FIERCE heat greeted Barry Murphy as he travelled from garden to garden as judge for the Warwick Horticultural Society 2015 Garden Competition.

Under a hot spring sun the Stanthorpe green thumb was on the hunt for the best gardens in the Rose City region.

With more than 40 years of gardening knowledge under his belt Mr Murphy has a keen eye for what makes a true champion.

"I think this is my fifth year as judge of the competition," Mr Murphy said.

"We go by a 100 point system of judging each garden, looking at elements like planting, tidiness, edging, health of plants etc."

Mr Murphy said there was plenty to look for in judging a garden but keeping a common theme was crucial to a good display.

"Co-ordination of house and garden is a major part of a well-presented garden," Mr Murphy said.

"I try to take my time and walk through the garden and get a good first impression before I start to look at awarding points."

The judging takes into account prevailing weather conditions which Mr Murphy described this year as a wet winter followed by a quick onset of hot weather.

Gardens in Allora, Killarney, Warwick and Stanthorpe are entered in the competition, which has 18 categories suited to a range of gardeners.

With 35 entries this year the competition will be tight as many gardens are entered into multiple categories.

John and Gina Hing are among the returning entrants in this year's competition and said getting prepared took 12 months' work.

"Every year we are doing more," Mrs Hing said.

"It is nice to see the improvements and it adds value to the house too.

"It's good to get the feedback from Barry on what we can do next."