The Spectacular Melbourne International Flower And Garden Show Is Now Open

The heritage-listed Carlton Gardens and iconic Royal Exhibition Building has been transformed into a plant paradise. Be amazed by enchanting floral and landscape designs, workshops, a floral-inspired high tea and more at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. This festival for all ages is now open, and run until Sunday April 3.

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

Over five days, plant parents and flower lovers across Melbourne will be able to explore a wide range of installations, gardening products, educational talks and more.

Gardens after dark

During the festival, on the Royal Exhibition Building forecourt, the Autumn Night Garden will come to life, with sprawling light displays, food trucks and free live performances from Melbourne-based musicians. Soak in the evening atmosphere from 4:30pm until 9:30pm, from Wednesday March 30 to Saturday April 2.

Meanwhile, Carlton Gardens will transform into a magical place for one night only. At Gardens by Twilight, you’ll explore the show under twinkling lights, and feel amazed by a vast range of evening entertainment. Marvel at stilt walkers, fire performers and LED hoop artists.

Sip on a glass of bubbly from The Prosecco Van, and try their exclusive smooth espresso martini blend. Then, indulge yourself with some gourmet food and botanical beverages.

Gardens by Twilight will take place on Friday April 1, from 5pm to 9pm.

What can you expect inside the Royal Exhibition Building?

During the festival, the Royal Exhibition Building will be transformed into the Great Hall of Flowers. See the work of Victoria’s leading florists and flower designers, with interactive and artistic floral installations. Then, check out the Retail Flower Market and find some beautiful blooms to take home. Inside the hall, you’ll also find the RMIT Floral Fashion exhibit, where the scent of thousands of fresh flowers will fill the air.

In the building, check out the Main Stage, which will host an extensive line-up of floral artists, gardening experts and celebrity landscapers. See live demonstrations and see some floral competitions from industry leaders.

Browse through the collections of over 200 artists on the mezzanine level of the building, and in a selection of outdoor spaces. See live demonstrations from the artists, and, if you fancy, purchase something original to take home.

Once you’ve seen enough, take a break with a floral-inspired High Tea. Nestle into an exclusive lounge area, and check out a carefully crafted menu from a team of chefs. Pair your meal with some tea, coffee or sparkling wine.

Celebrity Show Garden

See the first-ever Celebrity Show Garden, designed by Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, in collaboration with Vivid Design. This fully accessible garden, called “Tramlines”, incorporates native plants and shrubs from Victorian nurseries. It will be auctioned online, and the proceeds will go straight to the Dylan Alcott Foundation, to help change the lives of people living with disabilities..

Education

If there’s plenty of indoor plants in your home, check out the Scotts Osmocote indoor plant zone. There, you’ll find inspirational displays, informative workshops, free advice and plant care products.

Diggers Club Urban Farm will also be at the festival. Collaborating with Melbourne Skyfarm, they’ll present a sustainable installation, showcasing heirloom vegetable and flower varieties grown in an urban farm space. There will be daily workshops, so you can learn how to sow your own seeds. Making a return this year will be the pumpkin stack, so you’ll have some fun pictures for Instagram.

Meanwhile, the Victorian Schools Garden Program will offer interactive and multisensory experiences for the little ones. Teenage green thumbs looking to join the landscape and design industries can seek advice from the Horticulture Careers Hub.