THE 41st Queensland Garden Show wrapped up on a high note after three sun-filled days of expert advice, vibrant displays and a shared love of gardening. Held at the Nambour Showgrounds, the event drew more than 38,000 visitors and featured the Show’s biggest-ever line-up of exhibitors, speakers and hands-on activities.
Event manager Marion Beazley described the turnout as “overwhelming” and one of the most successful in the Show’s history. “We’re absolutely thrilled,” Ms Beazley said. “Every corner of the Show was buzzing – from keen home gardeners seeking advice to families enjoying the free kids’ workshops or a wander through the Kitchen Garden. It’s always a beautiful reminder of how gardening brings people together and fosters community spirit.”
The event continues to be a school holiday favourite for families, with hundreds of kids enjoying interactive activities – including a visit from Costa the Garden Gnome. Costa Georgiadis from ABC’s Gardening Australia returned as a crowd favourite, delighting audiences with his trademark energy and earthy wisdom. “The Queensland Garden Show is like a living, breathing organism – growing more vibrant each year,” Costa said. “It’s so special seeing kids get their hands dirty, discovering where their food comes from and falling in love with nature – right alongside parents and grandparents. That kind of connection is magic.”
Over the three days, the Showgrounds were transformed into a seven-hectare gardening haven. More than 360 exhibitors, 100+ talks and demonstrations, and around 60,000 plants for sale each day made it paradise for plant lovers. Visitors explored boutique nurseries, rare plant collections, floral installations and the bustling poultry pavilion – as well as the latest innovations in garden tools and design.
For the first time in its history, the event was attended by the Queensland Minister for Tourism, cementing its importance on the state’s calendar. “Having the Minister here really highlighted how important the Show is to Queensland tourism,” said Ms Beazley. “Over the past 40 years, the Show has contributed more than $200 million to the local economy. That’s money going into the pockets of Sunshine Coast locals – from nurseries and garden centres to cafés, accommodation providers, retail stores and even laundromats and event suppliers.” Around 25,000 visitors travelled from outside the region, boosting local businesses and supporting jobs across the community.
Australia’s largest garden speaker program unfolded across six live stages, hosting over 100 free talks. Presenters included Gardening Australia favourites Jerry Coleby-Williams, Sophie Thomson and Millie Ross, plus Better Homes and Gardens host Charlie Albone, making his Show debut.
A major highlight was the Giant Kitchen Garden installation by artist and landscaper Tohm Hajncl, made from recycled materials and brought to life by nearly 20 volunteers including students from the Compass Institute. The space championed creativity, sustainability and community effort.
The Cook’s Garden Stage, hosted by Martin Duncan, showcased cooking demos by top chefs including Matt Golinski, Cameron Matthews, Peter Kuruvita and Sophie Phipps, highlighting paddock-to-plate eating with local produce.
Ms Beazley thanked everyone involved: “This year’s Show was a true celebration of gardening, creativity and community. We’re so grateful to our exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, volunteers and all our amazing visitors for making the 41st Queensland Garden Show the biggest and most inspiring yet.”
For more information, visit www.qldgardenshow.com.au.
