Move over fashion trends — Plant Hacks and #PlantTok are the latest viral sensations sprouting a new era of gardening enthusiasts and keeping thousands of Aussies happily getting their hands dirty.
TikTok and Instagram have sparked a rebranded green-thumbed movement among young Australians, with recent research from The Australian Institute finding 45 per cent of Aussies — around 9 million people — now grow their own food, with almost four in five young Aussies aged 18–39 saying they’re keen to get started.*
Both budding and seasoned plant lovers scroll for #GardenGlowUp inspiration daily, contributing to millions of views on content from notable Aussie plant-fluencers.
Much-loved Australian gardening icon and ABC Gardening Australia host, Costa Georgiadis, who speaks at the Queensland Garden Show every year, is embracing the movement as a proud plant-fluencer with more than 219,000 Facebook followers and 120,000 Instagram followers.
“My grandparents really planted the seed — literally and figuratively — for my love of nature and gardening, and my passion just grew from there,” Mr Georgiadis said.
“Their garden was like my mecca, and now it’s #PlantTok that’s inspiring a new generation of gardeners!
“Social media gives us an incredible power to inspire grounded actions from small screens, with these viral trends offering a priceless opportunity to cultivate lasting passion for gardening with tips and tricks millions can connect with.
“For me it is about connecting to people where they are at: if that is on social media, if it is on free to air or iView, if it is on the wide world of podcast, if it is weekly blogs, talkback radio or even magazines. Every platform is a point of connection that brings different generations to the world of plants that we live in and love.”
This trend transcends online to bloom in real life as a whole new audience of inspired followers seeks out events like the Queensland Garden Show — Queensland’s biggest annual gardening event — to be inspired in person, seek advice from experts and to stock up on all the gardening goodies they’ve seen online.
“The Queensland Garden Show is an incredible way to bring this digital buzz to life, and I love seeing this online community connect in person over a shared passion — it’s a fantastic weekend that leaves everyone eager to grow something amazing or to try something new,” Mr Georgiadis said.
“From houseplants to courtyard or balcony gardens to expansive rolling properties, everyone can be inspired!”
Expo Chairman Simon Smith from Blue Sky Nursery who has exhibited at the Queensland Garden Show for more than 20 years, said he’s noticed a distinct shift in the types of garden enthusiasts fronting up at the event, as well as what’s trending.
“We’re seeing a younger demographic who aren’t just planting succulents anymore. They are well informed as to the plants they are looking for and how to care for them thanks to online inspiration,” Mr Smith said.
“We’ve also seen a real rise in the popularity of rarer and more advanced houseplants including collectable Philodendron, Alocasia, Monstera, Spathiphyllum and Calathea to name a few. Many tell us they have been inspired by online content and then coming to events like the Queensland Garden Show gives them access to everything they need in one location, especially as there are dozens of nurseries on display.”
Queensland Garden Show Event Manager Marion Beazley said the growing popularity of gardening amongst young people marks an exciting new era for the Queensland Garden Show, which continues to attract more than 40,000 visitors annually.
“In the last 10 years, we have definitely seen a growing number of younger people attend the event with social media platforms no doubt playing an important role in educating and inspiring a new generation of gardeners – in fact, our social media followers have doubled in the past five years,” Ms Beazley said.
“Forty-one years since its inception, the Show remains a must-visit and we now see around 65 per cent of visitors coming from outside the region. It’s been incredible to see it grow beyond hardened green thumbs and industry professionals to welcome absolute beginners and #PlantTok fans just starting their gardening journey or nurturing a new passion.”
The Queensland Garden Show returns to the Nambour Showgrounds for three days of family friendly, grassroots fun from Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July. Each year, visitors can explore seven hectares offering the latest in gardening, sustainability and landscaping trends from over 360 exhibitors, including 55 nurseries selling up to 50,000 plants per day.
Returning favourites include the Giant Kitchen Garden, where visitors can learn how to create a fully planted sustainable garden at home; the Living Backyard zone offering advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden; and the Cook’s Garden Stage which will welcome a renowned lineup of local chefs and foodies.
To find out more about the Queensland Garden Show and purchase tickets online, visit qldgardenshow.com.au // Ends.
*’Grow Your Own’ November 2024 Report by The Australia Institute and Grow It Local.
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FAST FACTS
- Three-day event from 11-13 July
- More than 7 hectares of gardening inspiration
- 360-plus exhibitors and displays, including 55 nurseries with 50,000 plants for sale each day
- 120-plus free lectures and demonstrations across 6 live speaker stages
- 40,000-plus attendees
- 65% visitation from outside the Sunshine Coast region injecting around $200 million into the local economy over the past four decades
MORE DETAILS
Where: Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast
When: Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July 2025
Opening times: Gates open 8 am and close 4 pm daily
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: Tickets available for purchase at www.qldgardenshow.com.au.
– Adult entry – $26.50 (online) / $29 (gate price)
– Pensioner concession – $23.50 (online) / $25 (gate price)
– Children 15 years and under – Free
– Groups of 10 or more – $20 each
– Two-day weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) – $45
– Three-day pass – $65
– Parking: $10 per car
