Australia’s largest sub-tropical garden expo is back for another bumper year, with organisers announcing the 2018 Queensland Garden Expo will be held on the Sunshine Coast between 13 and 15 July.
The event – now in its 34th year – is expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
Event Manager Marion Beazley said some of the nation’s leading gardening experts including Costa Georgiadis, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Sophie Thomson from Gardening Australia would join the 2018 speaker line-up.
“The Queensland Garden Expo has the largest speaker program of any gardening event in Australia, offering three days of lectures, demonstrations and workshops,” Ms Beazley said.
“We expect the 2018 program will feature more than 120 presentations across eight stages and cover everything from the latest gardening trends right through to optimising conditions to help attendees’ gardens thrive.”
Ms Beazley said following the success of the new ‘reflection gardens’ in 2017, the initiative would be making a return this year.
“The reflection gardens showcase the works of a number of nurseries, landscapers and artists and provide inspiration for creating a welcoming, functional space in the backyard.”
“They all centre around a designated theme and if last year is anything to go by, we’re likely to see creative metalwork and water features as well as entertaining areas and beautiful plants featured.”
The designs are independently judged by a panel of experts and the public will have the opportunity to choose their favourite in the People’s Choice Award.”
“We look forward to revealing the 2018 theme in the coming weeks.”
Ms Beazley said also making a comeback in July was the highly regarded plant clinic.
“Whether it’s assistance with plant identification or help tackling gardening problems or queries, our experienced team members endeavour to answer any curly questions about your garden patch.”
“The Cook’s Garden Stage will also offer advice on growing your own produce and turning it into delicious everyday meals, and the Giant Kitchen Garden feature area will showcase an organic food court complete with a fully planted sustainable garden.”
“Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a first time gardener, there really is something for everyone at this year’s expo.”
The event is expected to feature over 55 nurseries and 360 exhibitors, with an estimated 40,000 plants selling each day.
The 2018 Queensland Garden Expo will be held between 13 and 15 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour. To find out more and purchase tickets online, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.
Fast facts — Queensland Garden Expo:
Three-day event
40,000-plus attendees
360-plus exhibitors and displays including 55 nurseries
120-plus free lectures and demonstrations
Eight speaker stages
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