Lady Sallie Ferrall, of Elphin House in Launceston, and Annabel Scott, of Dunedin at St Leonards have so far been selected to scrutinise the town's best efforts.

Lady Ferrall is renowned for her work with Quamby Estate and, more recently, her town garden at Elphin House.

"First of all, I'll be looking for the shapes and structures of the gardens - I am very interested in box hedges and different coloured foilage," she said.

"It should have charm and feel, when you come into a garden you should be greeted with a lovely atmosphere."

Elements of hard landscaping such as pergolas, fountains and pathways, and soft landscaping such as hedges and shaped plants should also be present, Lady Ferrall said.

Competition co-ordinator Paula Griffiths said the competition's open garden day on November 17 had already attracted a range of would-be attendees, some from as far as the East Coast.

"People are able to enter their gardens up to a fortnight before the event," Ms Griffiths said.

"Woolmers have also halved their entry fee to work in with what we're doing."

Entry forms can be gained at Longford Mitre 10, for more information call Ms Griffiths on 0400957285.