The Queensland Garden Show has unveiled its much-anticipated program, featuring a powerhouse line-up of gardening royalty, celebrity guests and top chefs, all set to share expert insights and demonstrate paddock-to-plate flavours, as part of Australia’s largest gardening speaker program.
Queensland’s biggest annual gardening event returns to the Sunshine Coast this July across three days, offering more than 100 free talks and demonstrations across six live stages.
Making his show debut is acclaimed landscape designer Charlie Albone from Better Homes & Gardens and Selling Homes Australia fame. The celebrity newcomer has expertise spanning more than 20 years, from private estates to international showcases like the Chelsea Flower Show where he has won two Silver Gilt medals.
Mr Albone said he was delighted to be joining the likes of Costa Georgiadis, Sophie Thomson, Millie Ross, Jerry Coleby-Williams, Claire Bickle and Phil Dudman, to contribute to the country’s largest and most diverse speaker program when he shares his insights into topics like getting your planting right when it comes to lawns, trees and garden beds; and making your garden look good in every season.
“I am thrilled to head up north where it’s warmer and be part of the Show, there is so much happening and there’s something for everyone, those that fancy themselves as gardening experts and complete beginners. It will be a great family day out,” Mr Albone said.
Visitors can also expect insights on everything from achieving the best lawn in the street — organically — to growing great-looking, great-tasting veggies, mastering composting, exploring edible flowers and medicinal plants, gardening on a budget, and discovering how gardening can support health and wellbeing.
This year the Cook’s Garden Stage will benefit from a fresh new partnership with The Curated Plate — Queensland’s premier 10-day food and drink festival — which will see acclaimed chefs also make their debut in the speaker line-up.
Local chefs and passionate foodies include much-loved chef and writer Matt Golinski returning to the show for his third year, and Queensland Garden Show first-timers; TV presenter and Culinary Director for The Curated Plate Peter Kuruvita; paddock-to-plate pioneer at the Mapleton Public House Cameron Matthews; Head Chef at the Spirit House Tom Hitchcock; and Head Chef at Alsahwa Estate Sophie Phipps.
Event manager Marion Beazley said the new collaborations bring a fresh flavour to this year’s Queensland Garden Show program, leaving no surprise as to why it continues to attract more than 40,000 visitors annually.
“We’ve curated our most diverse and dynamic speaker program yet, marking an exciting new era for the Show — whether you’re a budding plant enthusiast, a seasoned gardener or simply eager to get a burning question answered or learn how to turn your garden harvest into delicious meals, there’s something to excite and inspire all taste buds on every stage,” Ms Beazley said.
“And of course, we are always excited to welcome back firm crowd favourites like ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, who will share his special brand of enthusiasm and infectious passion for all things gardening.”
Ms Beazley said she can’t wait to welcome new and returning visitors to dig deeper into the connection between garden, flavour and lifestyle with expert talks, live demos, family-friendly activities, and interactive workshops led by some of Australia’s most respected gardening personalities and experts.
Other returning zones that have become crowd favourites include the Giant Kitchen Garden, where visitors can learn how to create a fully planted sustainable garden at home, and the Living Backyard offering advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden.
Each year the show draws visitors eager to explore the latest in gardening, sustainability and landscaping trends from over 360 exhibitors, including dozens of nurseries selling up to 50,000 plants per day.
“Forty-one years on, the Queensland Garden Show remains the perfect place for families and casual visitors to gardening enthusiasts at all levels — whether you’re designing your dream garden, picking up planting tips, or just soaking up the lush surroundings and community atmosphere,” Ms Beazley said.
The Queensland Garden Show returns to the Nambour Showgrounds for three days of family-friendly, grassroots fun from Thursday 11 to Sunday 13 July.
