Garden Expo child’s play for families

June 23, 2015

School may soon be out but local parents can look forward to a reprieve from school holiday boredom in the final week of the break with the 2015 Queensland Garden Expo set to provide entertainment for kids of all ages between 10 and 12 July 2015.

And the good news is, kids get in free!

Queensland Garden Expo Event Manager Marion Beazley said the children’s zone with free activities such as the giant slide, cup-and-saucer ride and jumping castle would no doubt be a great distraction for the kids between their parents browsing the 300 plus exhibitor booths at the Expo.

“While garden events have been renowned for attracting a more senior crowd in years gone by, the reality is that younger generations have really embraced the gardening culture over the last decade and now make up a significant portion of attendees passing through the gates,” Ms Beazley said.

“Gone are the days when gardening was solely the realm of green-thumbed grandmas and grandads; nowadays there is much more of a focus being placed on sustainable living and caring for the environment. More and more people are embracing the idea of introducing their own plot to the backyard and involving the whole family in the gardening experience.”

Ms Beazley said the 2015 Queensland Garden Expo program incorporated a range of gardening presentations and activities that would appeal to children, with well-known horticulturalist Claire Bickle delivering a beginners’ workshop on keeping chickens in the backyard.

“The animal-related presentations are always particularly popular with the younger demographic, so we’ve made sure there are plenty of workshops and talks on backyard pets and critters to keep the little ones engaged,” Ms Beazley said.

“From creating a frog-friendly pond right through to attracting birds, wildlife and insects to the backyard and turning household waste to treasure via a worm farm, this year’s Expo program is guaranteed to keep the young animal-lovers entertained.”

“We’ll also have an animal farm at this year’s event — including lambs, piglets, kids, calves and ducks to name a few — and kids will be able to pat and even feed the animals.”

Ms Beazley said children attending the event would also be provided with the opportunity to get hands-on in the garden.

“We have a range of activities planned at the new terrace area at Nambour Showgrounds, with kids able to sink their hands into some potting mix and learn the basics of watering and growing plants.”

“Local children’s entertainer Miss Donna will also be twisting her balloon creations here between 11am and 1pm on Saturday and Sunday, which is always a family favourite.”

“Stilt walkers, musicians and street performers will also add to the festival atmosphere and delight both the young and young-at-heart.”

More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the three-day expo, which includes more than 360 exhibitors and offers a full program of free lectures and demonstrations across eight live stages.

The Queensland Garden Expo will be held between 10 and 12 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. For more information and to access the event program, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.

Expo extra: How to get children involved in the garden

Gardening is such a wonderful way to get children out from in front of the TV or computer and get some fresh air, exercise and learn some new skills. Learning all about important aspects of our natural world can start even in the smallest of backyards. Horticulturalist Claire Bickle shares some tips on how to get children involved in the garden…

1. Give them their own patch, to grow, to care for, to harvest and to eat. It can be edible but may also include flowers for colour and insect activity.
2. Have tools that are made for children – size appropriate is important.
3. Start from scratch: – seed sowing, growing plants from cuttings or bulbs.
4. Wild areas: create areas where nature may be observed such as ponds, birdbaths, insect attracting plants and possum boxes.
5. Get arty: it doesn’t always have to be about growing. Try making scarecrows or sculptures together!
6. Recycle! Teach your kids about household waste and where it goes. Start a worm farm or create a compost heap.
7. Outdoor pets. Can you fit a chook or two in the backyard or maybe even a native bee hive?

// Ends.

Media contact
Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing 0410 109 102 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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