Nambour provides fertile ground for Queensland Garden Expo to bloom

Marion Beazley: “The impact of what we have created on the Nambour community can’t be under-estimated and we cannot thank them enough for the support they have given the event over the years.”

The Queensland Garden Expo’s 37-year history is synonymous with that of Nambour. The Expo began life as a two-day event at the Nambour Showgrounds in 1984.

It was initiated by the Sunshine Coast Branch of the Nursery and Garden Industry as a vehicle to showcase the rapidly growing Nursery Industry on the Sunshine Coast.  

“It was a huge success from the start and has steadily grown to the event it is today attracting visitors from across Queensland and Australia,” said Event Manager Marion Beazley.

“We use many local suppliers and we know local businesses benefit from the incredible influx of people into Nambour. In addition to the 40,000 people who visit the event, we have hundreds of people onsite setting up the week prior including representatives from the 360 exhibitors, landscapers, hundreds of volunteers and the events team. We love the buzz this creates around town!

“The impact of what we have created on the Nambour community can’t be under-estimated and we cannot thank them enough for the support they have given the event over the years.”

The Queensland Garden Expo is one of Australia’s most-loved gardening events, attracting the country’s gardening royalty to the speaker program, more than 40,000 visitors through the gates and injecting an estimated $10 million into the Sunshine Coast economy each year.

This year the three-day event will open its gates on 8 July when more than 360 exhibitors will have everything gardening-related on offer, including one of the largest ranges of plants visitors are likely to see in one place in Queensland.

Marion said the Expo would once again host Australia’s biggest gardening speaker program including favourites such as Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, Sophie Thomson and Jerry Coleby-Williams and regulars Phil Dudman ‘The Garden Guru’, Claire Bickle, Kate Wall and many more.

“What makes our event so unique in gardening circles is that Expo visitors have access to the best gardening minds in the country — both through the extensive 3-day speaker program and by chatting directly to our growers representing the many nurseries exhibiting at the event,” Marion said.

“We have seen interest in gardening explode during the pandemic – people have taken to their gardens to grow their own food and to create a wonderful space to relax. We don’t see that slowing down as many have found a passion for gardening they never knew they had!

“Our young gardeners haven’t been forgotten about with lots of activities and workshops on offer to start them on their gardening journey.

“The Queensland Garden Expo provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about all aspects of gardening and for those without a back yard, keeping indoor plants is catered for too. The benefits of having live plants in your home have long been known and in the past couple of years, indoor plants have boomed in popularity.

“And if you’re having any trouble, one of our most popular stands is the Plant Clinic where visitors can ask any question — from bringing in leaves or photos for identification, to getting free advice related to your garden or indoor plants.

“This event really brings the community together but it also has a massive impact on our local economy given around 65 per cent of our visitors travel from outside the region,” Marion said.

“This results in an economic impact of more than $10 million benefiting a diverse range of businesses and the many community organisation involved in the event from across the Sunshine Coast.

“The event appeals to everyone from the most experienced green thumbs to absolute beginners. There is something for all ages, with entry free for kids aged 15 and under and a giant kid’s playground to keep them entertained.”

The 2022 Queensland Garden Expo will be held from 8-10 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour. Visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.