Young Australians are switching more and more from fashion trends and gaming to on-line hacks and podcasts about gardening. ERLE LEVEY was keen to find out more about what is driving this shift.
“It’s inspiring to see everyone from first-time plant owners asking beginner questions to seasoned gardening gurus offering advice.”
There’s nothing quite like getting your hands dirty … getting out there with the mulch and the manure, the seedlings and the potting mix, the blossoms, the blooms and the foliage.
A man on a mission to highlight the growing interest of gardening to new generations is Simon Smith, Queensland Garden Show chairman and an exhibitor for more than 20 years.
What Simon has noticed in recent years is the way social media is inspiring a new generation of gardeners.
It became noticeable during the Covid pandemic, when people round the world were given a reality check in regard to food sustainability and the benefits of fresh food – more and more of which was being home grown.
Simon, who is general manager at Blue Sky Nursery, is impressed with the way in which Generations X, Y and Z have been taking a keen interest in gardening – whether indoor plants or outside among the natural elements.
“For over 20 years I have worked within the nursery industry promoting the values of Australian native plants.
“I have taken active roles with industry to promote the value of green life and its value to society.’’
Simon has worked with leading botanic gardens, private gardens, world renowned zoos and government agencies.
Outside of work, he loves bush walking and increasing his knowledge about plants.
There is no better example of Simon’s love of gardening than the way it has spilled over to his daughter Sophie, who grew up following her father around garden shows and his own potting shed.
Sophie, 19, is now fully immersed in gardening, working in retail sales and promotions with Blue Sky, and very much involved with the Queensland Garden Show.
“I’m not exactly sure what inspired me to work with plants, but I’ve always been surrounded by them starting from when I was one year old.
“Still, my real passion for plants didn’t begin until high school, when I was about 14 years old.
“It started with just a few indoor plants in my room for decoration. Before long, that small collection grew into a thriving assortment of plants and cuttings.
“Some would even say I have enough to start my own little nursery.’’
As well as what is trending in plants, Simon said there was a distinct shift in the types of garden enthusiasts fronting up at the Queensland Garden Show, to be held from Thursday, 11 July, to Sunday, 13 July, at the Nambour Showgrounds.
“We’re seeing a younger demographic who aren’t simply planting succulents anymore.
“They are well informed as to the plants they are looking for and how to care for them, thanks to online inspiration.
“We’ve also seen a real rise in the popularity of rarer and more advanced houseplants including collectable philodendron, alocasia, monstera, spathiphyllum and calathea to name a few.
“Many tell us they have been inspired by online content and then coming to events like the Queensland Garden Show gives them access to everything they need in one location, especially as there are dozens of nurseries on display.”
Recent research from The Australian Institute has found 45 percent of Australians – about nine million people – now grow their own food, with almost four in five aged 18–39 saying they’re keen to get started.
Both budding and seasoned plant lovers scroll for #GardenGlowUp inspiration daily, contributing to millions of views on content from notable Aussie plant-fluencers.
Australian gardening icon and ABC Gardening Australia host, Costa Georgiadis, who speaks at the Queensland Garden Show every year, is embracing the movement as a proud plant-fluencer with more than 219,000 Facebook followers and 120,000 Instagram followers.
“My grandparents really planted the seed – literally and figuratively – for my love of nature and gardening, and my passion just grew from there,” Costa said.
“Their garden was like my mecca, and now it’s #PlantTok that’s inspiring a new generation of gardeners.
“Social media gives us an incredible power to inspire grounded actions from small screens, with these viral trends offering a priceless opportunity to cultivate lasting passion for gardening with tips and tricks millions can connect with.
“For me it is about connecting to people where they are at: if that is on social media, if it is on free to air or iView, if it is on the wide world of podcast, if it is weekly blogs, talkback radio or even magazines. Every platform is a point of connection that brings different generations to the world of plants that we live in and love.”
This trend transcends online to bloom in real life as a whole new audience of inspired followers seeks out events like the Queensland Garden Show – Queensland’s biggest annual gardening event – to be inspired in person, seek advice from experts and to stock up on all the gardening goodies they’ve seen online.
“The Queensland Garden Show is an incredible way to bring this digital buzz to life, and I love seeing this online community connect in person over a shared passion – it’s a fantastic weekend that leaves everyone eager to grow something amazing or to try something new,” Costa said.
“From houseplants to courtyard or balcony gardens to expansive rolling properties, everyone can be inspired.”
I caught up with Simon Smith at Blue Sky Nursery at North Arm, who grabbed a golf buggy and gave me a tour of the facility.
There is 75 acres backing onto the North Maroochy River, with about two thirds taken up by plants ranging from the propagation stage to in-ground trees.
He showed me tree ferns that are up to 5 m in height that can be dropped into landscaping projects and have an instant effect.
“This one is absolutely fantastic … Little Aussie Larrikin. It’s a hybrid which comes from one of our offshore islands but loves full sun whereas others have to start in shade.’’
The hot houses are to control moisture levels as well as sunlight, and used for plants that love that little bit of extra warmth in winter and may be susceptible to frosts.
Simon points out a plant that is the flavour of the month – the cigar plant or calithea letea. Named because it looks like a tobacco leaf yet when they unfold, it completely unwraps with dark green on the top of the leaf and a silver sheen underneath.
It is somewhat drought tolerant but prefers light, warmth, and well-watered and well-drained soil.
New bougainvillea lines will also be in prominence at the garden show, Simon said.
They fell out of favour in the early 1990s because they were very vigorous and rampant, with huge thorns – they grew to be massive plants and they just took over.
New varieties coming through are smaller and even lend themselves to hanging baskets or even bonsai as they are more compact.
The other great benefit is they flower for a great period of time.
Among the bougainvilleas are treasure, that produces dark green foliage and small magenta bracts that mature to a rich magenta purple.
Hawaiian gold produces large, rounded and bright gold bracts that fade to a pinkish gold.
Bougainvillea purple will draw the crowd wherever it is planted. It loves the sun and is best grown in frost-free locations.
A native ground orchid – spathoglottis plicata – is becoming known for its hardiness and fast growth.
They suit people with little gardening experience, as the plants are exceptionally hardy.
“Most people kill orchids with kindness, which is over-watering,’’ Simon said.
“When they stop flowering just put them outside in part shade for a while, then bring them back in and place on a window sill.
“You only need to repot them every couple of years.’’
When Simon is at home he propagates rare and endangered Australian native plants and trees.
He believes they should be brought more and more into mainstream use, such as landscaping and street trees, rather than fall more and more for eucalypts.
The Eumundi quandong is a tree that everyone wants in their yard, he said, and the hard quondong is becoming popular in developments at the southern end of the Coast.
“Just 10-15 years ago no-one asked for them,’’ Simon said, “but there are so many great native plants that we should be utilising on the Sunshine Coast.
“In particular in our parks and gardens as they are exceptionally hardy.’’
THE COMING GENERATIONS
What Simon has noticed throughout the gardening industry is that young people are really interested and knowledgable.
Not just because the plants look pretty, but as they know how to care for them.
“A lot of it now is sharing on social media, which is good for how to propagate and swap ideas as well as plants. It’s very encouraging to see.
“Covid almost forced us into gardening, and we have evolved from that. It seems a long time ago but we are still feeling it.
“There were some positive aspects. It made people slow down, it made them spend time in their homes and gardens.
“The lock-downs made people realise the importance of food security and hopefully they now have some herbs in a pot on a verandah, or a small backyard to grow some vegies.
“Any size block can give a start. It’s much healthier for you, saves money, and is good exercise to get out in the sunshine and do it.
“The flip side is you have access to share some fruits of your labour and that builds community spirit.’’
A GROWING PASSION FOR PLANTS
Sophie Smith has gained hands-on experience in numerous outdoor positions at Blue Sky Nursery, including landscape dispatch, retail preparation, and hot house maintenance.
These roles have allowed her to develop a strong understanding of plant care and knowledge, nursery operations, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a nursery running smoothly.
“This combination of customer service and practical experience has deepened my appreciation for the industry and strengthened my passion for working with plants.
“During high school I was always inquisitive and eager to learn new things. I enjoyed hands-on subjects such as metal fabrication, woodwork, and design, and even completed a TAFE course in light vehicle mechanics – to gain practical skills I could use in life.’’
Sophie also loved science, especially biology … exploring topics such as ecosystems, photosynthesis, anatomy, and evolution.
Learning from the natural world around her and personal experiences within it, brought a feeling of peace.
“My love for plants comes from them being living things that provide oxygen and something to nurture.
“Similar to relationships with people, each different plant teaches you what makes them happy and what they thrive on.
“Watching a seedling sprout or a baby cutting’s first leaf unravelling is always a rewarding journey.
“My plants give a sense of pride and I enjoy watching them develop and flourish.’’
It’s always gratifying when a new leaf unfolds or your favourite flower finally blooms with a burst of sweet fragrance, Sophie said.
“Nurturing plants can give powerful insights on connecting with not only nature and yourself, but there is also similar traits of caring and understanding that people can learn and practice with others to create a kinder space for all.
“Beyond the personal connection with plants and what they can teach you, they are trendy and aesthetic.
“Friends are often seeking advice on what to grow in their homes: ’What’s the easiest thing to keep alive’ or ’which one won’t I kill Sophie?’
“Over the past few years I’ve learned a great deal about plants, with much of my knowledge coming from social media.
“From quick tips on plant care to creative propagation techniques, I’ve found short posts and videos to be incredibly informative.
“Social media is a powerful tool that allows people to connect and share their experiences and knowledge. It’s inspiring to see everyone from first-time plant owners asking beginner questions to seasoned gardening gurus offering advice.
“People of all ages, from all around the world, are coming together to celebrate their love for plants – and that sense of community is something I really value.’’
When Sophie is not tending to her plants she often finds herself drawn to nature. That can be with her love of travelling and exploring new places, especially those off the beaten path.
“There’s something incredibly rewarding about stumbling across a hidden trail that leads to a quiet waterfall or a secluded swimming hole – it feels like discovering a secret world untouched by the rush of everyday life.
“These peaceful moments outdoors give me the chance to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world around me.
“As I walk through forests or rock-hop along creeks, I often find myself trying to identify the different plants I come across.
“It fascinates me how diverse and resilient plant life can be. I think it can be refreshing to reflect with nature, whether it’s a tiny moss clinging to a rock face or a tree sprouting from the side of a cliff, I’m always in awe of how adaptable nature is and inspired that we can overcome our adversities in the same way plants do.
“These experiences constantly deepen my appreciation of plants and remind me why I’m so passionate about working with them.’’
Speaking with Simon, Costa and Sophie it quickly becomes apparent that gardening offers young people much more than just growing plants – it’s a chance to connect with nature, develop patience, and learn responsibility.
It can be a hands-on way to understand where food comes from, appreciate the environment, and see the results of consistent care and effort.
Gardening can also be a creative outlet, a stress-reliever, and a way to build confidence as you watch your plants grow and thrive … and it’s a skill that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Spending time in the garden helps young people get fresh air and exercise, which is good for both physical and mental health.
“It encourages mindfulness and can be a break from screens and busy schedules,’’ Sophie said.
“There are important lessons to learn about patience and the natural cycles of life. It also fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride when you nurture a seed into a flourishing plant.
“Most importantly, it helps build a lifelong connection to the environment, encouraging care and respect for the world around us.’’
The best advice Sophie can give a young person or anyone with an interest in plants, and who doesn’t know where to begin, is to start simple.
“Choose beginner-friendly species that are easy to care for and forgiving of mistakes … species that are hardy, adaptable, and almost impossible to kill, making them perfect for building your confidence.
“Anyone who struggles to remember watering schedules, should consider trying hydroponic growing. Some plants do well in water alone, and growing them in glass vases can add a sleek, elegant touch to your home while being low maintenance.
“Most importantly, be patient with your plants and with yourself.
“Every plant grows at its own pace, and mistakes are part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you.
“Social media is a great resource, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or join plant communities where beginners and experts alike share advice and support.
“Gardening is all about discovery, so stay curious and enjoy the journey.’’
FAST FACTS
Queensland Garden Show: Three-day event from 11–13 July 2025;
More than 360 exhibitors, 100-plus free lectures and demonstrations across five live speaker stages;
Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour
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 available for purchase at www.qldgardenshow.com.au.
