Record crowds expected for this year’s event
From sunshine and soil to speakers and swarms of people at the ready, the countdown is on for Australia’s largest sub-tropical gardening event, the Queensland Garden Expo, with gates opening to the public this Friday, 8 July.
With more than 7 hectares of inspiration, an incredible 60,000 plants on sale each day and Australia’s largest gardening speaker program, the Nambour Showgrounds has been transformed into a gardener’s paradise.
With plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs sprouting in backyards and on balconies around the country,Event Manager Marion Beazley said this year’s Expo is expected to draw a record crowd for the three-day event.
“After the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to cancel in 2020, and restrictions created road barriers for some of our key speakers to attend last year’s event, we are delighted to be back in full swing for the first time since 2019,” Ms Beazley said.
“We know plant sales skyrocketed throughout the pandemic, resulting in an increase in people gardening, so we’re excited to see the number of new faces at year’s event.
“We’re anticipating we’ll see our biggest crowd yet, with an estimated 15,000 people expected to flood through the gates each day of the Expo.”
Approximately 65 per cent of visitors, who attend the Expo, come from outside the region – which equates to a direct economic impact of more than $10 million to the Sunshine Coast.
“The benefit to the region not only extends to those exhibiting at the event but far beyond the Nambour Showgrounds, including the accommodation providers, restaurants, our tourist attractions, retail and all the suppliers who support these businesses,” Ms Beazley said.
This year’s expo will be the 37th Queensland Garden Expo which has grown from a modest crowd of 300 people in 1984 to the 300 plus exhibitor event that it is today, attracting tens of thousands of people.
“The Expo gives anyone who comes through the gates access to a wealth of knowledge and experience from some of Australia’s top gardening gurus. From the diverse range of more than 40 speakers available to experts from the 55 nurseries exhibiting practical tips and advance are on hand for anyone looking for answers,” Ms Beazley said.
“A must-see for this year will be our Landscape Display garden, which will be a collaborative effort by three Sunshine Coast landscapers, focused on rainwater harvesting with a down to earth natural feel throughout.
“These artists are all very excited to show you what they can create together – Taylor’d Waterscapes specialises in water features, Garden Art in landscape and structural design, and Earth Art prides themselves on bespoke timber furniture and structures.”
ABC Gardening Australia’s Sophie Thomson comes back year after year and said she is looking forward to delving into the positive impacts gardening poses for the mind and body and detailing why she considers gardening food for the soul.
“Various studies have associated horticultural activities and garden settings with reduced stress levels, feelings of calm and relaxation, heightened levels of attention and self-esteem, and enhanced memory function,” Ms Thomson said.
“You only have to wander out to your patch and take a few deep breaths to feel the sense of calm and tranquillity that gardening brings.”
Tickets are $20 for adults, while children 15 and under are free. To find out more and purchase tickets online, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.
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Media contact — Natalie Baker, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0438 827 766 E: natalie@freshprm.com.au
