The 'Sunny-Side Up' sunflower growing competition was launched last year to light up the town and help support local tourism.

Judging is now complete and the sunflower stakes are high, with 38 entries from the Quirindi, Quipolly, Werris Creek, Wallabadah, Willow Tree, Big Jacks Creek, Blackville and Spring Ridge districts.

The winners will be announced on January 26 at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony at the Royal Theatre Quirindi.

Willow Tree, Blackville and Spring Ridge public schools also participated, with several schools planting sunflowers despite not putting an entry in.

Liverpool Plains Shire Council mayor Doug Hawkins acknowledged there were many residents who planted sunflowers without submitting entries, and he said their efforts to contribute to the colourful scene were much appreciated.

"The judges were impressed by the variety of the gardens with sunflowers ranging from dainty to tall with big flowers," he said.

"Some gardeners went all out creating little sunflower scenes, with scarecrows, CDs or alfoil fending off the birds.

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"Sunflowers lined garden fences, drive-ways and gates, there were mini-crops of sunnies enhancing gardens, pathways, and at businesses.

"We are also grateful to one farmer who has planted a small crop, on the Warrah Ridge Road about 5 minutes from Quirindi, to allow tourists to get photos amongst them."

Judges included farmers Neil Barwick and Ian Carter, gardener Mary Roberts and all-rounder Grant Batty.

Sunflower hunt maps can be picked from the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) at Willow Tree or contact 6747 1226 or nikki.robertson@lpsc.nsw.gov.au to have a copy emailed to you.

The best time to see the results will be over the next two to three weeks.