Inge Jabara – Pocket Profile

Inge has loved plants and gardens since she was very young. From the age of five she was taught by her grandfather the art and ways of horticulture. Her company, which she established as sole owner in 2009, is the fruition of her lifelong dream to design and build beautiful landscapes.

With an Associate Degree of Environmental Horticulture, Inge is brimming with ideas and innovations for creative Australian landscapes, and is a sought-after speaker and television consultant on the subject. As IJL’s Founder and Chief Designer, Inge leads a team of passionate and skilled people, who all share her belief that the process of having your garden created should be an easy process.

When it comes to your landscape design, construction and maintenance, Inge’s Team will manage or oversee every critical aspect, from plant selection and lighting, to drainage and secondary structures. The result will be a unique and timeless creation that is certain to be the envy of the neighbourhood. A mother of two small children, Inge is still very active in her company however has progressed into a Director role and manages the onboarding of Design Clients. Between filming TV Shows she loves to travel with her family to gardens far and abroad.

Pocket Profile

What can you tell us about your garden at the show?

Looking at the lunaria seed pod, I was inspired by its lovely shape as an individual pod but also as a branch of pods. The Translucently of them was also inspiring the thought of letting the light to where the seed is held reminds me of letting light into a home. It then inspired me to create this theatrical and futuristic show garden that from above carries the same branch like shapes with pods at the end of each point. The word ‘Pod’ invoking a question: ‘What if we created a living space that was inspired from the living environment?”. ‘Lunaria Pods’ Was born. This futuristic green living space that has traditional elements such as Cooking, Dinning, Sitting and Reflection connected by pathways all while being nestled within a green woodland. You can imagine how this pod community would expand as it would be a continuation of the branch and pod structures to create a larger fabric of community.

What are you most excited to see at the show this year?

The hanging basket competition and my fellow show garden entries

What is your favourite current industry trend?

Choosing sustainable and recycled materials to reduce waste for your garden. Buying used and styling up. Ie Outdoor Furniture

What sustainable practices have you highlighted in your garden?

All concrete will be 100% recycled after show ends
All soil and Mulch will be 100% recycled
Roof structures (Built by Lump) will be installed at a project 2024
100% plants to be returned to nursery
Turf to go to green waste
Ponds to be returned
Sculpture to be returned
Timber subfloors to be recycled

Fast Five

Favourite Flower/Plant? Lunaria

Pineapple on a pizza? NO HELL NO

Gardening Gloves or Bare Hands? Bare Hands NO gloves

Favourite Season? Winter-So much to do in the garden that makes so much difference in summer

Foliage or Flora? Foliage

Nadia Cole – Pocket Profile

You’ll find Nadia, Platylobium founder, with a coffee in hand and her head in a book of indigenous plants. Nadia’s love of landscape design and the environment flourished while studying Horticulture at the University of Melbourne (Burnley). From here, she immersed herself in Conservation Ecology at Deakin University. After many years of successful collaborations and honing her skills in design, garden maintenance and bushland management, Nadia planted the Platylobium seed in 2016.

Nadia has a passion for native plants, the environment and natural landscape is in her roots. Nadia’s Nan and Pa owned 5 acres in Eltham, a property that’s been in her family for over 60 years. Predominantly bushland, the property also had a wonderfully maintained and loved native garden. As a child she spent so much time exploring, admiring and helping in the garden, learning the different orchids and native plants.

Pocket Profile

What can you tell us about your garden at the Show?

Our garden is a contemporary Australian garden with an entertaining space constructed out of recycled materials.

It features Australian native plants, including many species indigenous to Melbourne, with the objective of demonstrating how they can be used in a modern Australian style, in contrast to a traditional bush garden.

What are you most excited to see at the show this year?

I always wanted to be a florist, so I am excited to see the amazing floral creations at this years’ show. I find floristry a source of inspiration when developing plant palettes and layouts. I’m also excited about the Prosecco van (it’s been a big year!).

What is your favourite current industry trend?

I’m loving seeing more use of sustainable materials and also the indigenous plant movement.

What sustainable practices have you seen highlighted in the industry at the moment?

I think that one positive that has come from the rise in materials prices is that there has been more focus on using recycled materials and materials that are sourced closer to home. I think that this gives gardens local character as well as being a more environmentally sustainable choice. The erratic climate has also meant that there has been more focus on using plants that are hardy and adaptable, often native and indigenous species and varieties.’

Fast Five

Favourite Flower/Plant – Platylobium obtusangulum (Common Flat-pea) (hence the name)
Pineapple on a pizza? Yes, but I don’t eat pizza (it doesn’t like me!)
Gardening Gloves or Bare Hands – Gloves
Favourite Season – Spring
Foliage or Flora – Flora

INDOOR PLANTS YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR HOME POP

Indoor plants continue to be one of the hottest trends in gardening and home decor. There’s a species of indoor plant for everyone and most indoor plants can handle hardy environments and won’t get too mad if you forget to water them!

There are so many indoor plant species that are easy to take care of which look fantastic in the home and add that extra pop of colour. Now is the perfect time to discover the wonderful world of indoor plants

Monstera Deliciosa: Commonly known as the ‘swiss cheese’ of plants due to their cheese like leaves, Monstera Deliciosa is the perfect addition to any home. These plants thrive in any indoor setting and will survive if you forget to water it once in a while. We recommend using Scotts Osmocote Indoor Plants Premium Potting Mix with the Australian Standard red tick, which ensures that the mix has been manufactured with quality ingredients to comply with Australian Standards. A handy tip for new and old owners is to make sure that this plant is kept in a warm climate out of direct sunlight.

Cast Iron Plant: If you are wanting an indoor plant to spruce up your low light areas, try investing in a cast iron plant. These special plant babies are one of the most durable indoor plants that you can purchase. The deep green colour of the leaves gives any room a pop of colour and as an added bonus, this plant can survive in a wide range of temperatures, lighting conditions and with minimal water.

Aloe Vera: For those after an indoor plant with both healing properties and are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, feature aloe vera on your window sills. Besides decoration, you can harvest your aloe vera plants spiky leaves which can save you quite a lot of cost when it comes to purchasing aloe vera soothing products for sunburn. The harvested aloe gel can be applied to sunburns and is even known to promote wound healing. Place your aloe vera plant in a terracotta pot that has great drainage for the best results.

Peace Lily: It’s hard not to love a peace lily! These indoor plants are easy to care for, forgiving and arguably one the most beautiful indoor plants that you can invest in. Peace lilies will start to droop when they are thirsty and if the leaves start to go yellow this means they are hungry and a sign that there is a lack of nitrogen in the soil. Apply Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed for Indoor Plants to boost nitrogen levels and get rid of those sad yellow leaves. The humble peace lily has been recognised as one of the best indoor air purifiers that you can have in the home and every indoor plant parent should have at least one in their indoor plant family.

Devil’s Ivy: Devil’s ivy is a great indoor plant for beginners, they are understanding and add some lovely greenery to your home. To ensure that you give the best chance for your pothos plants to survive, a top tip is to use Osmocote Pour+Feed for Indoor Plants to provide fast acting nutrients. Devil’s ivy plants can survive in just about any environment and look great in the bathroom or office spaces. If you are looking to have the best looking plant on the block, display your pothos plant in hanging basket.

African Violets: The humble African violet is a must for your home this summer! This indoor plant is perfect for small living areas and is sure to add that extra pop of colour to any room. To ensure that this flowering plant flourishes indoors, place the African violet in a well-lit location that is out of direct sunlight. Remember to make sure not to over water this plant and to give it a dust from time to time.

Christian Jenkins – Pocket Profile

Pocket Profile

What can you tell us about your garden at the Show?

A contemporary Japanese infusion, this garden will be theatrical and dramatic. A large efficiencies will be on contrast and challenging peoples thought concept on what a garden can look like, 2 large bodies of water, winding pathways a room to reflect with a hidden garden at the rear with hot tub and sauna

What are you most excited to see at the show this year?

Will be great to see the show rise up to pre Covid-19’s

What is your favourite current industry trend?

It’s all about the plants, let the soft scapes do the talking trees, trees and more trees

What sustainable practices have you seen highlighted in the industry at the moment?

Sustainable practices have seen such an awareness for rain gardens a place to minimise the harmful run off of the water that travels into the water ways

Fast Five

Favourite Flower/Plant?

Bromeliads

Pineapple on a pizza?

Not a chance

Gardening Gloves or Bare Hands

50 : 50

Favourite Season?

Autumn in Carlton gardens

Foliage or Flora

can’t split 50 : 50

For more information on Christian Jenkins and his work please head to his website: https://christianjenkins.com.au/

Renee Reiter – Pocket Profile

What can you tell us about your garden at the Show?

Step up though a curved archway into a luxurious sleek structure and take in the views to this unique landscape garden. Separate zones connect seamlessly together to immerse you within the garden. A balance between rustic and modern materials adding another layer of luxury to this harmonic outdoor space.

What are you most excited to see at the show this year?

It’s exciting to see how designers create such unique and different spaces and I’m looking forward to seeing the different gardens around the show. There is a great vibe at the show, and I can’t wait to be back!

What is your favourite current industry trend?

How shapes and materials are being used.

What sustainable practices have you seen highlighted in the industry at the moment?

More availability of Australian products and products being sourced in the country.

Fast Five

Favourite Flower/Plant?

Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’

Pineapple on a pizza?

Nope

Gardening Gloves or Bare Hands?

Gloves. I don’t like the gritty feeling.

Favourite Season?

Hands down autumn.

Foliage or Flora?

Foliage.

HOW TO REVAMP YOUR GARDEN: THE COST-FRIENDLY EDITION

Many Aussies are often dissuaded from giving their garden a bit of a makeover due to the perception of a hefty price tag. However, there are countless ways you can revamp your garden inexpensively without compromising quality.

As much as Australians are fond of home renovation shows, they have created the impression that garden makeovers always require a big budget. The reality is, by doing tasks such as applying fresh coats of paint to old items, or even replanting old plants you can save a heap of money while getting the garden in tip top shape.

Convert old shelves into a vertical garden: With more of us short on backyard space you can imagine why vertical gardens are one of the biggest trends right now. Although pricey when store-bought, they can be extremely cost effective when you use the right household items. All you need to do is find some old shelves, give them a fresh dose of paint and get creative by lining up all your beautiful potted plants. Be sure to include plants of different shapes and sizes to really showcase your vertical garden.

Replant your salvageable plants: If your plant is looking a bit down, don’t toss it out as it is often easy to get to the root of the problem. Most of the time, your plants will just need fresh potting mix. For longer lasting results and optimum growth, invest in a quality potting mix such as Scotts Osmocote PremiumPlus Potting Mix which is specially formulated to be rich in nutrients.

Paint your pot plants: New pots can be expensive, so if you are tired of staring at the old faded colours, try giving it a fresh coat of paint. Not only will it get your creative juices flowing, it will also provide some great entertainment if you are struggling to keep the kids entertained on the weekend. If you are feeling extra artsy, purchase some stencils and create some new patterns.

Get crafty with old picture frames: If you have some abandoned and neglected picture frames that are just gathering dust in storage, get crafty and create some picture frame plants. Nail the frame to the fence or wall in your garden and place some moss in the hole of the frame. Once this is complete, plant some nice herbs, ferns or other green little guys in the moss. Not only does this create a wonderful aesthetic, kids will feel like they are in their very own enchanted, fairytale garden.

Grow your herbs and veggies from seeds: Although it might seem easier to plant veggies that have already begun to sprout, the truth is the more it’s grown, the more expensive it becomes. Purchasing seeds can save you a lot of money both up front and in the long run when you are revitalising or creating a veggie and herb garden. To maintain optimum growth in your newly revitalised veggie garden, make sure to use Scotts Performance Naturals Tomato, Vegetable and Herb Organic Based Fertiliser.

Charlie Albone – Pocket Profile

What can you tell us about your garden at the Show?

This garden is one for entertaining, something that will hopefully inspire the crowd but one that also feels achievable. The main features are two shipping containers that have been adapted for entertaining and there is even a roof top garden.

What are you most excited to see at the show this year?

I’m looking forward to meeting Peter Donegan -I’ve been a fan of his for years

What is your favourite current industry trend?

I love that people are really experimenting with their plant palettes and creating individual spaces for their clients.

What sustainable practices have you seen highlighted in the industry at the moment?

Did I mention I’m using shipping containers in my show garden?

Renders by Hanna Digital Design

Fast Five

Favourite Flower/Plant

Peony – love the flowers

Pineapple on a pizza?

Only with ham

Gardening Gloves or Bare Hands

Bare hand of course

Favourite Season

Autumn, Spring, Summer and Winter

Foliage or Flora

Both

For more information on Charlie Albone, head to his website HERE

Christmas Giveaway

This competition is now CLOSED.

As the holiday season approaches, we want to share the love!

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, presented by Scotts Osmocote, is the gift that keeps on giving. To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, we’re offering our #MelbFlowerShow community the opportunity to WIN! With up to $8,218 of prizes to be won with a range of gifts valued from $39.95 to $4,395, there’s something for everyone. All you have to do is purchase a ticket for the Show before December 19 and you will automatically go in the draw!

With so many chances to win, and a prize pool of over $8,000, we’re starting celebrations early!

How to win?

All you have to do is purchase a ticket to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, presented by Scotts Osmocote, before Monday 19 December, and you’re automatically in the running!

Check out the Terms & Conditions here. Winners will be contacted directly on Wednesday 21 December.

BUY A TICKET TO THE SHOW

Prizes up for Grabs:

1 of 4 Premium Potting Mix Prize Packs from Scotts Osmocote, each valued at $40

You could WIN a Prize Pack for Flowering Plants, for Veggies and Herbs, for Roses or an All Purpose Pack.

A Wine Selectors Regional Selects 187ml Sampler Dozen valued at $120

Experience the rich diversity of Australian wine with the Regional Selects 187ml Sampler Dozen, introducing you to some tried-and-true varieties plus some exciting new discoveries from wineries throughout Australia’s world-class wine regions.

A Wintergardenz 8ftx 8ft toughened glass Glasshouse valued at $4,395

Wintergardenz are proud of their award winning, unique design. Made from locally sourced (Australia & New Zealand) top quality components. Designed specifically for our harsh weather conditions and built to last.

A Hexagonal Planter from Shapescaper valued at $540

“SHAPESCAPER® planters feature a modular design that create extremely durable and attractive REDCOR® weathering steel planters suitable for both domestic and commercial installation. The design incorporates smooth rounded edges and a top 40mm x 20mm return rim for added strength and safety. Planters are supplied in two halves that are easily joined. They can also be combined with a range of extender lengths to create your own custom designs.”

A Haws 9L ‘Warley Fall’ Metal Outdoor Watering Can valued at $299 from Backyard Botanist

The ultimate professional’s choice, this long reach metal watering can is galvanised and powder-coated for protection from corrosion. The long spout reaches deep into flowerbeds, maximising water pressure to deliver a fine spray.

A large Brilliantly Glazed Green Apple sculpture from Pink Pear, valued at $467.50

These individually made sculptures are perfect for either glorious indoor displays, a wow factor in commercial properties or stunning outdoor garden and landscape architectural features.

A Fiskars Xact Weed Puller valued at $84.95

For removing any root weeds effortlessly. Ergonomically designed handle.

A Power Lopper from 2WP valued at $150

The 2WP Power Lopper is our heavy duty ratchet lopper with a revolutionary 5:1 cutting ratio.

2WP is a family run business and has been exhibiting at the Show since the inaugural edition.

2WP believes in effortless pruning, particularly for those suffering with arthritis. Our tools are fully serviceable with spare parts available.

A $500 voucher to spend instore at Melbourne Indoor Plants

Based in 4 locations across Melbourne and pride themselves in bringing you the biggest and best stock you can find at an affordable price!

A Eucalyptus Tray 39cm circle from Bell Art Australia valued at $89.95

Celebrating our marvellous Eucalyptus caesia – Gungurru or Silver Princess. This tray is made in Sweden on the beautiful island of Orland. It is molded by hand using Birchwood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). It is dishwasher safe and foodsafe.

A Pruning Kit from CutAbove Tools, to the value of $157

CutAbove Tools is an Australian family company with an extensive range of pruning, gardening and cleaning tools.This prize pack includes a Garden Tool Belt, Ratchet Secateurs, A Folding Saw and a Multi Sharpener.

A Merry People Prize Pack valued at $200

The prize pack includes a pair of Merry People Bobbi Boots, a Merry People Care Kit containing all you need to maintain, nourish, protect and prolong the life of your rubber boots, and a pair of Merry People Quarter socks, made from a blend of Merino wool and organic cotton.

A Prize Pack from The Plant Runner, valued at $313

The Prize Pack includes 1x Plant Runner Booster Kit, 1x 15L Aroid Mix, 1x Plant Runner Refill Pack – Neem and Plant Food, 1x SYU Indoor Plant Secateurs and 1x $50 Gift Voucher for The Plant Runner Store.

20 metres of EverEdge in the 100mm depth and your choice of finish: galvanised and powder coated in black or brown valued at $540, or Cor-Ten (rust finish) valued at $580

EverEdge flexible steel garden edging is durable, versatile and incredibly simple to install. Each metre length incorporates six spikes (the spikes and the edge are all in one piece), the lengths are simply hammered into the ground and easily interlocked.

Black Masamune Pruning Shears valued at $156 from Shokuin Store

Black Masamune Pruning Shears are professional garden shears produced by Takashi Yoshioka of Yoshioka Hamono, a leading Japanese blade manufacturer. This much-anticipated new product comes from the city of Ono, Hyogo with a 250 year history of black-smithery that dates back to the time of samurai.

These ultra-sharp and reliable shears are designed for use by horticultural professionals who demand long-lasting performance and the very best quality.

A triple pack of Bioweed Natural Weed Killer 750ml Ready to use, valued at $39.95

Made from hand-tapped pine oil, this Australian-owned and made product is backed by over 20 years of research and development.

Bioweed is also child and pet friendly, so you can rest assured knowing your family is safe.

Bioweed is perfect for those who want an organic option for weed control and is a non-selective herbicide that kills a broad range of weeds, moss, and algae. Plus, there’s no withholding period and additionally, it leaves no soil residues, making it safe to use around veggie patches and farms.

A 6 issue subscription to ABC Gardening Australia magazine valued at $46.80

ABC Gardening Australia magazine, born from the TV show, is the bible for novice gardeners and green thumbs alike, and is Australia’s leading gardening title. Each month our nation-wide team of experts provide all the help you need to create a thriving garden and beautiful outdoor space. Every issue is filled with expert advice, top water-saving and organic ideas, new plants and products, and stories from the ABC TV show.

A Kunzea Muscle Revive Pack from Zea Relief valued at $79

A bundled solution to assist with sore, tired muscles. Incorporate this soothing trio into your daily routine to increase vitality and feel recharged, so you can get the most out of everyday life and get back to doing more of what you love.

The Muscle Revive Pack includes Kunzea Pain Relief Cream, Kunzea Muscle Balm, and Kunzea Bath Salts.

The Christmas Giveaway promotion closes on Monday 19 December.

Joel Barnett – Pocket Profile

What can you tell us about your garden at the Show?

The overall message behind the garden is the power of a positive mindset and seeing the beautiful things in life rather than focusing on the negatives. The majority of the garden if full of beautiful soft, deep garden beds surrounding three different areas for you to be outside and enjoying life’s beauty! There’s an undercover entertaining area complete with fireplace reflection pond, bbq, fridge and dining space. There’s the lawn combined with the projector where the family can sit on the lawn and watch a movie together. And there’s even an outdoor bathroom with a bath, shower/feature and vanity, to really get people outside as much as possible! These areas are all about getting outside and enjoying life, and focusing on the positive things in life. Around the back of the garden is a darker, more negative area, full of dark foliaged plants to symbolise the negative things in life and to show that, while they do exist, there are far more positive things and experiences in life, especially when that’s what you’re focusing on.

http://www.instylegardens.com.au//

What are you most excited to see at the show this year?

I’m most excited, as always, to see the people at the show. Being a spectator at the show last year, I was blown away with the feeling of love and joy I had just by being back at an event I adore so much, around THE greatest people in the industry. The designers, builders, stall holders, organisers. It’s honestly such an amazing feeling being here, and a really special event to be a part of. I’m extremely grateful at getting to be involved.

What is your favourite current industry trend?

As you’ll see from my garden, I’m loving balls! Plants shaped into balls like the Buxus and Teucrium, Concrete Balls as a feature, paving cut into circles, round concrete steppers, curved planters. It’s amazing how many different topiary plant varieties are emerging and how well the softens of a plant works together with a concrete ball.

What sustainable practices have you seen highlighted in the industry at the moment?

I heard a fella on The Landscaping Victoria podcast recently and was fascinated to hear how much can be done to reduce landfill and recycle so many products. It’s great to see more people actually caring about the waste on a site and this was really evident last year with the Robert Boyle/Warners Garden which had zero waste. I’ve designed and specifically selected plenty of elements in my garden this year to be re-used in the future.

Fast Five

Favourite Flower/Plant Frangipani?

The flower, the form, the fragrance!

Pineapple on a pizza?

It’s perfection on EVERY pizza

Gardening Gloves or Bare Hands?

Nature gave me gloves, also known as calluses. Bare Hands

Favourite Season?

Summer. The hotter the better

Foliage or Flora?

Foliage – I want things always looking amazing

Peter Donegan – Pocket Profile

Peter Donegan Garden Design is an international garden design, landscape architecture and project management practice based in Dublin, Ireland.

In 2001 aged 24, Peter Donegan Garden Design was borne and swiftly won a host of awards for 17th & 18th century gardens designed & Show Gardens installed at national competitions.

From 2019 – 2022 The RHS silver medalist became the series garden designer for the country’s most watched television show and RTÉ television’s DIY SOS The Big Build Ireland.

Selected to represent Ireland to design & realise the Irish WW1 Centenary Peace Garden at Château de Péronne in 2018, he returned and designed a second inaugurated garden there in 2022 to commemorate the anniversary of Europe’s largest war museum housed within the castle.

2023 will see Peter Donegan become the first Irish Landscape Architect invited and accepted to design at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show March 2023 – the largest flower show in Southern Hemisphere.

Profile

What can you tell us about your garden at the Show?

The garden is ultimately a love story and a want to be on the mainland when from an island the heart wants to be nearer and from afar that story is retold in a contemporary way via a gardens design.

The main feature becomes one tree and a giant ray of sunshine bouncing off the waters reflection as you look from the opposite end whilst the ability to believe there is a way to get there makes matters of the heart and seeing that love entirely realistic, but only of a daydream.

What are you most excited to see at the show this year?

The show gardens aside and in equal measures I have a real soft spot for the achievable gardens category. The imagination, creativity and industry collaboration that is required to piece together the drawings of the futures garden designers and their interpretations is deserved of huge ovation. For those lucky enough to get to see them, they are always worthwhile and I am entirely in awe of those who strive to realise in these categories.

What is your favourite current industry trend?

I’ll take two on this if I may.

Wildflowering meadows appearing by far more beautiful always than not real grass certainly seems to be leading one evolutionary transition whilst the step away from Buxus semprevirens has been a most welcome trend. The Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden RHS Wisley has been leading the latter charge for sometime and has “allowed“ others like the Saracocca humilis (one of the most beautiful scents I have ever met) to take a little of the centre stage.

What sustainable practices have you seen highlighted in the industry at the moment?

There was an era of low to no (in some cases) maintenance requirements for some time requested by clients and that in our design office’s case statistically for the greater to have drastically changed, for the better, to a case where gardens now are more considerate of the world’s future. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to look rugged but more there is an awareness through that design that it starts not just in our public spaces but also in our own back gardens.