The world-renowned Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, presented by Scotts Osmocote, is set to transform Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building into a horticultural paradise this week.
As the southern hemisphere’s largest garden and flower festival, this year’s jam-packed program offers something for everyone with endless backyard inspiration from garden displays, fantastical floral fashions, hands-on workshops, educational talks from celebrity gurus, an abundance of family fun, and after-dark experiences.
“We are thrilled to welcome Australia’s premier horticulture and floral event back to Melbourne in 2023,” said Event Director, Marcus Gale.
For almost three decades, the Show has been a staple in Victoria’s event calendar, attracting over 100,000 garden enthusiasts from across the globe, and it’s one of the only garden events in the world to boast a beautiful city backdrop.”
“This year, as well as an internationally acclaimed line up of designers, florists, artists and brands. It’s the must-do event of the season with something for everyone!” said Mr Gale.
Bigger and better than ever, the Festival’s 2023 outdoor program will boast more than 40 enchanting garden displays across an array of competitions.
Ten acclaimed landscape designers from around the gardening globe will come together to present a series of breath-taking Show Gardens, including Dublin’s Peter Donegan who will make his Show debut.
Celebrating the changing nature of the Australian backyard, the 5 x 5 metre Boutique Gardens and student-led Achievable Gardens will provide the ultimate inspiration for cosy spaces, alongside the Ryman Healthcare Balcony Gardens and bespoke Border Gardens.
The Show will also welcome back the Hanging Basket Competition, inviting everyday gardening enthusiasts to get involved, alongside the Arts & Sculpture Precinct and NGIV ‘Grow Your Career’ Hub where budding horticulturalists can discover green futures.
Inside the Royal Exhibition Building, visitors will be delighted by a kaleidoscope of colour, stunning perfumes, endless floral varieties, and award-winning floral displays in the Great Hall of Flowers.
Thousands of artworks will coat the mezzanine level as all-new Brush & Bubbles classes offering guests the chance to create their own floral-inspired artworks while sipping a glass of bubbly.
Future newlyweds will be delighted by a dedicated Wedding Showcase filled with beautiful tablescape inspiration, alongside Floral Fashions by RMIT students and High Tea sessions in the lounge.
The reimagined Scotts Osmocote Indoor Plant Zone will also return with sprawling inspiration for plant devotees looking to enhance their indoor spaces.
A true family affair, the NGIV Learning Zone will have little ones entertained for hours with an immersive pollinator garden exploring the biodiverse world of mini-beasts and bees.
Families will also be able to discover the joys of home grown food with a sprawling summer veggie patch, and try their hand at the Show’s first-ever Sustainable Scarecrow Competition by giving pre-used garden materials a new life.
On Friday 31st March (5.00 – 9.00pm), visitors will experience the Show under a whole new light as Carlton Gardens transforms into a twinkling paradise for Gardens by Twilight.
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show takes place at the Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building from Wednesday 29 March – 2 April 2023. For more information, visit: www.melbflowershow.com.au for details.
Image: Floral Art by Lani Reardon at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (supplied)