The 41st Queensland Garden Show wrapped up on a high note, concluding three days of expert advice, spectacular displays, and a shared love of gardening and community spirit that brought together more than 38,000 enthusiasts last weekend.
Held at the Nambour Showgrounds, this year’s event featured the largest-ever lineup of exhibitors, speakers, and hands-on activities, delivering an unparalleled experience for gardening enthusiasts of all ages.
Event manager Marion Beazley described the response to this year’s Queensland Garden Show as “overwhelming,” calling it one of the most successful events in the Show’s history.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the turnout. It was fantastic to see so many people coming together to celebrate their love of gardening across three sun-filled, action-packed days,” Ms Beazley said.
“Every corner of the Show was buzzing with activity – from passionate home gardeners seeking advice, to families enjoying our free kids’ workshops or a ramble in the Kitchen Garden. The Show is always a beautiful reminder of how gardening brings people together and creates a real sense of community.”
“For many this is the annual highlight to finish the July school holidays with hundreds of families enjoying the interactive kids’ activities, including the ever-popular Costa the Garden Gnome.”
ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis was once again a crowd favourite, captivating audiences with his signature enthusiasm, down-to-earth wisdom and genuine connection – especially with the youngest of green thumbs.
“The Queensland Garden Show is like a living, breathing organism – it grows bigger and more beautiful by the year!” Mr Georgiadis said.
“What I love most is the way this event brings all generations together. You’ve got children getting their hands dirty, learning where their food comes from and falling in love with the natural world – right alongside their parents and grandparents. Observing, and connecting with plants and nature builds a love and desire to protect their world.
“That kind of energy is magic. And the generosity of this community, from the volunteers to the growers and the families who travel to be here, makes this one of the most inspiring garden gatherings in the country.”
From Friday to Sunday, the Showgrounds were transformed into a seven-hectare gardening paradise, with over 360 exhibitors, more than 100 talks and demonstrations and 60,000 plants on sale each day.
Visitors explored boutique nurseries, rare plant collections, floral displays, the bustling poultry section and had access to all the latest and most innovative garden products.
For the first time in the event’s history, the Queensland Minister for Tourism attended the Show, marking its status as an iconic annual event on the state’s calendar.
“Having the Minister here really highlighted how important the Show is to Queensland tourism,” Ms Beazley said.
“Over the past four decades, the Queensland Garden Show has contributed more than $200 million to the local economy and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
“That’s money flowing directly into the pockets of Sunshine Coast locals – not just within the nursery and gardening industry, but across cafés and restaurants, retail stores and accommodation providers, and a ripple effect that benefits local food suppliers, laundromats, cleaners, event suppliers and countless other local businesses.
“With around 25,000 visitors travelling from outside the region, the Show plays a significant role in supporting local jobs and boosting the broader community.”
The Show’s six live stages hosted more than 100 free talks and demonstrations, making it Australia’s largest gardening speaker program.
The line-up, who all shared their expertise, inspiring audiences with practical tips and the latest trends in home horticulture, included other ABC Gardening Australia icons including Jerry Coleby-Williams, Sophie Thomson, Millie Ross and, making his Show debut, Better Homes and Gardens host Charlie Albone.
Another highlight was artist and landscaper Tohm Hajncl who designed the Giant Kitchen Garden installation, crafted from recycled materials to showcase the power of creativity and sustainability. Supported by nearly 20 volunteers, including students from the Compass Institute, the installation embodied the Show’s community driven ethos.
The Cook’s Garden Stage, hosted by Martin Duncan, featured star chefs such as Matt Golinski, Cameron Matthews, Peter Kuruvita, Tom Hitchcock and Sophie Phipps.
Their paddock-to-plate demonstrations celebrated local produce and sustainable cooking, while the Living Backyard precinct offered expert advice on attracting wildlife and creating eco-friendly gardens.
For more information visit www.qldgardenshow.com.au.
