VISIT OUR GARDENS AND FLOWER SHOWS
THERE’S SOMETHING HERE FOR EVERY GARDENER DURING THE NEXT WEEK
FOR all keen gardeners, whether locals or visitors to our beautiful region, today and the coming week encompasses all that is the Toowoomba region’s Carnival of Flowers celebrations.
1. Our renowned Chronicle Garden Competition winners were announced on Thursday, and from yesterday onwards, most of the 63 entrants will have their gardens open for the 10 days right through to Sunday, September 26, for all to visit (check the liftout in Friday, September 17, The Chronicle, for maps and details of opening dates). Gardens are open from 9am to 5pm. Please don’t forget to visit our regional garden entries as well. Most are within 30-40 minutes of Toowoomba and you’ll get to see some beautiful scenery and welcoming country towns as you travel to each garden. Free entry.
2. The Toowoomba Regional Council gardeners have once again created stunning displays of annual flowers and bulbs in Laurel Bank Gardens, Picnic Point Parklands, and Queens Park Gardens this year. Our council gardeners are second to none when it comes to horticultural expertise and eye-catching displays of tulips, poppies, pansies, delphiniums and snapdragons are just some of the blooming delights to be found in our high-profile public parks. Make sure you also get to the stunning Peacehaven Botanic Gardens at 56 Kuhls Rd Highfields, where you’ll find more than 200 species of Australian plants as you wander throughout the gorgeous surrounds. Free entry.
3. Other public gardens not to be missed this year are the Japanese Garden – Ju Raku En – and the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens at the University of Southern Queensland, Davidson Arboretum at Highfields, Boyce Gardens at 6 Range Street, Mt. Lofty, and the Toowoomba Community Organic Gardens in Gogg Street. Check www.tcof.com.au for individual gardens’ dates and opening times.
4. Other must-see destinations are the four Toowoomba Exhibition Gardens on display from September 17-26. These gardens are specially selected for their exceptional design and diverse plantings which will no doubt leave the visitor motivated to get home and start gardening. Gardens are open from 9am to 5pm, and there is a small entry fee for each garden which is donated to charities selected by the owners (simply buy the $12 see-all ticket). Go to www.toowoombaexhibitiongardens.com for more information.
Garden club shows are also happening around this time.
1. The Toowoomba Clivia Society and Native Plants Queensland are holding their annual show at the TAFE horticulture pavilion from September 17-20, from 9am to 5pm. This is arguably one of the best clivia shows in Australia, if not the world, and you’ll be blown away by the range of colours and variations our local growers can achieve in the shade-loving garden toughies. Entry is a gold coin donation which goes to charity. Native Plants Queensland will not disappoint the lover of Aussie plants, having a great range of native tubestock and potted plants for sale. Free entry. TAFE Horticulture is located behind Cobb and Co museum (Lindsay Street). Drop into Cobb and Co and have a squiz at the outstanding hanging basket display while you’re in the area.
2. For those who are lovers of bromeliads and succulents, check out the Toowoomba Bromeliad and Succulent Society annual show and sale at Sacred Heart Primary School Hall on the corner of Tor and North Streets, open Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19, from 8am to 4pm, and Monday, September 20, from 8am to 2pm. You’ll find a great range of climate-suitable plants and there’s cultivation demonstrations too. Entry $3.
3. If orchids are your thing, then get along to the two outstanding orchid shows happening over the next few days. The Toowoomba Orchid Society Spring Show is being held at St. Paul’s Church Hall, Cnr James and Phillip Streets Toowoomba, from Friday September 17 to Tuesday, September
21. There’s always an outstanding selection of orchids on display, experienced growers with whom to chat, and plenty of plants for sale as well. Entry $4.
4. The Native Orchid Society of Toowoomba’s Spring Show is also happening at St. John’s Lutheran Church Hall, 431 Bridge Street, Toowoomba, from Friday, September 17 to Monday September 20. There’ll be a huge range of Australian native orchids, exotic orchids, ferns, foliage plants and bromeliads on display and for sale. Chat with those in the know for growing and cultivation tips as well. Entry $4.
5. While out and about, you won’t be disappointed if you drop into the Toowoomba Bonsai Group’s 2021 Bonsai Show at the Rose Cottage, Newtown Park (Cnr Holberton and Pottinger Streets, Toowoomba), open today and tomorrow from 9am to 4pm. Speak with bonsai enthusiasts, marvel at the incredibly detailed and lovingly-tended bonsai subjects, and listen to live demonstrations on bonsai cultivation. Entry $3.
No excuses – enjoy all the gardens and garden shows on offer in the Toowoomba region today and the coming week.
GARDEN CUTTINGS
Say g’day on my Facebook page: Mike Wells – Wellsley Horticulture or email your gardening questions (or article suggestions) to: wellsleyhorticultural@gmail.com.