Queensland Garden Expo – from little things big things grow!

Novice gardeners and green (or brown) thumbs get ready for your fix of all things gardening at this weekend’s Queensland Garden Expo at Nambour Showgrounds.

Visitors won’t be disappointed with the jam packed program featuring lecture and demos, display gardens, more than 360 exhibits, a giant kitchen garden feature and a Gardeners and Gourmets cooking stage.

The event from Friday to Sunday (July 7-9) features the largest speaker program of any gardening event in the country, with more than 120 presentations from 40 speakers.

Event manager Marion Beazley said she anticipated close to 40,000 people would attend the three-day event, with keen gardeners expected to travel from as far as New Zealand for their hit of gardening inspiration.

“Over the past three decades, the expo has developed a significant following and has earnt its stripes as the gardening event with the largest and most comprehensive speaker program in Australia,” Ms Beazley said.

“This year’s program will feature more than 120 presentations and demonstrations across eight stages, with a range of industry experts getting behind the microphone to share their insights and tips.”

Ms Beazley said some of the other popular feature areas included Sunshine Coast Council’s “Living Backyard”.

“The Living Backyard appeals to those who are passionate about preserving and enhancing native flora and fauna,” she said.

“Whether it’s birds, frogs, butterflies, bees or other wildlife you’re hoping to attract to your garden, this is the best place to learn how to create a bio-diverse environment in your backyard.”

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the highly popular council-sponsored event continued to bloom and deliver significant benefits for the region.

“Over 33 years this successful community driven event has generated immense benefits for its supporters, partners, local businesses and the Sunshine Coast region whilst inspiring and creating enthusiasm in the public arena for gardening, parklands and leisure activities,” Cr OPray said.

“The 2016 Queensland Garden Expo was one of the largest ever and was estimated to have generated an economic benefit of $4 million for the Sunshine Coast region.

“The expo is also continuing to attract many visitors from out of region who come here not only for the event, but to experience some of our local experiences and hospitality.”

The Queensland Garden Expo is one of 40 major and regional events that is being staged on the Sunshine Coast this year.

An estimated 140,000 guests will visit the region for this packed events schedule, which is estimated to generate about $60 million in economic activity.

For more information, visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.