Upcoming events in South East Queensland, Australia & New Zealand
Major Garden and Flower Shows 2008-2009, Garden Tour Information

General Notices

China - October 2008 - Visit many of the famous cultural and historical highlights of China including: The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Yangtze River cruise, Ming Tombs, Terracotta Warriors, Escorted by well known horticulturalist and teacher from Toowoomba Brian Sams. Download Brochure China garden tour 2008.pdf (185kb)
Japan-Taiwan-Hong Kong April 2009 - Cherry Blossom, Natural Beauty and Shopping!. The best Japanese gardens in full bloom, Bullet train to Hiroshima Peace Park, Taroko Gorge in Taiwan, Orchid gardens, Taiwanese and Japanese culture and cuisine, Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Okayama
Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Ken Ting, Hualien. Escorted by well known horticulturalist and teacher from Toowoomba Brian Sams. Download Brochure Japan garden tour 2009.pdf (395kb)

Australia's Open Garden Scheme Australia's Open Garden Scheme

Gardening Competitions
40th Annual "Hills District & Bunya Garden Competition" - Sunday September 14th 2008 -judging by Noel & Heather Prior. Sunday 19th October 2008 - presentation of prizes at Bunya Sport Club. For: Residents of Arana Hills, Everton Hills, Ferny Hills and Bunya. Free to Enter - Great Prizes - Run by Ferny Hills Progress Association and supported by many local businesses and Moreton Bay Water who supply great sponsorship. Large Waterwise Category plus various other divisions. Website http://www.fhpa.com.au Email: gardencomp@fhpa.com.au or telephone Sue on (07) 3354 1379.

Logan City Gardening Competition - IT'S BACK - Gardeners rejoice! It's time to smell the roses and put on the gardening gloves as the popular Logan City Council Garden Competition returns. This year gardeners are encouraged to focus on waterwise and energy efficient gardening practices. The competition opens on July 17 and gardeners have until October 3 to register their entries. Judging will take place on October 13 and 14 and the winners will be announced on October 17 from 6.30pm at the Beenleigh Community Centre. more info.....

FREE GUIDED WALKS - The Brisbane Botanic Gardens’ Volunteer Guides offer FREE guided walking tours of the City Botanic Gardens and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Walks are available daily at 11am and 1pm (except Sunday and public holidays). BOOKINGS are NOT required for these walks but bookings can be made for large groups or groups with a special interest by calling (07) 3403 2535 (Mt Coot-tha) or (07) 3403 0666 (City).
FREE MINI-BUS TOURS - Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Mondays and Thursdays. Enjoy a relaxing and informative tour featuring the Temperate Zone, Exotic Rainforest, Australian Plant Communities and Gardens highlights. Recorded commentary by Curator, Ross McKinnon. Pick up point: 2:15pm Information Centre at main entrance. Drop off points: 2:40 pm Australian Plant Communities (Stage II) 2:45 pm Information Centre. For more information or to book a customised group tour, please phone the Gardens on 3403 2535.

August 2008

Green Thumbs Gathering - Corner of Kyabra St and Gumtree St, Runcorn. Unlock the secrets of composting, take a peek inside a worm farm, and learn how to grow organic produce. The Kyabra St Community Gardens Group at Runcorn invites you to see their garden, meet the team and discover the wonderful world of organic gardening. The gardens are home to pineapples, Brazilian spinach, ginger, and lemongrass, to name a few. All activities are family-friendly. Feel free to bring a plate of refreshments to share for morning tea. This activity proudly presented by the Kyabra Community Gardens Group. 7am – midday.

Maroochydore Orchid Society Spring Show - Millwell Road Community Centre, Millwell Road, Maroochydore (Next to Sunshine Plaza). Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday: 9.00pm - 3.00pm. Admission: $3.00 p/p. This annual show has nine affiliated societies taking part. Why not visit the beautiful Sunshine Coast for this event and bring your friends for a funtastic day out. Free potting demonstrations each day. Website: http://home.iprimus.com.au/marleneann/o_society.htm

Sogetsu Ikebana Assoc Bris/Gold Coast-Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium Brisbane. Ikebana Exhibition official opening 10am. Guided tours of exhibition at 10.30am and 2.00pm daily. Introduction to Ikebana workshops for visitors at 11.30am and 2.30pm daily. Trade table. Morning and afternoon tea available. Open 10.00am – 4.00pm. Adults $3.00

Nursery Book Signings - Please join me at the nurseries listed below if you would like to purchase my new book successful gardening in Warm Climates and have it personally signed or if you have any questions I would love to see you.
Northey Street City Farm Nursery, Northey Street, Windsor 7am-9am
Just Gardens Jindalee, 34 Goggs Road, Jindalee 11am-12noon  

What’s Cooking in the Gardens? - Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, George Street, Redcliffe. A feast of food, entertainment and gardening advice at the sixth annual event. Gardening gurus, including Gardening Australia (Qld) presenter Colin Campbell Download Flyer (pdf 1.7Mb)

Bonsai Society of Qld Inc-Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium Brisbane. Demonstrations 11.00am and 2.00pm daily. Sales of bonsai, stock, books, tools and more. 9.00am – 4.00pm. Adults $3.00

Japanese Cultural Day - Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha. Held in the Japanese Garden. Calligraphy and Tea Ceremony Demonstrations 11am and 1pm, Ikebana Demonstrations 12 noon and 2pm, Japanese Music at the Bandstand 3pm.

ABC Shop Book Signing - Purchase my new book Successful Gardening in Warm Climates and have it personally signed or if you have any questions I would love to see you. ABC Shop Chermside, Westfield Shopping Centre, Gympie Road, Chermside 1pm

ANOS - Kabi Group Aussie Native Orchid Show - Lion's Hall, Lawnton Showgrounds, Gympie Road, Lawnton. Plants for sale, light refreshments. Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 8.30am-2pm. Adult $3.00, Children under 12 free.

Queensland Orchid Society's Spring Orchid Festival - Brisbane Botanic Gardens Auditorium at Mt. Coot-tha, top orchid growers from south east Queensland will present a spectacular display of flowering orchids. This is a wonderful opportunity to buy good quality orchid plants at reasonable prices, view potting demonstrations and talk to growers with years of experience. Morning or afternoon teas are available. Great prizes to be won. Tour groups especially catered for. Hours: 9am-4pm daily. Admission: Adults $3 - children under 16 free. More information. Phone Maree on (07)3800 3213

Gardening Australia Expo - Sydney, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. Join Annette Saturday afternoon and Sunday on the ask it solve it stage. This spectacular gardening expo will bring ABC TV’s popular Gardening Australia to life, as its presenters appear on stage to provide advice and answer questions. Other horticultural and landscape industry experts will also be on hand to help create a dynamic, informative and inspirational event for all gardeners, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. There will be thousands of products to see and buy and non-stop practical gardening demonstrations and talks from several stages. Open: 9.30am – 5.00pm daily. Tickets available at the door or online. Groups: Pre-booked tickets are available for groups of a minimum of 12 people at a discounted rate. To arrange a group call (02) 9452 7545 or online www.abcgardeningexpo.com.au

Glebe Garden Club's annual Home Gardeners' Workshop and Expo - Glebe Road Uniting church complex, Cnr Green Street and Glebe Road, Booval, 8.30am - 3.00pm. Stalls and guest speakers talking on different gardening topics as part of our workshop and entertainment. Entry $2.00

Logan & District Orchid Society will present their Annual Winter Orchid Show at the Logan Central Community Centre cnr Jacaranda Ave & Wembley Rd Logan Central on Saturday from 8.30am to 3.pm and Sunday 8.30am to 3.pm. Have your orchid questions answered by experienced orchid growers, view potting demonstrations, purchase orchid plants, books and accessories also floral arrangements. Light refreshments will be available. Admission $3.00

North Brisbane Orchid Society-Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium Brisbane. Displays by Orchid Societies and Nurseries. Benched plants and floral art displays. Continuous potting demonstrations and cultural information. Sales of plants, pots, bark, fertiliser and books. Weekend raffle with refreshments available. Saturday 8.30am – 4.00pm Sunday 9.00am – 4.00pm. Adults $3.00

September 2008

Chelsea Flower Show & Fair - Run by the Australian Red Cross, at Paloma Reception Centre, 121 Mains Road, Sunnybank. Large variety of displays including Floral Art, Champion Blooms, Arts and Craft stalls, cakes, preserves and books. Representives of the African Violet and Hibiscus Societies will be on hand to answer your questions. Entry $5.00 - 9am-4pm.

Nambour Orchid Society Spring Show - Nambour Uniting Church Hall, Coronation Ave. Nambour. Orchid displays by societies from Gympie to Bribie Island. Arts and Crafts display & demonstrations by Palmwoods Arts & Crafts group. Purchase Orchids to start and/or enhance your collection. Orchid accessories for sale. Craft sales. Show opens 9am both days. Admission $3.00

Orchid Species Society Inc-Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium Brisbane. Displays of orchid species by family and genera. Potting displays at 11.00am and 2.00pm. Saturday 8.30am–4.30pm, Sunday 9.00am–3.30pm. Adults $5.00

Coucals Open Garden - 8 Belah Street, Mount Crosby. Open on the weekends 6/7th September for Aust Red Cross and 13/14 September for Mt Crosby Community Kindergarden. The gardens are set on 4 acres, featuring raised garden beds bordered by sandstone. The sloping land has allowed terraces on various levels displaying subtropical, tropical and temperate plants. Some of the plantings include: Roses, Mixed Borders, Azaleas, Conifers, Ponds and a Waterlily Lagoon, Bromeliads, Orchids, Succulents,Wisterias, Palms, a new waterfall and more. 10am to 4 pm - Entry $5.00

Peachester District Horticultural Society Spring Flower Spectacular. Peachester Community Hall, Coochin St, Peachester. On display and for sale, native plants, potted plants, fruit and vegetables and crafts. Morning Tea and food available. 9am-3pm. Entry-Gold Coin Donation.

West Brisbane Orchid Society Inc-Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium Brisbane. Display of orchids, floral art, ferns and bromeliads, potting demonstrations and cultural advice. Devonshire tea available. Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 9am-3.30pm. Adults $3, Under 12 free.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is reportedly Australia's longest running annual horticultural event. Carnival brings together horticulture, entertainment and gourmet foods in a unique culmination of spring celebrations, horticultural excellence and artistic diversity that remains unrivalled by any other Queensland event. more info.....

Twin Towns & District Garden Club 15th Annual Flower Show. Civic Centre Auditorium, Brett Street, Tweed Heads. Displays and sales of imported bromeliads as well as cactus, succulents and begonias. Displays of cut flowers and shrubs, fruit, vegetables, pot plants, floral art, children's arrangements and photography. Devonshire teas available. Entry by gold coin donation. Children free. 8.30am-3.30pm

Eastern District Orchid Society's Spring Show - Wondall Heights State School, Wondall Road, Manly West. Be seduced by the exotic and the bizarre. There will be many Species and Hybrid plants for sale.  Ever popular floral arrangements and Floral Art, African Violet displays and sales.  Potting demonstrations and cultural advice available from experienced orchid growers.  Refreshments, daily raffles, lucky door prizes and Craft Stalls. Open 8.30am - 4.00pm. Admission $3.00 - children under 14 free.  For more information ring Steve 3822 2658

Society for Growing Australian Plants – Qld Region Inc (SGAP). Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium Brisbane. Displays, plant sales and associated organisations. Saturday and Sunday 9.00am–4.00pm. Adults $3.00

The Geranium & Pelargonium Society of Brisbane/Qld Inc - Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium Brisbane. Displays of many varieties and colours not readily available. Sales, demonstrations and refreshments available.  Get your questions answered and help us support ‘Mater Little Miracles’. Saturday 9.00am – 3.30pm, Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm. Adults $3.00

October 2008

Mitchelton Library- Meet and Greet - 37 Heliopolis Parade, Mitchelton  - Please join me for an informal meet and greet where I would love to meet you personally and answer any gardening questions you may have. 1pm

Springtime On The Mountain Festival, Tamborine Mountains. Open gardens (8) with sale stalls etc. Botanic Gardens with plant stalls and refreshments. Nurseries local and visiting with live music, Landcare, Queensland Parks and Wildlife and local produce. Trail Passes available prior on application to the convenor or at all Open Gardens and Botanical Gardens. 9am-4pm daily. For more information email spring05@bigpond.com.au or http://www.tmgc.org.au  

Gardening Australia Expo -  Melbourne, Caulfield Racecourse, Caulfield. This spectacular gardening expo will bring ABC TV’s popular Gardening Australia to life, as its presenters appear on stage to provide advice and answer questions. Other horticultural and landscape industry experts will also be on hand to help create a dynamic, informative and inspirational event for all gardeners, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. There will be thousands of products to see and buy and non-stop practical gardening demonstrations and talks from several stages. Open: 9.30am – 5.00pm daily. Tickets available at the door or online. Groups: Pre-booked tickets are available for groups of a minimum of 12 people at a discounted rate. To arrange a group call (02) 9452 7545 or online www.abcgardeningexpo.com.au

Brisbane Organic Growers Inc. (BOGI) Organic Fair - The Peace Hall located at 102 McDonald Road, Windsor, Brisbane. The Hall is situated directly under the Albion overpass near the Albion Railway Station. Join Annette McFarlane at the Fair with any questions or pest problems you need solved. Annette's latest book Successful Gardening in Warm Climates will be available at the fair and she will be happy to sign any purchased copies. Stalls selling organically based fresh produce, seeds, fruit trees, herbs, preserves and more! 9am-3pm.

Redland Organic Growers Inc (ROGI). Are you interested in growing your own fruit & vegies? Want to make your own compost? Share trade secrets, tips and talk all things green & growing. Help develop a local seed bank. Attend talks and discussion groups. Guest speaker Graham Crombie, President of Brisbane Organic Growers Inc. Join us @ ROGI’s Launch Tues 7th October Indigiscapes 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba Contact Emma on (07) 3390 3628 or nebaker@optusnet.com.au 6.30 –8.30pm

Garden City Library - Meet and Greet - Cnr Logan and Kessells Roads, Upper Mt Gravatt  - Sustainability Workshop, 10am-12.30pm - Please contact the Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888 for further information on this event.

Gardening Australia Expo - Perth, Perth Showgrounds, Claremont. This spectacular gardening expo will bring ABC TV’s popular Gardening Australia to life, as its presenters appear on stage to provide advice and answer questions. Other horticultural and landscape industry experts will also be on hand to help create a dynamic, informative and inspirational event for all gardeners, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. There will be thousands of products to see and buy and non-stop practical gardening demonstrations and talks from several stages. Open: 9.30am – 5.00pm daily. Tickets available at the door or online. Groups: Pre-booked tickets are available for groups of a minimum of 12 people at a discounted rate. To arrange a group call (02) 9452 7545 or online www.abcgardeningexpo.com.au

November 2008

Mitchelton Library Sustainability Workshop - 37 Heliopolis Parade, Mitchelton  - Sustainability Workshop, 10am-12.00pm - Please contact the Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888 for further information on this event.

December 2008

2009

Ellerslie International Flower Show - Christchurch, New Zealand a truly international garden experience. The picturesque setting of Hagley Park has been chosen to hold the Flower Show in late Summer/Autumn 2009. Full details of the 2009 Show will be released in March 2008.

Gardening Courses

Horticulture - Short Courses run through BNIT Grovely Horticulture at sites in Brisbane, Caboolture, Yandina and Montville. All these courses are accredited programs run under the auspices of the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE, Grovely Horticulture Campus.  Reduced fees apply to concession card holders. For more information or to enrol phone (07) 33545507.

Organic Gardening (8 days x 5.30 – 9.00pm)
Claire Bickle (formerly of Perrotts Nursery at Enoggera) will run a fun, hands-on short course on Organic Gardening at Grovely TAFE in Brisbane on Tuesday evenings from 5.30-9.00pm starting mid July for eight nights. Classes are conducted within the classroom and under outdoor floodlights. Learn how to make compost, build no-dig gardens and start your own worm farm in the practical course. Organic gardening classes are also run weekdays at the Caboolture campus of BNIT with Bob Evans.

Bush Tucker (6 Saturdays from 9.00am – 1.30pm)
Want to learn how to identify one native plant from another or just learn more about bush foods? This program teaches you how to identify, propagate and use local bush tucker species in everyday recipes.  Local native plant expert Jo Roberts will lead you through six workshops on this fascinating topic.

Biodynamics (1 day x 8.30am – 4.30pm)
Biodynamic gardener, Rob Birse, will run one day (8.30am – 4.30pm) Biodynamic workshops at Grovely and two day (9.00am – 3.00pm) programs at Caboolture and Montville during 2008. Topics covered include an introduction to Rudolf Steiner and using preparation 500. Practical activities include a ‘hands on’ compost making activity. Come along in your gardening clothes, wear boots and bring gloves and a hat. 

Introduction to Budding & Grafting (Fortnightly 5.30pm - 9pm each Monday 21st July - 15th September with one Saturday)

Ever wanted to graft your own plants, but not sure where to start. This is an exciting new program that is sure to be very popular. Join Jo Roberts for this practical short course to learn how to bud and graft tomatoes and eggplants, avocadoes, citrus and grevilleas. It is easy when you know how!

Other Locations for Courses
Permaculture and Organic Gardening (one day each week 9.30am – 2.30pm) Permaculture gardener, Elizabeth Fekonia, will run daytime Organic Gardening courses focussing on Permaculture principles at Yandina during 2008. Phone 3354 5507.

Organic Gardening and Permaculture courses are also offered at the Northey Street City Farm in Brisbane. Phone 3857 8775. 

Introduction to Biodynamics (2 days x 9.00am – 3.00pm)Biodynamic gardener, Rob Birse, will run two-day programs at Caboolture and Montville during 2008. Topics covered include an introduction to Rudolf Steiner and using preparation 500. Practical activities include a ‘hands on’ compost making activity. Come along in your gardening clothes, wear boots and bring gloves and a hat. 

Horticulture courses are run at TAFE campuses in Toowoomba, Nambour, Townsville and Cairns. Phone or email your local TAFE for more information.