Australia’s largest gardening event is set to return to the Sunshine Coast in July.
The Queensland Garden Show, from July 10 to 12, will bring together horticultural experts, chefs and gardening personalities from across Australia for three days of education, inspiration and hands-on advice.
More than 90 free talks and demonstrations across five live stages will be hosted at the Nambour Showgrounds.
ABC Gardening Australia presenter, author of The Plant Book and 2021 Horticulturist of the Year Tammy Huynh, said she was excited to make her first appearance at the show.
“One of the things I love most about gardening events is the opportunity to connect with other plant enthusiasts, share knowledge and learn something new,” she said.
“I’m also looking forward to seeing the amazing range of plants for sale and soaking up the fantastic atmosphere that the show is known for.
“My sessions will explore indoor plant care, common problems and some of the biggest myths surrounding houseplants, with plenty of practical tips to help people grow with confidence.”
Greenlife Industry QLD chief executive officer Colin Fruk said the speaker program remained one of the event’s biggest drawcards and a key reason visitors travel from across Australia to attend.
“The Queensland Garden Show has built a reputation as the place where gardeners can learn directly from some of the country’s most knowledgeable and respected growers and horticultural experts, and this year’s program reflects the incredible diversity of Australia’s gardening community,” he said.
“Welcoming Tammy Huynh to the show for the first time is a real highlight.
“She represents a new generation of horticultural voices that are helping make gardening more accessible, joyful and relevant for everyday Australians.
“At the same time, we’re delighted to welcome back some of the gardening industry’s most trusted and recognisable personalities who continue to inspire visitors year after year.”
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Returning favourites include Graham Ross, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Phil Dudman, while first-time presenter Robert ‘The Mountain Man’ Wilson will share his expertise in legacy horticulture.
The Cooks Garden Stage will feature chefs including Mal Meiers, head chef of ēthos at Alsahwa Estate, Kenji Hiroto from SOKA, Matt Golinski and Robert Cauilan, executive chef at Aussie World and the Banana Bender Pub, showcasing fresh produce and seasonal cooking.
Mr Fruk said the release of the three-day program would help visitors plan their experience, with sessions designed for gardeners of all skill levels.
“Whether you’re interested in rare, unusual and ornamental plants, new plant releases, growing your own food at home, creating a more sustainable garden or simply learning from some of the best minds in horticulture, there is something in the program for every gardener,” he said.
“The Queensland Garden Show gives people a unique opportunity to learn from the very best, ask questions in person and head home with practical ideas that can be put into action straight away.”
Beyond the speaker stages, visitors will be able to explore the Giant Kitchen Garden, get personalised advice at the Plant Clinic, participate in hands-on workshops and browse Queensland’s largest collection of plants for sale in one location.
The popular rooster crowing competition will also return as part of the Poultry Spectacular, inviting adults and children alike to compete for the title of best rooster crow.
The event, now in its 42nd year, attracts more than 25,000 visitors annually and features more than 360 exhibitors, including 55 nurseries selling around 60,000 plants each day.
Gates will open at 8am daily at the showgrounds on Coronation Avenue.
