Costa Georgiadis
Landscape architect and host of ABC TV’s Gardening Australia
SUMMER IS... Mangoes and long warm evenings. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? Playing on the street, riding my bike with friends until street lights came on – that was the cue to head home. AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES... A morning swim and bike ride back home for breakfast. QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? Greek salad. FLAVOUR THAT SAYS ‘SUMMER’? Mint.
FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? Salt breeze.
A FAVOURITE SUMMER PLANT OR FLOWER? Adenanthos ( woolly bush) used as a native Christmas tree, and paper daisies.
WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER READING LIST?
Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum by Kathy Willis and Katie Scott ($35, Big Picture Press).
SUMMER SOUNDTRACK? Currently, ‘Dance Monkey’ by Tones and I. I always enjoy the Red Hot Chili Peppers in summer too.
I’LL BE WATCHING... The two-part documentary version of Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu; and the new Midnight Oil documentary.
I’LL BE VISITING... The Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland. Last year was my first visit and I just loved it!! This year, my band, The More Please Orchestra, is playing five gigs there. Can’t wait.
A NEW RESTAURANT I’M KEEN TO TRY IS... Mabu Mabu in Yarraville, Melbourne. It’s run by Torres Strait Island woman Nornie Bero who uses fresh seasonal produce combined with awesome native ingredients inspired by her Torres Strait Islander heritage.
HOLIDAY FASHION STAPLES? Hat, swimmers, shorts and a towel.
SUNSET TIPPLE? Gin and tonic but equally happy with a nice pilsner beer. FAVOURITE BEACH DESTINATION? NSW South Coast.
ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? I think I have a genetic predisposition to return to Greece and the Greek Islands. The pull is magnetic.
I UNWIND BY... Pottering in the garden or reading a recently arrived magazine or book.
CREATIVE PLANS FOR 2020? Continue to grow the story-telling reach of Gardening Australia and to nurture my work with Get Grubby TV as Costa the Garden Gnome working with kids and families.
DREAM PROJECT? A school garden program that would be a curriculum-based, integrated part of every primary and high school, going through to university and TAFE campuses then on to community farms and gardens. # Gardening Australia returns to screens on February 7. ABC TV, Friday nights at 7.30pm.
“THIS SUMMER I’LL BE VISITING THE WOOD FORD FOLK FESTIVAL IN QUEENSLAND. MY BAND IS PLAYING FIVE GIGS THERE !” Costa Georgiadis