G A R DE N S
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers September 15th–24th
Parks and gardens will be ablaze with flfloral colour while the city buzzes with events from community flfloral displays and garden tours to the Qantaslink Gala Dinner, a fifive-course degustation menu set in Laurel Bank Park. Special guests include Sophie Thomson from ABC’S Gardening Australia and acclaimed chef Anna Gare. Bookings required for some events. tcof.com.au
Daffodils at Rydal September 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th
Thousands of daffffodils will light up gardens in this historic village over two weekends. There will also be music, food and a heritage walk through some of Rydal’s earliest buildings. From 10am to 4pm, entry is just $10 for admission to all gardens, except the Sculpture Garden, for which there is an additional $5 entry fee. rydal.com.au
Leura Gardens Festival September 30th–october 8th
Eleven very difffferent cool-climate gardens of the Upper Blue Mountains, including some old favourites, will be open as a fundraiser for the Blue Mountains District Anzac Memorial Hospital and other health-related charities. Plus, there will be music in the gardens and an art show. Entry $8 per garden, or $25 for all the gardens. 0431 095 279; leuragardensfestival.com.au
Illyarrie Open Garden September 16th–17th
This coastal garden showcases the rich colour and diversity of Australian native plants including rare banksias and unusual grevilleas. From 10am to 4.30pm. Entry $8, students $5, under 18s free. 0472 997 880; opengardensvictoria.org.au
Warooka Open Garden September 23rd–24th
Warooka is perfectly situated amid the treed landscape of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Skilful group plantings of Australian and South African plants maximise colour effffect in spring. Entry $8, students $5, under 18s free. 0472 997 880; opengardensvictoria.org.au