The first event on the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers calendar, Gardenfest, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, with Phil Dudman, Colin Campbell and Annette McFarlane heading up the who’s who of garden gurus attending.
The television and media personalities head up a list of local and national talent ready to encourage people from south-east Queensland to get out in their gardens, re-build after flood damage and talk about the changing face of gardening now the dams are full again. It is the first time in around a decade that the Toowoomba region has not had some area “drought declared” so while water wise techniques have become part of the community’s psyche, there are now more opportunities than ever to have a fabulous garden in the Garden City.
It is the first time in around a decade that the Toowoomba region has not had some area “drought declared” so while water wise techniques have become part of the community’s psyche, there are now more opportunities than ever to experience fabulous gardens in the Garden City.
“There has been a lot of damage to the open spaces and private gardens in and around Toowoomba after the January floods and this will be a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate this community event, get some great advice from true professionals and plant for spring,” event organiser Emily Murphy said.
“Phil Dudman is a new addition to this year and his expertise in sustainable gardening will be a great addition and he’ll join chef Julie Ray in the kitchen for a punnet to plate experience that will have to be tasted to be believed!
“Colin Campbell has been involved in the growth of Gardenfest pretty much since it started in Toowoomba 30 years ago and he’s really excited about travelling from the Sunshine Coast.”
Meanwhile, joining author and radio personality, Brisbane’s, Annette McFarlane in the Speaker’s Tent will be horticulture teacher, tour guide and TV presenter Brian Sams and organic gardener Justin Russell.
The cooking demonstration area features local chefs cooking their favourite meals, members of the clergy competing against each other in celebrity cook-offs as well as civic and public figures and the second annual Brian Sams versus Colin Campbell sizzle-off.
For more information
Emily Murphy
Event Manager
Heritage Building Society Gardenfest
0438 866 020
www.gardenfesttoowoomba.com.au
