The Queensland Garden Expo will come alive next week with a host of captivating creatures perfect for gardens big and small making an appearance on the program during the three-day event at the Nambour Showgrounds from 13-15 July 2018.
This year the dedicated Living Backyard zone will return to provide Expo visitors with a wealth of information on how to create a biodiverse environment in their own backyard ― no matter what the size.
Event manager Marion Beazley said while 55 of the 360 exhibitors were nurseries, the Garden Expo offered patrons far more than just plants, with the Living Backyard providing a great opportunity to learn about a myriad of creatures that can call even the smallest of backyard spaces home.
“This zone is an interactive area where people can get tips and ideas on how to attract a variety of wildlife to their garden, whether they’re hoping for birds, frogs, butterflies or bees,” Ms Beazley said.
“In addition to vibrant displays and a full-size native garden with a water feature, there will be a number of exhibitors and experts on hand to share their wealth of knowledge on backyard nature conservation.”
A full program of information sessions will see speakers share practical tips on conserving and enhancing the native flora and fauna in the community.
“We wanted to cover a broad range of topics in our information sessions, so we have everything from worm farming to birdscaping your garden,” Ms Beazley said.
Bob the Beeman is always a popular presenter at the Expo and will this year inform visitors about stingless native bees and how to safely extract their honey.
The Witjuti Grub Bushfood Nursery will get people thinking about bush foods for their garden, while Sean Morrow from OneEarth will share his knowledge about frog ponds and habitat gardening.
Popular gardening expert Claire Bickle will bring her favourite chickens to the Expo and teach visitors about the different breeds of chickens and how best to keep them in backyards.
Visitors to the Expo can also find out about Sunshine Coast Council’s environment and sustainability projects and programs and how to get involved with them.
“The Council will provide information about recycling here on the Coast, local bushcare and tree planting events and visitors can also talk to a council officer about the Land for Wildlife Program and how to become a member,” Ms Beazley said.
“Kids will particularly be interested in seeing the turtle sculpture made from plastics found on our local beaches and the local plant and animal specimen display.”
The Living Backyard zone will also offer visitors a wide selection of local, native plants to purchase as well as advice on where to plant them and how to look after them.
Exhibitors in the Living Backyard zone include Barung Landcare Nursery, Bob the Beeman, Coolum Community Native Nursery, Native Plants Sunshine Coast, One Earth Landscaping, QLD Frog Society, Sunshine Coast Birdlife, Wildlife Volunteers Association, Earthling Enterprises and Witjuti Grub Bushfood Nursery.
The 2018 Queensland Garden Expo will feature more than 120 presentations and demonstrations across eight stages. It will be held on 13-15 July at Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour.
To find out more, purchase tickets online or view the full speaker program, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.
