Inaugural international garden show blooms in Brisbane
October 2, 2015
The countdown to the Brisbane International Garden Show has begun, with more than 30,000 gardening enthusiasts set to join nationally and internationally renowned horticulture and landscaping experts including Graham Ross, Jim Fogarty and Jerry Coleby-Williams next week at Pine Rivers Park for the inaugural event.
Event Manager Marion Beazley said the four-day garden show would be held between 8 and 11 October and would welcome everyone from seasoned growers, right through to gardening novices and those simply looking for an enjoyable family day out.
“The Brisbane International Garden Show caters for people of all ages and gardening ability, incorporating a comprehensive program of lectures and demonstrations, a free children’s playground, landscape garden displays and over 160 exhibitors showcasing the latest plant ranges and gardening supplies,” Ms Beazley said.
“With more and more people embracing the concept of eating organically and growing food for the family at home, we expect the Organic Kitchen Garden feature area will prove very popular at this year’s event.”
“This area will be a hive of activity, with a fully planted sustainable garden, lectures, demonstrations and workshops and a host of permaculture and organic gardening experts on hand to answer any questions from attendees.”
Ms Beazley said the event would also incorporate a free plant clinic, enabling attendees to pitch any curly questions to a dedicated team of gardening experts.
“Our experienced gardening crew is able to assist with plant identification and any gardening issues from pest management, right through to companion planting and growing in the sub-tropics.”
Ms Beazley said attendees would be provided with the opportunity to hear from some of the most renowned gardening personalities from across Australia and beyond, with Better Homes and Gardens presenter Graham Ross; acclaimed landscape designer Jim Forgarty; Gardening Australia presenter Jerry Coleby-Williams; and ABC Gardening Australia Magazine Horticultural Editor Phil Dudman just some of the high profile industry experts taking to the stage.
“We’re also delighted to be welcoming The Block’s Dale Vine — an experienced landscaper — as well as Brisbane-based horticultural experts Noel Burdette and Claire Bickle to the event, who will be presenting regularly throughout the four-day show,” Ms Beazley said.
“Another great addition to the program is Dominique Liv Kamal, who will be outlining ways to treat inflammation using turmeric and herbs, and also how to detox using herbs and plants.”
Ms Beazley said some of the other topics being explored by the 30-plus speakers included spring gardening trends; organic strategies for garden pest and disease management; new release plants, kick starting a productive veggie patch; keeping chickens; and growing citrus and tropical fruits.
“Some presentations that will be of particular interest to people living in apartment blocks and on small plots of urban land are those outlining innovative ways to garden when you have limited space.”
“Dale Vine will be offering landscaping ideas for small spaces; Noel Burdette will provide insight into selecting the most suitable plants for small gardens on day one of the event; Phil Dudman will be providing an overview of the best shade trees to feature in small backyards on days two and three; and we’ll also hear from Anne Gibson and Claire Bickle regarding micro gardening and maximising the use of space.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council Acting Mayor Mike Charlton said the Moreton Bay Region was honoured to host Brisbane’s first International Gardening show.
“The Brisbane International Gardening Show is also the first to be based at Pine Rivers Park since the recent upgrade of the precinct’s amphitheatre and stage area and is part of council’s commitment to cementing the Moreton Bay Region as South East Queensland’s festival and expo event capital,” Cr Charlton said.
“We look forward to hosting many more Brisbane International Garden Shows at Pine Rivers Park in the years ahead and making the Moreton Bay Region an even better place to live, work and grow great gardens.
“I hope to see you and your green thumb at the Brisbane International Garden Show.”
The 2015 Brisbane International Garden Show will incorporate more than 100 presentations across four stages between 8 and 11 October and is expected to attract attendees from around Australia and even as far afield as New Zealand. For more information and to access the full speaker program, please visit www.brisbanegardenshow.com.au.
Brisbane International Garden Show Fast Facts:
- Over 30,000 people are expected to attend the inaugural Brisbane International Garden Show between 8-11 October.
- Visitors are coming from as far afield as New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand, including representatives of the horticultural media.
- 40 nurseries will have over 40,000 plants for sale every day.
- The speaker program will take place on four stages with over 100 presentations over the course of the event.
- Over 160 exhibitors will offer everything gardening related — from a spectacular range of plants to the latest in garden tools, accessories, landscape garden displays, garden art and more.
- More than 4,000 flower and vegetable seedlings will be given away free over the four-day event at the coffee cup upcycling station. When you finish your coffee simply come to the station and get your free seedling planted into your cup.
- Between 150-200 people are preparing for the event on-site every day in the 10-day lead-up to the event.
- Over 200 volunteers from local Lions and Rotary clubs as well as Guide Dogs Queensland will work at the Brisbane International Garden Show to ensure the event runs smoothly.
- Over 700m of fencing and 80 marquees have been set-up on-site in the past few days.
- 2,000 purple and pink petunias, 1,500 pots of flowers, 500 bales of cane mulch and 12 hot pink wheelbarrows are just a few of the things being delivered to the site to create some great displays and a real celebration of spring.
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Media contact: Maya Gurry – Fresh PR & Marketing T : 0410 109 102 E: maya@freshprm.com.au
General event details
Where: Pine Rivers Park, Corner Gympie Rd & Kremzow Rd, Strathpine
When: Thursday, 8 October 2015 – Sunday, 11 October 2015
Opening times:
Gates open 9.00am daily
Gates close 5.00pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 4.00pm Sunday
Disability access: The venue 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 $20
Aged concession card holders $18
Groups (10 or more) $18
Children (15 and under with accompanying adult) Free
Three-day pass $45
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