The Shrub Hub
The Shrub Hub connects you to growers of Australia’s most rare and interesting plants at this year’s Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (showcasing the likes of Cactus Country, Proteaflora, Aloe Aloe, Nishiki Nursery, Yackandandah and VINC).
Visit Shrub Hub, the brainchild of Phillip Withers Landscape Design, to find out how to create your very own habitat at home.
Shrub Hub is also offering a limited number of complimentary consultations with one of our professional Horticulturalists.
Get in quick to book your place, click here.
Don’t forget to stop by and see the team at site B21 at the show.
Seedlip cocktail masterclasses
Seedlip will be running FREE interactive ‘make your own non alcoholic cocktails at home’ masterclasses at this years show.
Join James Snelgrove, Seedlip’s Australian Brand Ambassador as he demonstrates how to make NOgroni’s, CosNO’s and your favourite Seedlip & Tonic.
The masterclasses will run daily throughout the show from 1pm – 1.45pm at the Seedlip Bar.
The masterclass is a free activity for up to 30 people.
Make sure to stop by to Seedlip outside in the gardens at site A90 to sign up.
Five sensory zones
Hosting over 100,000 show visitors across five days, the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is set to amaze, delight and inspire enthusiasts when doors open next week.
You are invited to “Immerse your senses” at this years five sensory zones:
Taste
Seedlip – site A90
Learn how to use natural flavours to make delicious non-alcoholic drinks. Taste all three expressions of the worlds first non-alcoholic distilled spirits, and learn how to solve the dilemma of what to drink when you’re not drinking.
Sight
Flowers Victoria Tractor – Site B39
Set your sights on a stunning floral installation by Flowers Victoria in the Great Hall of Flowers. Bringing a piece of country charm into the city with their floral vintage tractor, it’s the perfect backdrop for your next photo.
Touch
Guide Dogs Victoria – Site B47
Let your senses take over as you explore the Guide Dogs Victoria, Kangan Institute & Benigo TAFE Garden. A tactile garden that paints a picture through varied textures and elements. Learn how different surfaces can be used to guide you safely through an unfamiliar space and how the beauty of a garden can be experienced through touch and feel.
Smell
Everdure BBQ’s – Site B08
The barbecue: every Australian backyards needs one. As soon as it’s fired up, smell is one of our first senses that becomes tantalized. When the delicious scents of meat searing across the grill hits the air, cooking in the outdoors truly becomes an immersive experience that leaves you wanting more. To experience this and learn first-hand the different stages in creating gourmet recipes on the barbecues. Sign up for cooking demonstrations at B08.
Hearing
Monitor Audio – Site B34
Bring your garden to life with the power of music, courtesy of Monitor Audio’s beautiful range of outdoor speakers. Visit their site to experience the difference that music can make in your garden.
FREE cooking demonstrations
Whether you’re looking to perfect the art of outdoor cooking or simply brush up your gourmet skills with some new tips and recipes, make sure you stop by and visit the Everdure by Heston stand over at B08 to see the latest innovations in the outdoor grilling space.
In addition to having the full range on display, our team of chefs will also be giving FREE cooking demonstrations every hour, where they’ll showcase the techniques behind some of our most popular recipes. Visit our stand to register and speak to one of our friendly staff on site to book your place in one of the below sessions. Please note that places for each demonstration are limited and will run for approximately 20-30mins. A small tasting will be available at the end of each demonstration (tastings are strictly limited to one person).
10am
Apple Tart Tatin | FURNACE Gas Grill
Served with smoked cream
11am
Rotisserie grilled Chicken Souvlaki | HUB II Rotisserie Charcoal BBQ
Served with pickled red cabbage, aioli, Sriracha and charred pita
12pm
Beef Rib Kalbi | HUB II Rotisserie Charcoal BBQ
Served with Ssamjang-Miso marinade, Yuzu parsley cucumber salad
1pm
Slow roasted smoked lamb shoulder | 4K Outdoor Charcoal Cooker
Served with garlic, rosemary, malt vinegar and dark brown sugar
2:00 pm
Spit-roasted Porchetta | HUB II Rotisserie Charcoal BBQ
Served with Autumn herbs, fennel seeds, paprika, lemon and garlic
3:00 pm
Maple spiced beef Short Ribs | 4K Outdoor Charcoal Cooker
Served with charred kombu, grapefruit, pinenuts, chives and lemon
4:00 pm
Pizza | 4K Outdoor Charcoal Cooker
Served Two Ways
Schiacciata – olive oil, garlic, rosemary and mozzarella
Crudo with basil – tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto & basil
Additional Friday Twilight Sessions:
6pm – Apple Tart Tatin
7pm – Rotisserie Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
8pm – Beef Rib Kalbi
WIN passes to Muriel’s Wedding the Musical
To celebrate the highly anticipated Muriel’s Wedding the Musical arriving in Melbourne, the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show are giving you the chance to win one of 10 double passes to experience this big, brash and very cheeky new musical!
After a sold-out premiere season in Sydney, audiences and critics were raving, with Time Out hailing it “The best Australian musical to premiere in years” and the Daily Review saying it’s “Every bit as funny, life-affirming and emotionally impactful as the film”
Directed by Simon Phillips and written by PJ Hogan, this multi-award winning production has an addictive new soundtrack written by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, plus all your favourite ABBA hits.
Muriel’s Wedding the Musical will play a strictly limited season at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 12 March.
Don’t forget to stop by the wedding exhibit at the show where you’ll come across Muriel’s wedding dress completely made out of fresh flowers.
For your chance to win tickets to the 7:30pm performance on Friday 22 March, enter below:
RYOBI make & take workshops
Get hands on with the world’s favourite DIY power tools in the ever-popular free Ryobi Make and Take sessions. Make your own vertical garden to house your herbs, annuals or garden nick-nacks.
Also grab your chance to talk to Ryobi power tool experts in the Make and Take area that can answer all your questions and find out which tools suit your upcoming projects.
Make and Take sessions run hourly throughout the show:
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 12noon and 1pm – 4pm
Friday: 9am – 12noon and 1pm – 8pm
For more information on how to register for a Make and Take, make sure you visit the RYOBI stand.
Celebrating the women of the show
A balanced world is a better world. How can you help forge a more gender-balanced world? Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
As it’s International Women’s Day we could not think of a better time to celebrate six women who are integral to the 2019 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.
1 – Inge Jabara (Show Garden designer)
An award winning Landscaping Designer, Inge established her business in 2009 and has built over 380 gardens. Inge is brimming with ideas and innovations for creative Australian landscapes, and is a sought-after speaker and television consultant on the subject. Inge is eager to motivate 2019 show-goers by producing an on-trend, Melbourne-inspired garden at this years show that utilises elements that can be incorporated in their own backyards. Check out her 2019 Show Garden design here.
2 – Megan Parker (Head floral judge)
We are ecstatic to welcome Megan Parker to the 2019 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show as the head floral judge. Megan has been an active member of New Zealand Professional Florists Inc. (NZPF) for the past 35 years. Her roles occupied over this period have consisted of Diploma Representative, Vice President, President and National Assessment Co-ordinator. Her desire to teach floristry to the highest standard is her passion.
3 –Lauren Fyfe (Senior Event Manager)
The woman who brings the entire show together. With over 20 years of international experience in the events industry, Lauren is busy working away on the programming for this years Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for you all to enjoy. Originally from London, Lauren & her family moved to Melbourne in January 2017 and is now well immersed in the world of flowers & gardens.
4 – Alana Pittard (Victorian Farmers Federation)
Alana Pittard took on the role of the horticultural manager of Victorian Farmers Federation in August last year. Her role manages policy related to all horticultural commodities and media and communications. VFF includes the Flowers Victoria committee of which has a beautiful & impressive exhibit at the show – The Flower Market and the Wedding Table display which was a huge hit last year and will be returning to this years show.
5 – Lizzie Earl (Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria)
Lizzie holds a bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture and has been involved with the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for three years now. Lizzie’s first year at the show saw her lend a hand to the creation of a Show Garden, before moving onto project manager of the Avenue of Achievable Gardens and the NGIV Precinct.
6 – Megan Flower (Landscaping Victoria)
As a self-confessed “Jack (or should that be Jill?) of all Trades” Megan is no stranger to the show. Megan in her role at Landscaping Victoria looks after the Landscape Advisory centre offered at the show & also co-ordinates the Boutique Garden competition. From getting down and dirty with paintbrushes and power tools to networking at industry functions, Megan gets to do it all. “I have never felt restricted as a woman leading the landscaping industry and in fact there is great encouragement within the businesses I deal with to get more women into the trade. Design, management and admin roles see many women working in landscaping, and OH&S measures in place to ensure no-one gets injured at work these days means that brawn is no longer a necessity to be a landscaper.
#BalanceForBetter
#IWD2019
Friday night floral festivities at ‘Gardens by Twilight’
Melbourne’s CBD is renowned for its thriving nightlife, inventive bars and unique pop ups, but for one night only a truly exclusive experience will be offered to the city’s locals. As the sun sets, Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building will transform into a dusky wonderland as the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show presented by Lawn Solutions Australia extends its hours for a floral-inspired night party.
On Friday March 29, city workers are encouraged to dodge the peak hour traffic and instead explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest horticultural event in an all new light with an evening of craft beers, prosecco, wine and gourmet catering.
Tickets for the one-off floral festivities are included within the price of a Friday pass ($29.90) with a vast range of food and beverages available for purchase on the night. Visitors can throw an impromptu picnic in the grounds with bubbles, beers and bites, followed by a wander through the award-winning Show Gardens and floral installations that attract more than 100,000 visitors each year.
The perfect backdrop to kick off after-work drinks, or a romantic setting for the most memorable date night of the year; visitors will be spoilt by the evening’s offerings. Goodman Wines will serve glasses of locally produced rosé, red and white wine, while Woodend’s own Holgate Brewhouse will cover all craft beer needs with a selection of ales, IPAs, lager and more, and Melbourne’s favourite bubbles truck, The Prosseco Van, will be satiating visitors with freshly poured prosecco and spritzes. Those teetotalling their way through March will be delighted to discover Seedlip – the world’s first non-alcoholic spirit – slinging deceptively delicious alcohol-free G&Ts and other cocktails.
In addition to witnessing the best gardens and floral designs the country has to offer (illuminated by lighting specialists Gardens at Night), show-goers will revel in the local live music sets, roving entertainment, and impressive lighting displays – running until 9pm.
Tickets are now on sale here.
Dates: Gardens by Twilight – Friday March 29 until 9pm
Venue: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
Autumn Lawn Care
A long hot summer has come to an end and temperatures should be heading south over the coming months, time for some Autumn lawn care.
Your grass has suffered through a very hot summer and is likely to need a boost, so now is the time to get in there while you still have some of the growing season left. Autumn is a great time of year to tend to your lawn and get it looking it’s best with some simple lawn care.
Much of the work now will be to get your lawn in good health for the cooler months ahead where it will slow down into a certain level of dormancy. The better your grasses health is going into winter the better it will come out the other side in spring.
Here’s some things you can do:
Aerating
During summer you spend a lot more time enjoying your lawn, combine this with the heat of the sun and your soil base can get quite hard and compacted. This is not ideal for grass growth, so it’s important you undertake some aeration to de compact the soil base and better allow for oxygen, water and nutrient to penetrate to the roots of the plant.
Manage shade
Shade can be a particular problem for your lawn in the cooler months and it’s not until it warms up again that you realise the extent of the damage that has been caused by insufficient sunlight. Trim back any trees that you can and rake away any leaves and other debris regularly.
Fertilise
Autumn fertilising prepares your lawn for the winter months. It encourages prolonged growth to ensure a thick coverage and extended colour. This application will be the most important one for the year. Apply a slow release granular fertiliser, as it breaks down it will gradually release nutrients to your grass for up to 12 weeks.
Get on top of summer weeds
Over summer you may have had an infiltration of some summer weeds like crowsfoot or creeping oxalis. You need to get on top of these by applying the appropriate herbicides or hand removing before it cools down and your lawn is left weak during winter where it is even more susceptible to weed infestation.
Lay turf
Autumn is a great time to get some new turf down, there is enough time left in most states for good root establishment before winter. Lower temperatures during this time will mean you won’t require as much water to keep it hydrated as you would during summer. Get a great looking lawn with our expert advice and tips on laying turf and lawn care here.
This article has been brought to you by our presenting partner Lawn Solutions Australia.
Autumn nights and garden lights
As we embrace the changing seasons with our Gardens by Twilight Event on Friday 29 March- lighting partner Gardens at Night shares their expertise on how to create the perfect lighting to enhance your garden and enjoy our dramatic Autumnal season.
Credit: Photography Jason Edwards Photography
Designer: Ben Hutchinson Landscapes
Entertaining and the outdoors are part of our Australian lifestyle. Inner city courtyards, alfresco areas and larger landscaped gardens are perfect for dining and evenings with friends.
Draw attention to design features:
– suspend lights from a pergola or trees
– highlight the movement of water to create dramatic effects
– illuminate key features, such as trees and sculptures
No matter the size of your garden, you can create an ambient and welcoming space you will want to spend time in.
Lift the mood with Overhead Lights
From a small pergola to formal entertaining areas – hanging lights help to define, add atmosphere and cast a warm diffused light over your outdoor setting.
The Hanging Light and Hanging Light Speckle by Gardens at Night are available in a range of finishes to suit any setting. Made with the Australian climate in mind they are corrosion resistant material and easy to install.
Hanging Light available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.
Make an entrance with Path Lights
Path lights are the perfect choice for creating an inviting impact to your garden. They draw guests through landscape to desired destinations and to hidden features.
They can also help to define garden bed and outdoor seating areas whilst highlighting level changes.
Our Path Light Dome 5 and Path Light Linear 5 help to illuminate meandering paths and create an alluring ambience.
Credit: Jason Edwards Photography
Path Light Dome 5 available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.
Path Light Linear 5 available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.
Set a striking night scene
Highlight trees and features in a garden with the use of Accent Lights. These features become a focal point with the added benefit of casting dramatic shadows up the walls of entertaining areas.
The Accent 5 and Accent 8 are ideal for drawing attention to these focal points. For maximum impact consider where the object or feature will be viewed from. Not all features are viewed when in the garden but also from within the residence or even outside the property. Be careful to avoid glare when positioning the fitting. Our Accent Lights have adjustable knuckles, directing light in the best direction.
Credit: Jason Edwards Photography
Accent 5 available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.
Accent 8 available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.
While lighting has a practical purpose within an outdoor entertaining space, there are a number of ways you can enhance this area using quality outdoor lighting. A well-designed lighting scheme will take into consideration the texture of materials, foliage and focal points within the larger landscape and creates an inviting environment you want to spend time in. A space that shines bright both day and night.
Credit: Jason Edwards Photography
Designer: Stem Landscape
Gardens at Night are design and technical experts in landscape lighting. With showrooms in Melbourne and Sydney the GAN team are happy to assist you. Or speak with one of their friendly staff at this year’s Gardens by Twilight. Once again, Gardens at Night will be lighting the inspirational Show Gardens to reveal their hidden beauty at night.
Visit their website for more lighting inspiration or view their entire range of outdoor lighting in their recently released catalogue here.
