Confirming the position, the Festival's secretary/organiser Yvonne Neale said due to the unavailability of the regular organiser, the competition had "sadly been deferred".

"This will disappoint many gardeners in the Goulburn area, particularly since the competition made a successful comeback last year following its temporary deferment at the height of the drought," Mrs Neale said.

"However, anyone wishing to open their gardens to the public during the Festival weekend (Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5), can ring or call into our office in the Goulburn Club and register their interest and we will ensure their details are advertised in the program for the benefit of visitors and local garden lovers."

For the full story, please see Monday's Goulburn Post, available from our front office in Auburn St, or at all leading newsagencies across the Goulburn area.