Gardens and Gardening Shows

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is on again! The Show has something to offer all age groups, and features innovative garden design, new plant releases, advice and demonstrations for the pure garden enthusiast, fashion and floristry, fun for the kids, not to mention the great food and wine!

The Show was established as a result of the vision and foresight of the Nursery Industry Association of Victoria, Flowers Victoria and the Victorian Government. With a vision to create a combined industry and public event of world class standing, that showcases products to both a domestic and international market, the Show is now firmly established as one of Australia’s outstanding "Hallmark" events.

Held annually within the historic and beautifully restored Royal Exhibition Building and the tree lined concourses of the surrounding Carlton Gardens, the venues complement the splendour and creativity of the show exhibits.

The Show allows flower growers and floral designers to join forces, showcase their talents and put their industry “on show” with dazzling displays. Florists compete for prestige and recognition in competitions. Landscape designers and architects explore cutting edge design, and experiment with new and innovative concepts. Retailers also have the opportunity to sell their finest wares.

As the visitor, you get to experience it all live. The show runs in autumn each year. For more information go to http://www.melbflowershow.com.au.

The National Rhododendron Garden, Olinda

Whilst you’re in Melbourne for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, why not visit the National Rhododendron Garden, Olinda. This garden is well worth visiting any time of the year, but from late winter onwards it comes alive with a progression of floral displays, starting with cherry blossom, camellias and spring bulbs; through every type of rhododendron and azalea imaginable.

With around 40 hectares of garden, and a large display hall that seems to house a different show almost every weekend; this is a must for any garden lover who visits Melbourne. Take warm clothing though if you’re there early or late in the day. It is usually much colder than down the mountain in Melbourne proper.

Visit American Botanic Gardens

Western North America boasts some world class botanic gardens, well worth a visit if you are in that part of the world.

Golden Gate Park is a huge area close to the centre of San Francisco, and within the park you will find a large botanic garden (entry free) and a spectacular Japanese garden (entry charged).
Denver Botanic Gardens is world renowned for its alpine rock garden covering around 1 acre. Other features include a "Monet’s Garden", a large "Japanese Garden", and many other formal and informal gardens types.
Van Dusen Botanic Garden is a 55 acre park, with a wide range of sub gardens (both formal and informal), a large garden shop, restaurant, library and display hall. A major garden show takes place early summer in the garden every year. Opens from 10am daily.
The University of British Columbia maintains a large botanic garden on a 70 acre site. It is primarily a research garden, with perhaps less landscape interest than Van Dusen, but none-the-less, contains some stunning sights, and for the plant enthusiast, specimens of plants rarely seen elsewhere.

Gardens and Gardening Shows

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

The National Rhododendron Garden, Olinda

Visit American Botanic Gardens

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