2015 garden expo beginning to blossom
July 7, 2015
Preparations are in full swing for Australia’s largest sub-tropical gardening event, with a team of dedicated green thumbs currently assembling garden beds, planting flowers and creating backyard landscape displays in readiness for the 2015 Queensland Garden Expo, which kicks off at the Nambour Showgrounds on Friday.
Queensland Garden Expo Event Manager Marion Beazley said based on last year’s event, over 35,000 garden enthusiasts from across Australia and New Zealand were expected to pass through the gates during the three-day expo.
“This year, we’re thrilled to be welcoming over 55 nurseries selling around 40,000-plus plants per day, and the big draw card for avid gardeners will once again be the launch of a range of new plant varieties,” Ms Beazley said.
“With the expo now just days away, our 360 exhibitors and high-profile presenters are currently working hard preparing their presentations and displays, and gearing up for day one.”
“The grounds have already begun to transform, with the foundations for the Giant Kitchen Garden’s fully planted sustainable garden now laid. Once complete, this feature area will include a speaker’s stage, a broad range of herbs, vegetables and fruit trees, and some unusual edible subtropical plants for more adventurous gardeners.”
Ms Beazley said a number of landscapers including SJ Landscapes, Waterscapes Australia and iLandscapes were already hard at work constructing some inspirational landscape displays that would be sure to give gardeners plenty of ideas they could adapt to suit their own gardens.
“The landscape garden competition always generates friendly competitor rivalry that adds to the fun and regardless of who wins, the designs never fail to impress and inspire attendees,” Ms Beazley said.
“Last year the award went to Patrick Handley and the team from Waterscapes Australia who are well-known for repurposing quirky objects like shower heads and even rusty utes for creating water features and bringing backyards to life.”
“Patrick and a number of landscapers will be available throughout the event to offer expert advice on building a backyard paradise.”
“Visitors will also be able to join Costa on Saturday and Sunday on a walking tour of the landscape garden displays and hear about the ideas behind the gardens from some of the landscapers.”
Ms Beazley said this year’s event would see acclaimed gardeners Graham Ross, Costa Georgiadis, Jerry Coleby-Williams, Angus Stewart, Annette McFarlane and Noel Burdette taking to the stage, with more than 80 workshops, lectures and demonstrations across eight stages scheduled to take place over the course of the event.
“This year’s program will cover everything from the basics of vegetable gardening and using herbs in the kitchen, right through to floral design and the health benefits of teas and roots like turmeric and ginger.”
“There will also be a focus on animals in the backyard, with workshops on rearing chickens; attracting native bees, insects and frogs to your garden; worm farming; and creating a bird-friendly space being held throughout the three-day event.”
Following its success in past years, the on-site plant clinic will return to the expo in 2015, offering gardening advice and assisting attendees to identify unfamiliar plants.
Ms Beazley said the event offered something for all ages, with plenty of workshops, demonstrations and entertainment on offer to suit the whole family.
“The Old McDonald’s Farm baby animal nursery is always a firm favourite amongst attendees of all ages and the free children’s rides, jumping castle, activities and balloon twisting by Donna the Clown ensure kids will enjoy the expo as much as their parents and grandparents.”
The 2015 Queensland Garden Expo will be held at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast between 10 and 12 July. For more information and to access the full program, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.
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Media contact: Kristen Roder – Fresh PR & Marketing P: 0406 546 461 E: kristen@freshprm.com.au
General event details
Where: Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
When:
Friday, 10 July 2015
Saturday, 11 July 2015
Sunday, 12 July 2015
Opening times:
Gates open 8.00am daily
Gates close 5.00pm Friday and Saturday, 4.00pm Sunday
Disability access:
The showground offers excellent facilities for wheelchair visitors with on-site disabled parking, easy access and ground level exhibits along with disabled toilet facilities. Guide dogs are welcome.
Tickets:
Adults $18
Aged concession card holders $16
Groups (10 or more) $16
Children (15 and under with accompanying adult) Free
Two-day weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) – Adults $30
Three-day entry pass $40
Three-day car pass $15
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