WARM autumn afternoons made growing chrysanthemums challenging for gardeners ahead of the weekend’s Central Victorian championships in Laanecoorie.
“The warmer afternoons, especially in the shorter days, slowed down the blooming this year,” said multiple winner of the event Graeme Cain.
The Laanecoorie gardener finished second in the championship but won both best bloom and best spider in the show.
Chris Smith, of Ballarat was awarded the Central Victorian championship and also took out sashes for best single bloom, best vase and the Keith Shay Memorial Challenge.
He said the season had been difficult for growers across the state, including in the cooler climes of Ballarat where he has 2500 chrysanthemum plants.
Organised by the Bendigo Goldfields Chrysanthemum Club, members said plant sales for the weekend were up on last year. Mr Cain said Friday’s rain has lifted confidence among gardeners.
Other results - Merv Rushton: Novice champion. Dahlias Best in Class - Rodger Dunn; Roses Best in Class - Graeme Cain. Cut Flowers and Foliage, Best in Class - Brenda Leed. Vases Best in Class - Lynette Holt. Cactus and Succulents Best in Class - Brenda Leed. Pot Plants, Best in Class - Brenda Leed. Harvest Basket, Best Exhibit - Brenda Leed. Fruit, Vegetables and  Eggs, Best Exhibit (43-56) - Rodney Clarke. Children - The Longest Gum Leaf: Shelby Jones.  Picture made or Horticulture material (Primary school) - Shelby Jones 1, Grace Nottingham 2, Secondary - Madison Jones. Craziest Veg - Madison Jones. Floral art - Jo-Anne O’Brien 1, Kristina Forbes 2, Julia Ramsay 3. Beginner: Maddison Jones.