The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is the largest horticultural festival in the southern hemisphere, attracting more than 115,000 visitors each year. The event features hundreds of exhibitors and stalls showcasing a wide range of products and services, including plants, bulbs, cut flowers, garden accessories, botanical art, and clothing.

• Exhibitors and stalls line the avenues and fill the Exhibition Building, retailing a variety of products.
• The event features a range of activities and displays, including the historic Royal Exhibition Building, the Great Hall of Flowers, and the show gardens.
• There are also competitions and exhibitions, including the Best Exhibitor Display, the Best in Show garden, and the Hanging Basket and Scarecrow competitions.

The show is held annually over five days in early autumn, and it is a popular event among gardeners, florists, and anyone interested in horticulture. The festival takes place at the Exhibition Building, which was built in 1880 and is now a registered historic building. The Great Hall of Flowers is a magnificent display of floral arrangements and designs, featuring leading florists, designers, and a stunning selection of floral fashion. The hall is filled with the fragrance of roses, lilies, and other flowers, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. The show gardens are always a highlight of the event, with designers showcasing their skills and creativity. This year, the winner of the Best in Show garden was awarded to Distinctive Gardens for their contemporary design featuring native grasses and plants. Growers Avenue was another favourite display, hosted by Dish the Dirt, which showcased cut flower growers from across the region. The avenue was filled with bright and beautiful flowers, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The cottage garden display was also a highlight, featuring paper daisies, cosmos, alstroemerias, and some of the best dahlias anyone had ever seen. The show gardens are a great way for gardeners to get inspiration and ideas for their own gardens. Other notable displays included Nostalgia, a collaboration between Dementia Australia and a designer, which featured a retro-themed garden with a period Volkswagen Karmann Ghia in the carport. ODE was another favourite, designed by Candeo Design, featuring four towering dead tree installations. The event also features a range of competitions and exhibitions, including the Best Exhibitor Display, the Best in Show garden, and the Hanging Basket and Scarecrow competitions. These events provide an opportunity for gardeners and designers to showcase their skills and creativity. As a National Gardening Week Ambassador and secretary of the Horticultural Media Association Australia, I was able to attend the event and experience the sights and sounds of the festival. I was able to assist in the organisation of the association’s annual dinner, which was attended by many of our high-profile members, including Graham Ross, Sophie Thomson, Millie Ross, Costa Georgiadis, and Angus Stewart. If you love gardening, appreciate flowers, or simply want to check out what’s new in the world of horticulture, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is the place to be. Next year’s event is sure to be just as exciting, with new displays, products, and activities to explore.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is an event that is not to be missed. With its stunning displays, inspiring gardens, and wide range of products and services, it is the perfect place for anyone interested in horticulture to come and explore. So mark your calendars for next year’s event and get ready to be inspired by the sights and sounds of this amazing festival.

Getting Involved

If you love gardening or are interested in getting involved in the horticultural industry, there are many ways to get involved in the event.

• Volunteer
• Exhibit
• Compete
• Attend

You can also stay up-to-date with the latest news and information about the event by following the Horticultural Media Association Australia on social media.

Highlights

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is a highlight of the horticultural calendar, featuring a range of stunning displays and gardens.

• The Great Hall of Flowers
• The show gardens
• Nostalgia collaboration with Dementia Australia
• ODE by Candeo Design

These are just a few of the many highlights of the event. With its wide range of products, services, and activities, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is an event that is not to be missed.

Definition of Terms

• Best Exhibitor Display
• Best in Show
• Hanging Basket and Scarecrow
• Exhibition Building
• The Great Hall of Flowers
• Show gardens

This article has been written with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, highlighting its many highlights, features, and activities. It is intended to provide a detailed and engaging article that will inspire readers to attend the event and explore the world of horticulture.