2024 Show Program
In the Show Program you will find important Visitor Information, the Show Map, our Show Features, Main Stage Schedule, our Exhibitor List and so much more!
Nature’s Skincare: Aromatherapy
Natio’s signature skincare range, Aromatherapy, serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and enhance your skin’s health. At its core lies the product ethos and principles of Aromatherapy, a process that combines the precise blending of pure essential oils extracted from aromatic flowers and plants to help balance, treat and relax the mind, body and spirit.
Natio Founder, Max Ross explains his dedication to ensuring that each product remains gentle and effective, “Over three decades, we have developed the world’s best practices for infusing natural ingredients in our products, to ensure that they remain gentle, effective and skin friendly to the very last drop.”
Drawing upon the natural formulations and science spanning over 100 years, the Aromatherapy range epitomises Natio’s commitment to providing fuss free solutions for achieving radiant skin. With each product, they strive to deliver a seamless blend of nature’s nurturing power and modern skincare expertise, empowering you to love being you, naturally and with confidence.
At the heart of the heritage Aromatherapy range, are the meticulously selected ingredients renowned for their exceptional skincare benefits. From the soothing properties of Calendula, to the rejuvenating effects of Evening Primrose, each ingredient is carefully selected to address specific skin needs while promoting overall health and wellbeing of the skin.
Some plant extracts include that are featured in the signature Aromatherapy synergistic blends are:
Calendula: naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties to help calm redness and inflammation and ease skin discomfort.
If you are looking for a product that features the support of calendula, try the Eye Contour Treatment Gel, which over time helps to revive the delicate eye area, promoting a more refreshed and rested appearance.
Evening Primrose: Most known for promoting a healthy, clear, rejuvenated complexion helping to address roughness, wrinkles, redness, dryness, and irritation.
For a product that using the power of antioxidants to help reduce the negative effects of pollution, to promote a supple healthy-looking complexion try the best-selling Evening Primrose Moisturising Face Lotion.
Vitamin E: has been found to help delay the onset of wrinkles and work to preserve moisture for firmer, hydrated looking skin. Natural Vitamin E Moisturising Cream features a nourishing blend of jojoba, and Almond oils formulated with a unique combination of Vitamin E to deliver lasting moisture to skin.
Shea Butter: best known for conditioning the skin and in order to wake to pillowy soft skin, Natio recommends the Extra Firming Night Time Moisture Balm, which has been formulated with a powerhouse of hydrating hyaluronate, Shea Butter and replenishing Ceramides.
Chamomile: contains powerful antioxidants including polyphenols and phytochemicals. It has been found to accelerate cell and tissue renewal. You cannot go past customer favourite Rosewater & Chamomile Gentle Skin Toner to refresh your facial skin morning and evening. It features a custom blend of natural essential oils, Chamomile and Rosewater to deliver revived, healthy-looking skin.
In a world inundated with fleeting skincare trends, Aromatherapy remains a timeless classic – a versatile, multifunctional, and loved range of skincare, offering natural Australian skincare with superior quality and excellent value. The Aromatherapy approach to skincare means you can trust that each formulation is crafted with your skin’s wellbeing in mind.
Embrace the beauty of Aromatherapy and embark on a journey to rediscover your skin’s inner glow and perhaps even discover new favourite products to add to your routine. After all, nature nurtures best.
Shahn Stewart – Pocket Profile
Photography by Henry Trumble
As an Aboriginal-owned enterprise, Alchemy Orange serves as a tangible manifestation of cultural pride, blending the realms of floristry, Organic Architecture, and botanical art. Shahn Stewart, a visionary interdisciplinary artist, infuses her proud Yorta Yorta heritage into Alchemy Orange’s ethos. With a decade-long tenure as a florist, Shahn’s evolution has birthed a contemporary floristry style that echoes her diverse influences. At the helm of Alchemy Orange, Shahn’s creations transcend mere aesthetics, embodying the essence of organic architecture and emphasizing the profound significance of cultural connection through sustainable practices. Her work serves as a conduit for healing Country and fostering a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture.”
Yorta Yorta artist Shahn Steward is the driving force behind Alchemy Orange. We are thrilled to welcome Shahn to the 2024 #melbflowershow where she will be featured in the all-new hanging installation Blooms Unleashed.
“By embracing these often overlooked materials, I pay respect to Country and to the ever-unfolding inspiration it provides. This activation encourages viewers to appreciate the boundless creativity found within the natural world. This is Wurundjeri Land, Aboriginal Land. We are guests here on this Country, and it’s an honor to share in its beauty and significance.” – Shahn Stewart
Photography by Melissa Cowan
When/How did you get into the industry?
I left highschool for a full time Floristry traineeship back in 2010, 14 years ago and never looked back. Also being an Aboriginal woman I think a deeply rooted kinship and connection to Country has always been innate, it only made sense to be working in a field where Country was at the forefront of my mind. It’s helped me deepen connections as well which has been invaluable.
What are you most excited about at this year’s #melbflower show?
I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone works inside the criteria for sustainable displays. Once you get rid of harmful and environmentally damaging materials your practice evolves in so many ways. Also I’m really excited for the Inaugural Indigenous Garden, big yes to this.
What is your favourite flower trend of the season?
Reducing the amount of varieties and creating en masse compositions. Feels like there’s been a huge shift away from the traditional, heavily mixed floral arrangements and more so toward more nuanced compositions. Creating something with defined form, depth, texture and colour brings your attention to individual varieties and you can really appreciate them for all that they are
Who has been the biggest influence on your floral career?
There are many, one stand out was my time working under Lisschelle Masters in my earlier years. She would deconstruct a single head of bloom, then meticulously repiece together into this otherworldly sculpture. Our years together showed me to look past a variety’s face value and look deeper into the possibilities. She helped me appreciate a material’s form, line or texture, and also to think outside the box on how it could be used Her work can be found via this link – https://www.instagram.com/lisschelemasters/?hl=en
Other influences include Florists Frida Kim, Hamish Powell and Fibre artist Tracey Deep. Just all so talented in their own ways.
If you could invite any three people to a garden party who would they be?
Tough one! Only 3?
I would invite Erykah Badu for bringing the music of the soul
Floral artist Wagner Kreusch because he is excellent, and I’d love to pick his brain
Then probably my beautiful friend/incredible painter Shannon McCulloch because to know him is to love him!
If you had a floristry super power what would it be?
Super strong hand skin so that gloves were never necessary! I am drawn to the most beautiful and spikey materials.
2024 Show Map
The 2024 Show Map is HERE! Plan out your day amongst the blooms and see what’s on offer at this years Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, presented by Scotts
Meet Sustainable Floristry Consultant and Educator
Meet Nadine Brown, one of Australia’s leading sustainable florists and educators on the mission to implement sustainable methods for the next generation of aspiring florists, showcasing minimal environmental impact at the Melbourne International Flower Show.
As a Sustainable Floristry Consultant and Educator, Nadine has provided guidance and mentorship to florists seeking advice on sustainable and ethical floristry methods.
For the first time in the history of the show, the competition criteria has been adjusted to reflect the changing times, bringing sustainability to the forefront. Nadine has been a longtime advocate for revolutionizing the floral industry toward a more environmentally conscious future.
“What an honor to be part of the iconic Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show’s sustainable direction this year. I applaud the organizers for rewarding designers who prioritize environmental and ethical impacts in their display and competition pieces. As the pinnacle of floristry competition nationally and globally, this step represents significant progress for our industry along with consumer awareness. As florists we are immersed in nature daily and understand the power of flowers; it just makes sense to operate our businesses and design in a way that respects the very nature we love! Get ready for unprecedented earth conscious floristry innovation this year!”
Attendees and guests to the show can expect to be captivated by Nadine’s ‘Tunnel of nature Love’ visionary display and immersive Masterclass experience to gain valuable insights into integrating sustainability into their own design and business practices. Prepare to be amazed by the innovative and environmentally conscious floral installations and competition entries at this year’s Melbourne International Flower Show, as together, we embark on a journey toward an exciting and greener floral industry.
Open Gardens Victoria Student Design Competition winnerto create ‘living pantry’ themed garden at MelbourneInternational Flower and Garden Show
Landscape designer and graduating student of the London College of Garden Design
(Melbourne), Sarah McLauchlan, is the successful recipient of the 2024 Open Gardens Victoria
Student Design Competition. The grant provides up to $10,000 to design and install a garden
at the OGV stand at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, 20-24 March 2024.
“I am absolutely thrilled that my design has been selected as the winning entry. This year’s theme,
The Living Pantry, appealed immensely. The world of edible gardens holds such a special place in
my heart. In fact, I have been crafting an urban edible oasis at my own home for the past seven
years,” says Sarah McLauchlan.
Open Gardens Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation that opens private gardens for the
community to enjoy and actively promotes the benefits of gardens and gardening. Now in its
second year, OGV’s design competition is open to Victorian-based horticultural and garden design
students. It supports the development of the next generation of garden professionals, providing
them with key exposure to the horticulture industry and plant lovers at the Melbourne International
Flower and Garden Show, the southern hemisphere’s largest horticulture event.
“The Living Pantry theme is designed to appeal to all, but especially those beginning the journey
towards self-sufficiency. We were looking for entries that encouraged productive gardening and
sound sustainability practices, even in small spaces,” says Dr Karen White, OGV’s Head of
Giving.
“Sarah’s entry stood out with its strong focus on the theme. Her installation integrates clever design
with attractive, compact, and efficient productive garden spaces, incorporating significant use of
recycled materials and water-wise practices, as well as considering sustenance and habitat for
native fauna. We can’t wait to see how the garden looks once installed!”
Called Nature’s Pantry, Sarah’s winning garden design draws on a childhood spent growing up on
a farm in the south-east Riverina region of NSW, surrounded by an expansive garden, a bountiful
veggie patch, and a flourishing home orchard. The garden’s built elements focus on sustainability,
extensively utilising reclaimed materials such as timber, plywood boards, pallets, reo mesh, and
salvaged pots, all sourced in Sarah’s previous life running a commercial demolition business.
“Nature’s Pantry is conceived as a welcoming haven for visitors to enjoy a feast of nature’s
offerings,” says Sarah. “From pollinator-friendly plants and native grasses to habitats for small
creatures and birds, the space is adorned with perennial edibles, fruit trees, herbs, veggies, and
bush foods. Adding to the charm, there’s a cosy tea garden, inviting visitors to pause and savour
the experience of brewing amidst the flourishing abundance.”
Visit stand B53/B54 at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. You’ll see Sarah
McLauchlan’s winning garden design, Nature’s Pantry, and meet our Open Gardens Victoria
volunteers, who can tell you more about what is coming up for OGV this year.
‘Nature’s Pantry’ will be created on the lands of the Wurundjeri people. Open Gardens Victoria
wish to acknowledge the Traditional custodians and we pay respect to their Elders, past,
present and emerging.
Are You Australia’s Craziest Plant Parent?
WE’RE TEAMING UP WITH SCOTTS TO FIND OUT WHO THE MOST PASSIONATE PLANT OWNERS IN AUSTRALIA ARE.
COULD IT BE YOU?
Aussies are buying more plants than ever… and it looks like this trend is here to stay with a vast majority of us living in large cities with small spaces, yet still desiring to be surrounded by nature.
The house plant hobby is uniquely compulsive, time-consuming and incredibly fulfilling. We’re sure many urban jungle gardeners would say that there isn’t any greater joy for plant parents than watching a tiny twig propagate into a fully grown plant.
It’s a well-known fact in crazy plant person circles that once you get one plant, you genuinely won’t be able to stop. Your collection will slowly grow and you will soon have lots of little plant babies to tend (and they really are your babies).
CAN YOU RELATE?
Is your fiddle leaf fig not just a mere plant, but part of the family? Every leaf, every flower, every twig is cherished?
Do you love to invest in buying new plants every month… and with every new plant, comes new plant care tools and accessories, new pots, new holder and what not?
Do you lose track of time and realise you’ve spent hours watching gardening tips and hacks on YouTube?
IF YOU ARE HOOKED AND PROUD, WE HAVE JUST THE COMPETITION FOR YOU!
Thanks to Scotts, we’re on the hunt to find the most passionate, crazy, committed plant parents in Australia and are giving away the Ultimate Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show presented by Scotts experience, including
2 X Show Entry Tickets
2 X Floral Workshop Experiences
A table for two at the Challenger ‘Seafood & Sips’ lunchtime session
Simply fill out the form below to be in the running to win!
Are you Australia’s Craziest Plant Parent?
Aboriginal Heritage Garden Features in this Year’s International Plant and Garden show
For the first time, an Aboriginal co designed garden will feature in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, presented by Scotts.
The Garden, designed by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Landscape Designer Andrew Laidlaw, in consultation with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, is an invitation to consider the ecological and cultural significance of Wurundjeri land stewardship, and the importance of our remaining areas of indigenous vegetation.
To learn more about Aboriginal Culture experience an Aboriginal Heritage Walk at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne visit: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/what-s-on-melbourne/aboriginal-heritage-walk/
Quotes from Andrew Laidlaw, Landscape Architect, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
“We feel that the landscape and garden industry has both an opportunity and a responsibility to encourage a cultural shift in the way people engage with their environments – more respectfully, attentively and sensitively. A significant part of that is appropriately acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their connection to country, and learning from their 60,000+ years of land stewardship.”
“Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is the largest landscape and garden show of its kind in the southern hemisphere. It draws people from all over the country (more than 100,000 people over 5 days) – there are few better opportunities to instigate and encourage discussion, reflection and appreciation of Indigenous custodianship, Indigenous and native flora and the evolving interconnection between land, water, plants, animals and people.”
Design overview by Andrew Laidlaw, Landscape Architect, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
The design is conceptually and practically simple. Using the existing ficus as an anchor point, loose islands of planting gently guide visitors toward a central clearing – this is a place for gathering, designed to encourage discussion without hierarchy.
Within the islands of planting, selected species represent three major plant communities within Wurundjeri Country – riparian zones and waterways, hills and foothill plant communities and drier heath forests and grasslands.
Informal seating throughout the clearing is provided by local basalt boulders – physically connecting visitors to the geological formation and history of Naarm and surrounding areas.
Charred branches of various indigenous plant species rise out of the plantings, creating a suggestion of enclosure without cutting the view of the water beyond. The burnt branches surrounded by young foliage speak to the cycles of fire and regeneration throughout Australia.
Quote from Elders, Members and representatives of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
We have been custodians of this land for 65,000+ years. This garden –Wurundjeri biik (meaning Wurundjeri Country) – represents the plants of our Country, which includes the inner city of Naarm/Melbourne, extending north beyond the Great Dividing Range, east to Mount Baw Baw, south to Mordialloc Creek and west to the Werribee River.
We honour our Ancestors and Elders for their strength, resilience and sacrifice as they cared for Country, and we continue that legacy today. We welcome all those who gather at the Wurundjeri biik, and invite them to connect to our Country through spending time in this place
Wurundjeri biik is an invitation to consider the ecological and cultural significance of the plants of Wurundjeri Country, and the importance of protecting them. It features rare, threatened and culturally significant plants from the diverse landscapes of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country: Silky Blue-grass from the grasslands; Prickly Teatree from the heath forests; Coranderrk from the riparian zones and waterways; and Soft Tree-fern from the hills. Prior to colonisation, these plants were plentiful throughout Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, but many are now under threat.
Wurundjeri biik was co-designed by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders, Members and representatives, Suzannah Kennett Lister and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, whose Naarm/Melbourne site sits on the southern banks of the Birrarung/Yarra River. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria connects people with nature at both its Cranbourne and Melbourne sites, champions plant conservation and is committed to supporting Traditional Owner aspirations to care for and heal Country and its Waterways.
Who Are We?
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has been the voice of Victorian farmers and rural communities since 1979, helping to create a sustainable and socially responsible agricultural industry connecting with all Victorians.
We’re an active and an influential lobby dedicated to the interests of farmers and making a difference to communities. With a strong record of successful political advocacy and leadership, we’ve helped deliver substantial benefits for farmers and regional Victorians for decades.
Even though farming has its own natural challenges from droughts, bushfires and floods, our members have collectively earned the VFF a reputation as a respected leader, contributor and advocate.
What do we do?
We represent all farmers across the state, including dairy, livestock, grains, horticulture (including flower growers and beekeepers), chicken meat, eggs and pigs, who combined, make an enormous contribution to Victoria’s economy and employ thousands of people in every corner of Victoria.
As a member focussed organisation, with every member we gain, our voice becomes stronger. Being a member of Victoria’s largest farm advocacy group, gives you the assurance that your needs and requirements as a farmer are being heard. Your commitment to the VFF ensures we can continue doing what we do best – fighting for the rights of Victorian farmers.
How do we support our local flower industry?
Victoria’s flower industry is a big part of what we do and who we advocate on behalf of. Incorporated into our horticulture membership, we strive deliver to a united voice for Victorian growers on horticultural issues to all levels of government.
It represents food producers growing tree fruit, berries, vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes, grapes and cut flowers. It also includes beekeepers who provide an essential pollination service to the horticulture and grains industries.
The Victorian horticulture sector at last count has over 3,700 horticultural businesses and a farm gate value of around $2.4 billion.
The industry employs 50,000 full time employees which increases significantly during the November to March harvest period. This makes the industry a significant contributor to the Victorian economy, particularly in rural and regional areas.
What do we stand for?
It’s clear that we stand for famers, but what’s an example of how we help make a difference?
When it comes to our local flower industry, we’ve been a leading voice in calling for the introduction of ‘country of origin’ information to be provided to consumers when buying flowers, so they can make an informed decision.
During COVID-19, even amidst wedding cancellations and a last-minute lockdown during Valentine’s Day, demand for locally grown flowers surged as international border restrictions put a handbrake on international flower imports.
This was one of the very few times when consumers could be confident that the flowers they were buying were coming from local suppliers. We think consumers should have the opportunity to know where their flowers come from and the option of supporting local.
Victoria is a big producer of the total amount of Aussie flowers, roughly supplying 60 per cent. However, up to 50 per cent of the flowers available are actually imported.
Where are they coming from? 40 per cent of the flowers that consumers buy are imported from as far away as Ecuador, Kenya, Singapore, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia and China.
And why is this a problem? The reliance on imported flowers and foliage presents a substantial threat to Australia’s horticultural and agricultural industries. Of all goods imported into Australia, cut flowers and foliage represent the highest rate of live pest interceptions by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture. It of course also takes money offshore and doesn’t support our local growers.
How do you help us?
Get involved. We have a range of memberships available, no matter what you farm and even if you don’t!
When you’re a VFF member, not only to you join Victoria’s largest group of farmers helping to advocate on all of the pressing issues, you get access to a range of exclusive member benefits and discounts on behalf of our wide-range of VFF partners.
Join today and learn more
Becoming a VFF member is easy and we have a number of options to ensure you get what you’re after.
Visit our website at vff.org.au to read more today or call the team on 1300 822 833 to chat to one of our team and discuss how we can make the VFF work for you.
The All-New Challenger Seafood & Sips Experience!
Make it the ultimate day out and secure your table at the new Challenger Seafood and Sips sessions! Escape to an exclusive area amongst the Carlton Gardens to enjoy a two-course seafood menu paired with free flowing bubbles for a 90min session! This new offering is the perfect way to complete the ultimate day amongst the blooms at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show!
Check out the full offering below, and secure your table at this exclusive experience.
Entrée
Cajun Honey Tiger prawns Served on a bed of gourmet lettuce, and oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and sesame zucchini and carrot spaghetti on the side.
Main course
Grilled salmon with a lemon cream butter sauce, fried till crispy and seasoned potato squares and chunky vegetable and avocado salsa.
Immerse yourself in a culinary journey amongst the stunning Carlton Gardens at the Challenger Seafood and Sips!
Whether you’re seeking a romantic date or a memorable outing with friends, the Challenger Seafood & Sips package promise to elevate your experience at the #melbflowershow