the judge was looking forward to her first trip to Wellington.

“Margaret’s husband was the best man at our wedding and she is a beautifu, lovely lady,” Mrs O’Brien said.

“Both Margaret and myself have been chosen as ABC Garden selectors and we met up again at a workshop held in Glen Innes a few months ago.

“We asked her if she would like to judge and she jumped at the opportunity.”

Along with her teaching, role as garden selector and business, Mrs Brennan also writes a regular column for the Singleton Argus and is an occasional contributor to ABC Gardening magazine. Her limited spare time is spent with her husband and grandchildren.

“Margaret has worked with Newcastle garden consultant and designer Helen Whalan and her design work includes both rural and urban gardens … she has designed gardens from Melbourne to the Hunter and Port Stephens area,” Mrs O’Brien said.

“While she is here we are hoping to show her how beautiful our gardens are. Despite the weather, the rain has made a difference in the past week and washed the dust off everything.”

The competition will be judged this Friday with entrants to be notified of judging times.