The countdown is on to the highly anticipated Queensland Garden Expo from 7 to 9 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, where sustainable gardening practices will take centre stage by some of the country’s most respected gardening experts.

Featuring Australia’s largest gardening speaker program, with over 125 free lectures and demonstrations, Event Manager Marion Beazley said the Expo offers a unique platform for visitors to connect with experts, discover innovative gardening practices, and gain inspiration to create environmentally conscious gardens.

“Gardeners care about climate change because it directly impacts the health of their gardens and their love for nature, and at this year's Expo, many of our speakers will discuss how we can mitigate climate change effects in our own backyards,” said Ms Beazley.

“By capturing carbon dioxide, providing habitat for native wildlife and offering shade, there are many benefits to sustainable gardening practices. Likewise, recent research shows the effectiveness of green spaces in cooling urban areas1, which is good news as energy prices soar.”

Among the speaker line-up, Sophie Thomson – a horticulturalist, author, presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia, and trained naturopath – will present ‘How cool is your garden? Every garden can make a difference in mitigating the urban heat island effect.’

Ms Thomson's session will offer insights into designing gardens that reduce urban heat and create a comfortable environment.

“As governments around the world look at ways they can reduce the effects of the urban heat island effect, every home gardener can adopt simple ways to green up and cool down their backyard making it more liveable and productive,” said Ms Thomson.

“I am excited to be back at the Queensland Garden Expo and connect with the keen gardeners attending.”

Alongside Ms Thomson, the Expo will feature an impressive line-up of speakers:

Costa Georgiadis will explore ‘Community collaboration and the power of plants,’ emphasising ideas, innovation, and actions that build connection, biodiversity and resilience.

Kate Wall will delve into ‘Preparing your garden for flood or drought – how to make the right choices and adjust your gardening practices to create a garden that will survive climate extremes.’

Claire Bickle will share insights on ‘Happy habitat gardens – from microbats to striped marsh frogs,’ encouraging everyone to contribute to the well-being of local fauna.

As the 2023 Queensland Garden Expo draws near, gardening enthusiasts through to novice gardeners across Queensland and all eastern states of Australia are eagerly awaiting and planning their visit to Queensland’s premier gardening event.

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

Expo Fast facts

• Three-day event from 7-9 July

• 40,000-plus attendees

• 65% visitation from outside the Sunshine Coast region

• More than 7 hectares of gardening inspiration

• 360-plus exhibitors and displays, including 55 nurseries

• 100-plus free lectures and demonstrations

• 8 live speaker stages

• 50,000 plants for sale each day

• More than $10m injected into the local economy

• Direct link to speaker program: https://qldgardenexpo.com.au/the-expo/our-speaker-program/