Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis joins a record number of well-known gardening presenters heading to Nambour Showgrounds for the Queensland Garden Expo, July 7-9.

Event Manager Marion Beazley said the three-day speaker program would also feature firm favourites like Gardening Australia’s Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Millie Ross. New speakers like celebrity chef Matt Golinski and domestic poultry experts from across Australia will also share their knowledge.

“We are proud to host Australia’s largest gardening speaker program at the Expo, with 45 speakers across eight stages over three days, and this year we have much of our gardening royalty headlining the program as well as an incredible array of other gardening experts covering a wide range of topics,” said Ms Beazley.

“We know our visitors plan their days at the Expo in advance, according to who is speaking at which stage across the Nambour Showgrounds so the release of this program is always much anticipated.

“Of course, we are delighted to confirm that Costa will join us again this year. His charm, energy, exceptional knowledge of all things gardening and permaculture and ever-increasing profile on the small screen have earned him a substantial following and a somewhat iconic status at the Expo – with old and young visitors alike.

“Costa will once again spend much time in the popular Kitchen Garden, including a garden ramble and special sessions for the young gardeners on the Terraces when he dons his goggles and becomes Costa the Garden Gnome.”

Mr Georgiadis said he was looking forward to returning to Nambour.

“What makes it so special is that those who come and join us, can talk directly to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced gardeners we have in Australia. Whether you’re new to gardening or you are a seasoned expert looking for specialist advice, this is the best place to find it all.

“The Expo is also  a great opportunity to expose kids to all the benefits of gardening for the mind and the body, which they can then take forward and use for the rest of their lives. It’s all about gardening for the soil and the soul!”

• The full speaker program is available on the official Queensland Garden Expo website at www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.