Gourmet Bites, Botanicals & Bubbly Under The Night Sky
GARDENS BY TWILIGHT, FRIDAY 27 MARCH
For one night only this autumn, Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building will transform into a sprawling twilight wonderland as the sun sets on the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show presented by Lawn Solutions Australia, Friday 27 March.
Until 9pm, city dwellers can wander the extensive grounds and witness some of the best landscape and floral designs the country has to offer under a whole new ambience at Gardens by Twilight. With an indulgent offering of tasty gourmet food and delicious botanical beverages, the 25th anniversary of the southern hemisphere’s largest horticultural event has Friday night plans sorted.
In an exciting first, night owls can seek out the all-new Gin Garden hidden amongst a forest of flora. Inside, attendees can sip a selection of award-winning Mountain Gin inspired by locally foraged botanicals from the Macedon region such as pepper berries, aromatic orange, lemon myrtle, juniper and coriander. Upping the ante on the classic G&T, the Mountain Gin pop-up bar will provide a delicious menu of cocktails and mixed beverages to suit all palettes.
Made from sustainable materials including recycled wood, The Garden’s edgy design and spacious seating area will provide the perfect hideaway for visitors to soak up the spectacle of the Show under the twilight sky. Guests can savour the taste with Mountain Distilling’s finest collectables available for purchase at the pop-up retail store.
In addition to their signature flute of bubbly, The Prosecco Van will offer a smooth espresso martini blend exclusive to Twilight attendees. Those in search of something a little lighter can select a range of tasty pale ales and draughts from Holgate Brewhouse.
Making his Show debut, local singer/songwriter and triple j Unearthed artist, Harrison Storm, will treat guests to an intimate and captivating performance on the entertainment stage, nestled within the gardens from 7:30pm.
Inside the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Flower School will offer a ticketed evening floral design workshop at 6pm. Award-winning floral displays, a fresh Flower Market and floral fashions designed by RMIT students will fill the halls, as hundreds of exquisite original artworks line the upper gallery level; all available for purchase.
For less than $32, ticket holders can experience everything the day program has to offer in a whole new light with the added bonus of exclusive evening entertainment from stilt walkers, fire artists and LED hoop artists. Stroll through life-size sculptures from hundreds of Australian artists inside the revamped Arts & Sculpture Precinct; taste heirloom veggies, fruits and delicious jams at The Diggers Club; pat trained pups at the Guide Dogs Victoria tactile garden; and chat with some of the best floral and landscape designers in the country.
Whether its date night, after-work drinks, an overdue catch-up with friends or an excuse to get out and about, Gardens by Twilight will be a night to remember, no matter the occasion.
Date: Gardens by Twilight, Friday 27 March until 9pm
Venue: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Melbourne
