Victoria
1st–10th Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival
Various locations and times. Mechanics Institute, 81 Mollison St, Kyneton. 0437 584 807. Free. Pick up a map to find the scarecrows, enjoy the spring flower show, cheer on entrants in the ‘fastest dog in town’ competition, kick up your heels at the Daffodil Old Time Ball (ticket fee applies) and watch the grand parade finale. kynetondaffodilarts.org.au
1st–3rd Leongatha Daffodil & Floral Show & Festival
Fri 2–5pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–4pm. Memorial Hall, 6 McCartin St, Leongatha. (03) 5668 6334. $5. View displays of lovely spring flowers, with lots of pretty daffodils. Enjoy Devonshire teas.
9th–10th Australian Plants Expo
10am–4pm. Eltham Community & Reception Centre, 801 Main Rd, Eltham. (03) 9439 7228. $5. View native and indigenous plants on display; enjoy talks on wildlife garden seasons, bonsai, drawing and painting from nature; and browse books and more for sale.
14th–10th Oct Tesselaar Tulip Festival
9am–5pm. The Tulip Farm, 357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan. $28. (03) 9737 7722. Be swept away on a rainbow of almost 1 million tulips as you wander through 130 varieties planted across 10ha. Enjoy delicious food and entertainment, and browse at the market.
16th–17th Illyarrie Open Garden
10am–4.30pm. 7 Library Rd, Balnarring Beach. 0472 997 880. $8. Stroll around this coastal garden showcasing the diversity of native plants. Featuring rare banksias and unusual grevilleas, the garden spills out beyond the property boundaries into wonderful nature strip plantings. Plants and refreshments on sale. Part of Open Gardens Victoria.
23rd Melbourne Clivia Group Expo
10am–4pm. St Scholasticas Community Centre, 384 Burwood Hwy, Bennettswood. 0488 998 327. $2. Enjoy the massive display of latest clivia varieties and colours. Learn how to propagate from seed, and browse the huge plant sale. Refreshments available.
23rd–24th Warooka Open Garden
10am–4.30pm. 17 Jubilee Rd, Montrose. 0472 997 880. $8. The owners of Warooka, in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, are passionate plants people who have incorporated Australian and South African plants into the gardens for maximum spring colour. Part of Open Gardens Victoria.
23rd–24th Yea Garden Expo
10am–4pm. Yea Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, Yea. 0438 119 429. $5. Listen to inspiring speakers, and browse a wide range of flowering plants, including natives, as well as sculptures, tools, books and more. Refreshments available.
30th Sept–1st Oct Maroondah Orchid Society Show
Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–4pm. St Timothys Catholic Community School, 21 Stevens Rd, Vermont. 0418 394282. $4. Come and see a range of orchids and potting demonstrations. Choose a plant to buy for home and get one free for the kids!