Sunshine and flowers filled Mount Gambier’s Farmers Market on Saturday, as green thumbs vied for a gardening gong.

The market staged the judging of its inaugural sunflower competition.

Sunflower seeds were given out to market customers in September last year, along with pumpkin seeds.

The green thumbs were then given four months to grow the broadest sunflower head.

Market chairperson Josh Praolini said the winner was judged on Saturday, with Vanessa Freebairn claiming the title with a 27-centimetre flower, while a pumpkin growing competition was currently running.

“Pumpkin judging will take place on May 28. The competition will run again next year, with seeds to be given out later this year,” he said.

Visitors to the market included three-year-old Aiyana Pinnock (pictured), who had travelled from Adelaide with her family to holiday in the region.

The market is Mount Gambier’s only remaining weekly market and hosts a wide variety of stallholders showcasing locally grown and made produce, including beef, fish, honey, baked goods, plants, wine, spirits, eggs, chickens and more.