2015 garden expo in full bloom
Australia’s largest sub-tropical gardening event has kicked off on the Sunshine Coast today, with thousands of dedicated green thumbs flocking to Nambour Showgrounds to learn tips and tricks from some of the country’s most renowned gardening experts, get their hands on the latest plant releases and be inspired by the stunning landscape garden displays.
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.
“The line-up of acclaimed garden experts is also set to impress, with Graham Ross, Costa Georgiadis, Jerry Coleby-Williams, Angus Stewart, Annette McFarlane and Noel Burdette all taking to the stage.”
Ms Beazley said more than 80 workshops, lectures and demonstrations across eight stages were 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.”
Ms Beazley said following days of hard work and planning, inspirational landscape displays from a number of Queensland landscapers including SJ Landscapes, Waterscapes Australia and iLandscapes had also come to life, with the designs sure to give gardeners plenty of ideas to use in 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 are 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.”
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 until 12 July. For more information and to access the full program, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.
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Media contact: Maya Gurry – Fresh PR & Marketing P: 0410 109 102 E: maya@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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