Be Inspired By The Best In Show
Visitors to our 25th anniversary Show can expect to be blown away by some of the biggest names in Australian and international landscape design. We have invited 8 designers who have previously won the coveted ‘Award of Excellence for Best in Show’ to return and inspire Show goers unlike ever before.
In 2020 each Show Garden will be a representation of the designer’s unbridled unique vision. The award-winning designers returning in 2020 include:
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show returns for it’s 25th anniversary Show on the 25 – 29 March at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.
Create an Outdoor Space to Enjoy Both Day & Night
As we embrace the changing seasons with our Gardens by Twilight event – lighting partner Gardens at Night shares their expertise on how to create the perfect lighting for long summer nights.
With a well considered lighting plan, from accent and step lighting to hanging lights, no matter the size or style of your space dramatic results can be achieved. Accent lighting can be adjusted as plants mature and can be used to enhance features and draw the eye around your space with the change of season.
Whether you’re lighting an inner city courtyard, alfresco dining area, BBQ or highlighting feature trees in your garden you can define each space for your enjoyment both day and night.
Click here to view the full range of lighting by Gardens at Night
Images by Jason Edwards Photography
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show returns for it’s 25th anniversary Show on the 25 – 29 March at the Royal Exhibition Building
2020 Main Stage Schedule
Nestled within the Great Hall of Flowers, the Main Stage is programmed with free seminars from an extensive line-up of floral artists, gardening experts and celebrity landscapers.
Glean insights into a range of horticultural topics, as well as live demonstrations and floral competitions from industry leaders.
Check out the 2020 Main Stage Schedule below
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show will return for it’s 25th Anniversary Show on the 25 – 29 March at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
Preview the 2020 Boutique Gardens
The Show will proudly play host to the Landscaping Victoria Boutique Garden Competition – a unique opportunity for Landscape Designers, Landscape Architects and Students to participate in the Show.
In 2020, to celebrate the Show’s 25th Anniversary, six previous 1st place winning designers will return showcasing their exceptional design talent, pushing design boundaries with their innovation & creativity.
The 6 designers that will be showcasing their talent are:
- STEM Landscape Architecture & Design
- Octopus Garden Design
- Acre Landscape Architecture
- AKAS Landscape Architecture
- Alison Douglas Design
- Ben Harris Gardens
Take a look at some of the 2020 Boutique Garden plans to give you a taste of what to expect at the Show…
Octopus Garden Design
‘Jardin Noir’ 2020 Boutique Garden
It was mere days after accepting the invitation to do another boutique garden that the world stood still in horror as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris became ablaze with fire. As the days passed, we saw images of the structure filled with the burnt ruins of the roof spire laying scattered in piles of smouldering black twisted steel & timber next to historic stone statues, gold ornaments & irreplaceable stained-glass windows. I recalled my own recent trip to Paris, visiting the Cathedral, the awe-inspiring formal gardens of Versailles palace and getting lost wandering the pathways of the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
The Cemetery opened in 1804 & now covers 110 acres filled with winding stone pathways, statues, wrought iron, stone monuments, ornate gothic tombs with beautiful lead light panels shadowed by the forest like canopy of trees, rambling vines and shrubs. Scattered amongst the necropolis of granite & marble tombs & headstones are bursts of colour from flower bouquets left by the many thousands of mourners & visitors adding contrast against the gloomy backdrop.
It’s the family of the deceased responsibility to maintain each grave and its surroundings, which in many cases has let them go to ruin by the elements, vandals & nature. Many tomb doors are open and covered in moss & vegetation with sunlight shining through beautiful small stained-glass window panels adding colour to the otherwise creepy environment, yet the atmosphere is calm and beautiful.
We have embraced this concept to create our Jardin Noir that is dark & creepy but beautiful. Our French influenced modern gothic style combines symmetry, balance and scale with natural stones, burnt & stained timber, black steel, contrasting colours and textures with a touch of drama, disorder and ruin of the past…
Octopus Garden Design
STEM Landscape Architecture & Design
‘Through The Looking Glass’ 2020 Boutique Garden
Have you ever wondered what happens below? ‘Through the Looking Glass’ aims to spark curiosity and wonder about what we can’t always see. Ecosystems all over the world bloom and flourish thanks to the intricate connections formed below the surface. We want you to see and imagine what’s going on underneath your feet, and all around you.
STEM Landscape Architecture & Design
While soil is teeming with life, much of this activity cannot be seen with the naked eye. What we can see however is the activity of worms, and the mycorrhizal networks created by plant roots and fungi mycelium.
Steppers that lead through the garden are imprinted with the tracks of spotted quolls, bandicoots, and brush tailed rock wallabies, which were once abundant in the greater Melbourne area. They are a reminder to us that we are sharing this planet with countless other creatures and have a role to play in minimizing species extinction. ‘Through the looking glass’ aims to blur the boundaries between the built and natural environments and demonstrates the possibilities for integrating habitat into your backyard- both above ground and below.
From the surface, Mother Nature can appear to work in mysterious ways- but we encourage you to take a closer look and you’ll see how many ecosystems are all connected in the formation of ‘Through the Looking Glass’.
Carlton Gardens are situated on the lands of the Kulin Nation people and we wish to respectfully acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We would like to pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Alison Douglas Design
Acre
We will be releasing more 2020 Boutique Garden concepts shortly.
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show will return to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens on the 25 – 29 March 2020 for its 25th anniversary Show.
WIN $500 To Spend At The Show & A Melbourne Zoo Family Pack
To celebrate the opening of the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show next month, we are giving all ticket buyers the chance to WIN!
Not only will you be able to shop, eat & experience all the Show has to offer with a $500 gift card to spend on site, you will also WIN a Melbourne Zoo Family Pack which includes 1x Zoos Family Annual Pass and 2x Close-up Encounter experiences.
The ultimate Experience Pack valued at $778!
Everyone who has purchased a ticket prior to 13 March is automatically entered in the competition.
Winner will be announced on our Facebook page.
Click here to view our Terms & Conditions
INSPIRE: More Gardens Than Ever Before
The Show’s 25th anniversary is set to be its biggest ever, with more unmissable floral and garden features than ever before and an incredible line up of some of the greatest landscape and floral designers in Australia and abroad creating the largest, most fantastical gardens ever seen at the event.
To give a sense of scale, we have increased the volume of garden displays by more than 40% which amounts to an additional 1,000sqm of various garden displays for you to enjoy. From our new balcony and small space gardens, to boutique and achievable style gardens, right up to the jaw-dropping Show Gardens designed by our top, award-winning designers. In this special year, there’s something for everyone.
Show Gardens
The Show continues to attract the best landscape design talent from Australia and overseas to create truly exceptional Show Gardens. This year, a line-up of previous ‘Best in Show’ award winners, the most highly coveted award at the Show, are returning to showcase their epic skills once more.
Confirmed designers include Phillip Withers, MINT Pool + Landscape Design, Dean Herald – Rolling Stone Landscapes, Joby Blackman & Carolyn Blackman – Vivid Design, Mark Browning Landscape Design, Warners Nurseries in collaboration with Robert Boyle, Koji Ninomiya (Japan), and Steve Day for Tree & Shrub Growers VIC.
Balcony Gardens
With small space gardening now a fact of Australian life we are seeing the emergence of the Balcony Garden trend. Six landscape designers will be competing in the inaugural Ryman Healthcare Balcony Garden Competition to show visitors the potential opportunities for urban dwellers with limited square meters and a passion for gardening.
Boutique Gardens
The Show will proudly play host to the Landscaping Victoria Boutique Garden Competition – a unique opportunity for Landscape Designers, Landscape Architects and Students to participate in the Show. In 2020, to celebrate the Show’s 25th Anniversary, six previous 1st place winning designers will return showcasing their exceptional design talent, pushing design boundaries with their innovation & creativity.
Avenue of Achievable Gardens
Presented by Tuscan Path
In 2020 this inspirational space at the Show will sit in a new location, with more gardens than ever before and connected with more education institutions. This year the AAG will include Holmesglen, Swinburne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Polytechnic, Canberra TAFE and Bendigo TAFE. All of these gardens will be surround by a feature display garden presented by Tuscan Path the major sponsor of the AAG this year.
The Emergent Gardens
In its second year at the Show, the Emergent Gardens will set out to support the growth of our younger designers, who have graduated from the Avenue of Achievable Gardens.
In 2020 the Emergent Gardens will be partnering with the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM) who will help mentor the designers throughout the design phase and during the construction of the gardens.
Diggers Club
Diggers Club will return to inspire visitors through a must-see garden display of heirloom fruits, vegetables, edibles and summer-flowering perennials. Guests can soak up a wealth of knowledge at the free gardening talks and cooking demonstrations during their daily-changing education program.
Guide Dogs Victoria Sensory Garden
Guide Dogs Victoria will engage the senses at their tactile garden, painting a picture through varied textures and elements to demonstrate how different surfaces can be used to guide you safely through unfamiliar spaces.
NEW London College of Garden Design Melbourne Border Competition
London College of Garden Design Melbourne is launching its inaugural competition which will see six garden designers showcase small space garden design predominantly focused on plants, under the theme, “Embrace the City”.
The Welcome Garden
The 2020 Welcome Garden will be designed by Jason Hodges for Lawn Solutions Australia.
The Welcome Garden is a place for visitors to relax and recline, plan their day at the show and participate in the various talks from top designers and growers, as well as tours that will take place regularly throughout the day.
Hanging Baskets
The Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria presents the Great Hanging Basket Competition as it returns to the Show bigger & better with more baskets than ever before! The Competition spans across a large site in the Carlton Gardens & showcases creative & innovative hanging basket design entries from school groups, youth groups, gardening clubs & enthusiasts alike.
Entrants are challenged to create & grow their designs throughout the year & showcase them at the culminating display at the Show. The site is beautifully curated by the dedicated team of members & volunteers from the Royal Horticulture Society of Victoria & is a key feature of the Show, one you’ll certainly want on your must-see list.
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show returns to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens on the 25 – 29 March 2020
An Immersive Growing Experience Thanks To Ryman Healthcare Australia
The Ryman area of the show will host the inaugural Ryman Healthcare Balcony Garden Competition, where talented landscapers and gardeners will go head to head to design highly innovative big little gardens.
Aussie landscaping guru Matt Leacy will speak from the Main Stage and host 1:1 workshops. There will also be a delicious selection of iced teas in collaboration with tea specialists Tea Drop.
Taste. Smell. Blend.
In the meantime, here’s a little ‘taster’ to awaken your senses to the rejuvenating and healing powers of herbal tea. We recommend ‘clocking out’, pouring a cup of tea and enjoying a quiet moment as you read these five common herbal tea ingredients and their traditional benefits.
Find the Ryman area outside at stand 38, along the west end of Southern Drive. For more information visit: rymanhealthcare.com.au/melbflowershow
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show returns for it’s 25th anniversary at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens on the 25 – 29 March 2020.
Fun & Informative Growing Workshops from Scotts Osmocote
The crew from Scotts Osmocote will be back at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show with their fun and informative growing workshops and this year you have two to choose from!
Indoor Plant Growing Workshop
It’s no secret that indoor plants are have become one of the biggest décor trends of late. As well as giving you something to nurture, indoor plants provide a great atmosphere for cleansing and healing the home. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to discover the wonderful world of indoor plants with the Scotts Osmocote Indoor Plants Growing Workshop.
Join in a 15 minute workshop where you will be guided through creating your very own insta-worthy indoor planter. You will learn all the necessary tips and tricks to keep your plants alive and thriving. From serial plant killers to the great plant parents, we promise you will learn something new and receive your very own plant baby to take home!
Sessions are limited and online bookings will be available via the Scott’s Australia Facebook page from the 9th of March. There will be a limited number of walk-ins on the day so be sure to book your spot!
Mason Jar Hanging Herb Garden
Find yourself constantly buying supermarket plastic containers of “fresh” herbs or having to brave the elements every time you need to pick a little extra mint to add to your late night mojito? Well, we have the workshop for you!
Join in this 15 minute workshop where you will learn more about the power of all natural and sustainable solutions and our team will walk you through creating your very own hanging herb garden. A Mason Jar Hanging Herb Garden will bring your window sill to life with fresh herbs all year round while giving you the bragging rights to an all-natural and all-sustainable approach.
Sessions are limited and online bookings will be available via the Scott’s Australia Facebook page from the 9th of March. There will be a limited number of walk-ins on the day so be sure to book your spot!
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is on the 25 – 29 March at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.
Understanding the Importance of Sustainability at the NEW Sustainability Space
The new Sustainability Space will play host to the Show’s Sustainability Partners, Bio Gro and Closed Loop, who will each highlight the importance of recycling and reusing, as well as the importance of being sustainable around the home & garden.
How We Make The Show More Sustainable
See how we cleanly separate resource materials for recycling
Be sure to check out the Sustainability Space at this years Melbourne International Flower Garden Show.
WIN a European Cruise with Holland America Line
To celebrate the ongoing partnership between Holland America lineand the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show we are giving you the chance to win a 7-day European cruise for two departing Amsterdam aboard Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Statendam, along with AU$2000 air credit per person – prize valued at over AU$9000!
The cruise includes the following components: seven nights accommodation in a Verandah Stateroom aboard Nieuw Statendam, world-class dining activities & entertainment along with award winning music venues, and all port charges and taxes.
Standard terms and conditions of travelling with Holland America Line will apply, including any applicable age restrictions. The prize must be booked with Holland America Line by 1/05/20 and must be taken to coincide with the cruise’s departure date as per the itinerary selected by the winner (subject to availability.
Welcome to Holland America Line, recognised for nearly 150 years as a leader in premium cruising, whose fleet 14 ships visit more than 470 ports of call in 98 countries connecting with all seven continents. Our guests are not looking for waterslides, go-karts or roller coasters when they cruise. They are explorers, foodies and music lovers who want to pursue these passions on perfectly sized, refreshingly uncrowded ships with one-of-kind culinary experiences, the best in live music, and service that attends to every detail, every day.
