Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show ready to bloom

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show will transform Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building into a horticultural paradise this week.

As the southern hemisphere’s largest garden and flower festival, this year’s show, on from March 29 to April 02, promises to offer something for everyone.

One of the highlights of this year’s show is the Landscape Design Show Garden Competition, which features ten captivating displays from renowned designers, including Ireland’s Peter Donegan. Each exhibition is themed around connection, sustainability, mindset, and composition, providing visitors with a plethora of backyard inspiration. Guests can also vote for their favourite garden in the People’s Choice Award.

For those who want to relax and rejuvenate in nature, the Scotts Osmocote Welcome Garden, designed by Jason Hodges, will offer daily Tai Chi, meditation, and mindfulness sessions.

The Royal Exhibition Building will host millions of flowers, feature the Hanging Basket Competition and floral displays by top designers. It will also include an elevated Wedding Showcase led by John Emmanuel and a floral fashion exhibition by RMIT students.

Returning after a successful launch in 2022, the Ryman Healthcare Balcony Garden Competition and the London College of Garden Design Border Garden Competition will showcase how urban dwellers can utilize their living spaces creatively, regardless of the dimensions. The popular Boutique Garden Competition will also feature five impressive landscape designers offering their own interpretations of 5m x 5m designs.

The Scotts Osmocote Indoor Plant Zone, situated within Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, offers an immersive experience for indoor plant enthusiasts. Horticulturist Melissa King provides free advice, while visitors can browse the latest science-based plant care products. Outside in Carlton Gardens, guests can start their own plant families with free 15-minute indoor planter and succulent growing sessions at the Scotts Osmocote marquee.

For those who want to experience the show in a new light, Gardens at Night will illuminate Carlton Gardens until 9pm on March 31 for Gardens by Twilight. Visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibitions under a different light, indulge in food and beverages from The Prosecco Van and Wine Selectors Wine Garden, and join small-group tours led by horticulturist Chloe Thomson.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show offers an exciting line-up of workshops and hands-on activities suitable for all ages of garden enthusiasts. Attendees can participate in Brush and Bubbles ‘paint and sip’ sessions, floral design classes by Julia Rose, and Japanese Kokedama workshops by Brunswick Nursery. Garden expert Matt Leacy will also deliver daily talks on plant care at the Ryman Healthcare marquee.

The show also offers opportunities for budding landscapers and garden experts to connect with top universities, TAFEs, and industry experts. The NGIV Grow Your Future Hub provides students and parents with free advice from professionals. Industry elites will deliver daily talks on the Main Stage presented by Solar Victoria, while the next generation of gurus will showcase practical outdoor solutions in the Achievable Gardens.

Finally, the show will feature a stunning collection of floral and plant-inspired prints and paintings by the country’s top artists on the mezzanine level of Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building. Visitors can also view Peugeot’s latest models and purchase art pieces. In Carlton Gardens, esteemed artists will demonstrate their skills while metal, wood, and limestone sculptures decorate the Sculpture Precinct.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is the horticultural industry’s biggest annual gathering, and tickets are now on sale at melbflowershow.com.au. With such a diverse and exciting line-up of activities, it promises to be a memorable experience for all visitors.

Tickets are now on sale at melbflowershow.com.au

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