I only had the pleasure of discovering the
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for the first time a few years ago - and what a discovery it was. It now has a firm place on my annual event calendar.
Held at the world heritage-listed
Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding
Carlton Gardens, this spectacular autumn event runs for five floral, festive days from March 30th to April 3rd (9am to 5pm).
Meander indoors through the
Great Hall of Flowers beneath the breathtaking dome of the
Royal Exhibition Building, as well as outdoors amongst gorgeous gardens, both permanent, as in the
Carlton Gardens, and the show-specific landscapes created by some of the world's finest garden designers. The art and creativity that goes into these gardens really has to be seen to be believed.
Then there are the 'Garden Design Awards', the 'Sculpture Garden,' plenty of other fascinating
competitions, and 500 (yes 500!) exhibitors displaying and selling anything from floral products to outdoor furniture. I picked up some tulip bulbs last year and some really cute decorative pieces for the garden. The kids, and kids at heart, will adore the
'Disney Fairies Children's Garden'.
I recommend allowing an entire day to make the most of all that the
Melbourne Flower Show has to offer. There are also garden cooking demonstrations with renowned figures, the '
Lindemans Open Garden,' where you might like to try the lighter-in-alcohol 'Early Harvest' and 'Sweet Seasons' wines, and
Garnier World, where a little patience waiting in a queue with see you sporting a new complimentary facial, hairstyle or massage - and carrying a neat little bag of take-home goodies.
Tickets are available at the gate, but to avoid waiting, and get in amongst the blooms sooner,
pre-book.
