Merv Buckley.

The Chronicle/Dave Noonan

MERV Buckley is all about community spirit.

The Toowoomba resident not only decorates his Sprott Street house and yard for the Christmas Lights competition, but also for the Carnival of Flowers.

Mr Buckley was born in Toowoomba in 1944 and went to school in Southbrook and South Boys after that.

“I started at KR and then did six years' military service during the Vietnam War, but I was not posted overseas,” he said.

“Then I did 30 years with Australia Post and retired in 2002.”

Mr Buckley said this was his second run at the Carnival of Flowers.

“The first was in the 1970s and a mate told me to start again in 2005 and I've been in it since,” he said.

“I was pretty fortunate to win a few first prizes. In the beginning, I just did the front garden, but now I do the whole thing.

“It is just a bit of fun. I don't get upset if I don't win, but I like meeting people with the same interests.

“I just like to think of it as a suburban garden. It has no special theme, but I have developed it over the years since I built the place.”

Mr Buckley's wife Mary died nine years ago and she always encouraged him to enter the competition.

“I have two boys who live in Toowoomba and one granddaughter,” he said.

“I have travelled all over Australia and never found a place better then Toowoomba.

“I love the climate and most people are pretty good.

“I think I will always live in Toowoomba.

“I will have to be carted out of here feet first.”