The Queensland Garden Expo has kids covered these school holidays, with plenty of action scheduled just for young budding green thumbs across the three-day event at the Nambour Showgrounds from 13-15 July 2018.
With kids under fifteen entering the expo for free, show favourites such as the Kids Garden Patch, giant playground and a range of engaging presentations on many of the eight speaker stages will keep kids entertained.
Event manager Marion Beazley said the addition of a new interactive maze would provide another active element to the Expo just for kids.
“While navigating their way through winding hay bales, kids will have the chance to learn fun gardening facts at this new component of the expo,” Ms Beazley said.
“The Kids Garden Patch will also keep the littlies entertained with a sand pit, craft area and seed planting and Clayworkers will also be running several kids workshops each day for $5 per class.”
“Our popular and free giant playground will once again be part of the expo so kids can enjoy the giant slide, jumping castle and merry-go-round.”
Well known and loved Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis will also be a highlight when he shares his passion for gardening with kids of all ages at 1pm on Saturday 14 July.
“Kids will be able to get grubby in the garden with Costa’s alter ego Costa the Garden Gnome, as he illustrates to the kids just what gardening is all about and how fun it can be,” Ms Beazley said.
“Costa has so much enthusiasm and personality which I’m sure will develop a real passion for gardening with children of all ages.”
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.
EXPO EXTRA ― Getting children outdoors this school holidays!
If you’re expecting screens to present an ever-increasing battle in your home during the school holidays, maybe it’s time to get the kids into the garden to get some fresh air and enjoy the benefits gardening. It’s a great way for kids to exercise without even knowing they are! Learning all about our natural world can start in even the smallest of backyards. Here horticulturalist Claire Bickle shares some tips on how to get children interested in the garden.
1. Give them their own patch to grow, to care for, to harvest and to eat. It can be edible but may also include flowers for colour and insect activity.
2. Have tools that are made for children — size appropriate is important.
3. Start from scratch. Sow seeds and grow plants from cuttings or bulbs.
4. Create areas where nature may be observed such as ponds, birdbaths, possum boxes, bug hotels and garden beds that attract insects.
5. Get arty! It doesn’t always have to be about growing. Try making scarecrows or go on a leaf hunt and then create nature derived collages using the leaves, flowers and other garden treasure finds.
6. Recycle! Teach your kids about household waste and where it goes. Start a worm farm or create a compost heap.
7. Consider welcoming some outdoor pets. Can you fit a chook or two in the backyard or even a native bee hive?
Fast facts — Queensland Garden Expo
• Three-day event
• 40,000-plus attendees
• 360-plus exhibitors and displays including 55 nurseries
• 120-plus free lectures and demonstrations
• Eight speaker stages
