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I love getting up to Queensland for this expo. It’s so planty, so friendly and so much fun catching up with colleagues, heckling a few of them in their live talks and wandering about seeing what’s new in the beautiful Sunshine State. The Queensland Garden Expo always brings out the best plant nurseries and the creative talent of Sunshine Coast locals.
Mike Dent of Aloe Aloe had sold lots of stock by the end of the first day. Queensland Garden Expo 2013
In 2013 I was pleased to see as many lush plants as ever, ranging from tropical and subtropical treasures right through to some cooler climate bulbs and perennials for those in the more elevated hinterland regions. Yes, even in Queensland there can be nights dipping down near freezing in the higher hills and mountains.
But it’s plants suited to the sub tropics of south-east Queensland and northern NSW that the majority of show goers are after – gingers, heliconias, bromeliads, bamboo, aloes, palms, dieffenbachia, philodendron, and tropical fruit trees and shrubs, as well as both species and newer cultivars of Australian native plants.
Busy crowds at the Queensland Garden Expo 2013
I enjoyed the plant stalls (and my Brisbane-based friend Sandra filled her car) and I was also pleased to see there were several new and clever garden-related products on show too.
One of the first things to catch my eye were the corten steel sculptures and planters from Broadcroft Design, a husband and wife partnership producing quality design and beautifully executed metalwork. I am in love with all their work and am very pleased that they’ll be at the Australian Garden Show Sydney 5-8 September. I think I’d better start saving up for one of their pieces to satisfy my endless love affair with all things rusty.
Broadcroft Design teardrop steel planters Queensland Garden Expo 2013
Broadcroft Design Queensland Garden Expo 2013
Tuchekoi Tubs Queensland Garden Expo 2013
Another resourceful Queensland couple have come up with the ideal solution for outdoor hand washing, vegie washing, plant soaking, and just getting water access up at waist height instead of crouching over the garden tap. And all without the need for plumbers.
Tuchekoi Tubs recycle vintage corrugated iron from the old Pomona church
Despite wanting the convenience, I’ve resisted getting an outdoor sink as all I’ve seen before have looked either too clinical, too poorly made, or just a bit naff. But when I saw what Adrienne and Paul McVerry of Tuchekoi Tubs make, I was really wowed. While Paul scours the farm and local area for unwanted timber and scrap metal with which to craft each unique cabinet, Adrienne mixes up an intriguing hypertufa blend to create the rustic, stone-look basin. The brass tap takes a click-on hose at the back and the flexible ag pipe drain can run out onto the lawn, garden bed or back to the storm water. Water delivered in a piece of art for $375. Brilliant, and now on my birthday list!
Sanctum Screens Daintree pattern
Sanctum screens Niagara gate
Decorative screen panels have been around for a while but most are either expensive one-off creations in steel, or come in smaller panels which have to be joined together. Sanctum Screens have 4 decorative screen panel sizes, including a huge 2400mm x 1200mm so it’s tall enough to screen in a terrace or pergola and become its own work of art. And what a range of patterns. Made from Australian plantation hardwood, they come in rustic brown, charcoal or chocolate brown. I’ve been looking for something affordable and beautiful for a new side gate, and I think I’ve just found it!
Sanctum Screen Noosa pattern
I was so pleased to be able to see these things as I really missed going to the Nambour Garden Expo this year
I broke both my arms this year (one at a time) and couldn’t drive down.
Thank you.
Oh you poor thing! That’s terrible. I’ll do another blog for you as there were 3 pretty good small display gardens you might like to see too.
Thanks for the great post Catherine. It was another very special show at Qld Garden Expo this year. Fabulous to see you too! Please come back again!!
Urgh….I live in Brisbane and didn’t know the expo was on….or maybe I did slightly but had no idea they were this good! Thanks for the photos. I’m kicking myself that I missed this year but I’ll be there next year!
Yes! Better put it on your calendar now. I’m guessing it will be 4-6 July 2014 but I’ll confirm that on the GardenDrum calendar when I get the new dates.
I feel very privileged to be invited to the Expo for the first time as a speaker this year. It was exciting to be involved in such a great ‘grass roots’ event where the people were so enthusiastic and there were so many nurseries there bringing such a diverse range of unusual plants along. It is really important that the opportunity is there for specialist growers to be able to talk directly to the public and share their knowledge as well as their plants. More power to the Queensland Garden Expo!
And it’s great to see a show that invests in quality speakers like you!
Hi Catherine, I have only just discovered “Gardendrum” and enjoyed your article and photos of the 2013 Garden Expo in Nambour. I lived there from 1981 to 1997. So was there for the 1st Expo.and went to every one until I left and saw how it grew over those years, and emptied my wallet each time buying more than I should each time.
I did note what you said about it getting cold in the higher country, well I can assure you that it can also get very cold up there down in the low lying parts. I have seen heavy frosts almost to the beach at Coolum and all over the Maroochy river flood plane, sometimes heavy enough to badly damage crops of Sugar Cane.
Cheers,
Lyell.Bean.
I live at Browns Plains on 1/2 acre block and have been going to Nambour Garden Expo for many years and always find new and exciting things to bring home to fill my garden. Of course, there are the regular exhibits and all are a must to see and experience. Colin Campbell was always a big fan of this Expo an his absence felt greatly. Don’t miss out on the fresh citrus juices squeezed right before your eyes. Yum!! To really experience it you need to go for a couple of days and work out your itinery of talks. Keep safe and get down and dirty!!!