QLD Garden Expo Feature 2023

GARDEN EXPO FEATURE with Brownie

WELCOME to the winter Home and Garden lift out; and what a super feature is it too!

This time we are not only bringing you all you need to know on the local home and garden scene, but we’re also focusing on the fantastic Queensland Garden Expo this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 7, 8 and 9) at the Nambour Showgrounds.

The expected 40,000-plus visitors will be able to explore more than 7 hectares of gardening inspiration, checking out the 360-plus exhibitors and displays and nurseries, listening to the 125 free lectures and demonstrations and choosing from the over 50,000 plants for sale each day.

Always an unmissable highlight of the expo are the free lectures and demonstrations by some of Australia’s most respected gardening experts, including ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Millie Ross; as well as celebrities like Matt Golinski, Claire Bickle, Arno King and Phil Dudman.

They will be well supported by local stars Ann Ross (Hive Haven), Martin Duncan (Sunshine Coast Foodie and Sconetime), Morag Gamble (Permaculture Education Institute), Scott Robinson (Polyculture), and Ginger McPherson (Vanilla Vine Sunshine Coast).

One of the most popular areas of the expo is the giant organic kitchen garden, incorporating a fully planted sustainable garden constructed on site, plus a host of permaculture and organic gardening experts on hand to answer all your questions.

The kids are also catered for with bucketloads of activities, providing the perfect opportunity for young gardeners to test out

Fairy and Ninja Garden Workshops are running all weekend, where you can allow your child to unplug, think creatively, and

or beautiful home and garden productsmany of which you can only find by coming to the expo.

Make sure you support the local businesses who will also be at the expo –including the ones who have supported this home and garden feature.

Aqualess (site 198) will have their range of modular wicking irrigation and water storage system on show.

Say hello to Circuit Alert Solar and Batteries (site 195), who are your local solar and battery specialists.

NetPro Protective Canopies (site 117) can help easily protect your garden from birds, pests and frosts.

Don’t miss Red Fox Orchids (sites 293 and 294) with their spectacular range of beautiful and exotic orchids on display and for sale.

Geo Drill Water Bores (site 216) can show you how to drought proof your property.

Good gardens need good soil, and Earthfood (site KG5) have 100% certified organic microbe-based fertilisers and soil conditioners to power your healthy garden.

Medicine Room (sites 233 and 234) is a naturopathic herbal dispensary who will be showcasing their organic herbal body products and remedies.

Great gardens need great feature plants, and Margaret River Trees (sites 187-188 and 204-205) stock the most amazing mature trees that you ‘ll find anywhere.

Other local businesses you’ll find at the expo include Forest Heart ecoNursury, Barung Landcare, Glenview Turf, Hive Haven, Hum Honey, Mellum Creek Nursery, Mountaintop Mushrooms, Mountain View Daylily Nursery, Perma Poultry, and Suncoast Water Gardens.

What a fantastic three days it will be, just bursting with inspiration to kick-start your winter gardening adventures.

See you there!

Supporting growth

QUEENSLAND Country Bank is planting it’s seed for growth at the 2023 Queensland Garden Expo

Queensland Country Bank is proud to be the Presenting Partner of the 2023 Queensland Garden Expo to be held at the Nambour Showgrounds from July 7-9.

Attracting 38,000 visitors with 340 exhibitors, the Queensland Garden Expo is recognised as the largest gardening event in Queensland.

As a member-owned bank who is focused on giving back to the community and supporting regional areas, Queensland Country Bank is excited to be involved in an event that connects with various community groups at the grass roots level.

Regional Manager of Southern Queensland, Karen O’Rourke, said “through our sponsorship of the Queensland Garden Expo and providing local banking services, Queensland Country Bank is helping to foster stability and economic growth in south-east regional communities.”

More than just a place for like-minded gardening enthusiasts to come together, the Queensland Garden Expo also presents the opportunity to generate more awareness about the environment and implementing sustainable practices into everyday life. Queensland Country Bank supports this initiative and is continuing to take positive steps towards incorporating greener practices into the workplace.

To help their Members embrace more sustainable living practices, Queensland Country Bank offers both a Green Reno Loan and an award-winning Green Car Loan*. Both of these products are available to eligible applicants wishing to make

eco-friendly changes to their home (through renovations, such as installing solar) or car (by purchasing a qualifying hybrid or electric model).

Over the three days, visitors to the Expo can expect to receive reusable merchandise from Queensland Country Bank, such as buckets, coffee cups, tote bags, and puzzles for kids. Plus, there will be the opportunity to chat about products, services and giveaways, and the chance to snap photos with Crackles, the mascot.

Queensland Country Bank is looking

Gardeners can all share their superpowers

EARTHFOOD is a 100% certified organic fertiliser and soil conditioner powered by live microbes for all plants, fruit, vegetables, herbs, gardens and lawns.

Independently tested and proven with outstanding results, Australian made ‘Earthfood’ enhances the growth, health and overall yield of all plant types by reintroducing living microbes back into the soil.

A botanical, not chemical product, ‘Earthfood’ is part of the global solution in soil regeneration and preservation. Non-toxic, non-polluting and will not burn your plants. It is easy to use and can be applied with spray bottle or watering can, with no additional products required to keep your plants strong and health.

forward to welcoming all green-thumbed gardeners to the 2023 Queensland Garden Expo!

*New or demonstrator green vehicles only. A ‘green’ vehicle is defined as one with emissions intensity that does not exceed 120 grams of C02 emissions per km (g/km). This category includes many electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Normal lending criteria apply. Terms, conditions, fees and eligibility criteria apply and are available on request. Consider the relevant TMD’s available at queenslandcountry.bank.

Earthfood can boost your soil, with billions of live microbes helping to lock carbon into the soil, improve plant health and vigour, and may even increase yield up to 40%! With zero negative impact on plants, lawns and soils, it eliminates the risk of soil acidification and nitrogen runoff into our waterways.

To find out more visit www.yourearthfood. com.au

New Sun Coast service helps map our ecosystems

THE Sunshine Coast Council and the University of the Sunshine Coast have collaborated to develop a ground-breaking mapping resource that showcases the value of the region’s ecosystems.

Known as the Ecosystem Function Mapping and Reporting Tool, this worldfirst platform combines data from various studies to illustrate the diverse ecosystem services available in different locations across the area.

Ecosystem services encompass crucial benefits such as climate regulation, pollination, food supply, and habitat.

The tool allows governments, industry groups, businesses, and community members to access and analyse the data, enabling informed decision-making that can benefit future generations.

By overlaying additional information like protected areas and planning schemes, users can gain a comprehensive understanding of the region’s ecosystem services.

The project team has already employed the tool to fulfil requests from the council, aiding advocacy and planning efforts for major green spaces.

The tool enhances decision-making capabilities, providing a holistic perspective of the region’s ecosystem services and supporting conservation, planning, and development initiatives.

The research demonstrates the vital interconnections between the environment, communities, and the local economy, emphasising the immeasurable value of the region’s ecosystems.

Herbal blend to get you back on track

The mapping tool is publicly available online, accompanied by instructional videos and explanations to assist users in navigating its functionalities.

Native plants help support wildlife conservation

Supporting Native Plants in SEQ Gardens and Balconies for Wildlife

Conservation

Choosing to grow native plants in Southeast Queensland (SEQ) gardens and balconies can have a significant impact on supporting local wildlife.

Australia’s iconic animals face increasing pressures and the risk of extinction, making it crucial to provide them with safe habitats and food sources.

By selecting local native species for outdoor areas, SEQ residents can contribute to the well-being of Australian

animal species. SEQ is blessed with over 4,000 flora species, many of which once thrived in urban environments. These plants offer shelter and sustenance to various animals, including bees, koalas, birds, lizards, and frogs.

Opting for native plants also enhances the region’s flora diversity, ensuring its survival for future generations. It’s a win-win situation for the environment and the enjoyment of residents.

Here are some native plants suitable for SEQ gardens:

Gum trees (Eucalyptus): Species like

Eucalyptus curtisii attract native bees and birds with their nectar-filled flowers.

Banksia: Local options such as Banksia integrifolia and Banksia spinulosa provide vibrant flowers that attract bees, birds, and small mammals.

Bottlebrush (Melaleuca): These lowmaintenance plants offer food and shelter to possums, lizards, insects, and birds.

Wattle (Acacia): Brisbane’s Acacia fimbriata and other wattle species in SEQ feature beautiful yellow or white flowers and provide habitat and food for birds and native bees. hlw.org.au

dispensary is based in Coral Street Maleny and has been operated by local award winning naturopath and author Dominique Livkamal since 1999 on the Blackall Range.

Dom and her family manufacture organic herbal medicines that they formulate personal herbal blends for their patients.

All of their herbs are organic extractions and are all made on the premises.

The Medicine Room offers free walk in clinics across all platforms and if you are in Maleny on a Thursday they are open from 10am till 3pm weekly.

Please call in at your convenience as no appointments are taken. The intention of these clinics is to create personal herbal medicines for you to develop optimal wellness and address your health concerns.

Dom is running a long table wellness day in Maleny on July 23 where you can come for education and lunch.

The topic is Reboot and reset. There is also a new online course starting on July 25 and you can see all details and make bookings at www.medicineroom.com.au

Prepare for drought and strike liquid gold

UNDERNEATH your property is a groundwater reservoir connecting to water systems and harnessing rainfall.

GD Water Bores can help you gain a lifetime of free fresh water for your family, farm or crop.

GD Water Bores is proudly family-owned and operated with over four generations of industry knowledge. They are committed to providing a first-rate service for all customers while prioritising safety and productivity at every site.

Residential, rural, off-grid or commercial; they’ve got the right rig for the job! With a hassle-free process that is safe, simple, and all with minimal impact to your property.

Challenging block? No problem. Their professional team have the expertise to drill at blocks with tight or difficult access.

They provide rigs with pride and this ethos is the driving force behind why they are at the forefront industry innovation. Ask any of the team and you’ll hear that it’s their

Pesky pests have no chance with Netpro

NETPRO Canopies is a diverse Australian owned company that has been in business for over 30 years. Based in Stanthorpe, Queensland we specialise in exclusion netting, frost cloth/horticultural fleece and shade cloth. We not only install large structures for farmers, feedlots etc we also specialise in supplying nurseries, retailers and home gardeners. As more gardeners are looking to combat pests without the use of harsh chemicals, exclusion netting is becoming increasingly popular.

At Netpro we are able to provide netting to assist gardeners in maintaining and achieving the best results for their gardening needs as a cost-effective option.

Other advantages of net canopies include wind protection, reduction of evaporation, and shade (or sunburn protection).

In addition to netting we supply a range of gardening products; small tunnel kits, frost cloth, greenhouse film and shade cloth.

TIP: Before you come to the Qld Garden Expo measure the area/tree you want to cover – height, width and length to find the best options for your garden. Find us at Site 117.

unbreakable culture, commitment to diversity and value of passion, family and accountability that set them apart from the rest.

GD Water Bores specialise in drilling for domestic, residential, small to medium acreage as well as irrigation, stock, and commercial water bores.

They are based on the Sunshine Coast and service properties throughout QLD with QLD Class 1 and Class 2 Licenses along with NSW Class 2 Drilling Licences.

Find them at Site #216 at the QLD Garden Expo or call 1300 0 DRILL to get started with a free site inspection today and let GD Water Bores help you discover your property’s untapped potential.

The main advantage of Netting is that it does more than merely deter birds and insects, it excludes them. These days options abound - with a wide range in costs and purposes. NetPro has a selection of netting available; for example, our bird net range can be purchased in pre-packaged small packs, in bulk, or cut to order. We have 5mm, 15mm and 20mm net in the familiar diamond pattern.

However, our range extends beyond these few types of nets to nets that are small enough to exclude insects, or nets with holes large enough to exclude bats and large birds only (allowing insects to do their work).

In addition, most of the hail net available doubles as bird protection once installed (assuming that side-cloths are also installed).

Red Fox loves their orchids

IN THE heart of Caboolture, a floral haven awaits all those seeking the enchantment of nature’s exquisite wonders. Red Fox Orchids, a thriving boutique nursery nestled in the north Brisbane area has become a beacon for orchid enthusiasts and lovers of floral beauty alike.

With their dedication to excellence and a stunning array of orchids, that saw the nursery recently win a silver in the local small business awards, the nursery has established itself as a premier destination for both locals and visitors. What sets Red Fox Orchids apart is the unparalleled expertise and passion of its dedicated staff.

The knowledgeable team members possess an intricate understanding of orchid cultivation, and are always ready to offer guidance and advice to both experienced collectors and those new

to the wonderful world of orchid collecting.

Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the thriving orchids that leave the nursery; ensuring that every purchase is a testament to the nursery’s commitment to excellence.

Red Fox Orchids nursery in Caboolture is more than just a business; it is a sanctuary where the beauty of orchids thrives and inspires.

With its extensive collection, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to producing new varieties through breeding, the nursery has become an invaluable asset to the town.

So whether you are an orchid enthusiast or simply appreciate the elegance of these remarkable flowers, a visit to Red Fox Orchids is sure to leave you captivated and with a newfound admiration for nature’s most beautiful flowers.

Sun shines with Circuit Alert

one of the most reputable and popular solar companies on the Sunshine Coast. We provide the latest technology solar panels and inverters; and because we buy in bulk, we can pass the savings onto our clients which makes our prices very competitive.

A Sunshine Coast family business established in 2009, Circuit Alert Solar has gained a reputation for fantastic service and unrivalled aftercare.

With the ever increasing cost of electricity, we have never been busier helping clients reduce or even eliminate

For many clients, Solar panels have been a great option to get their cost of living to be more manageable; and now with the decrease in the cost of batteries, many are making the jump to more independence from grid power and storing their own power for night time use.

If you would like to explore the options for solar on your property see us at the Garden Expo at Site 195 for some great show specials on solar and batteries or feel free to call Lisa on 5477 0610 or visit our website www.circuitalert.com.au

Genealogy SC at the garden expo

GENEALOGY Sunshine Coast will have a stand at the Nambour Garden Expo on the weekend of July 7-9.

We will have a display of many of the books we have printed, as well as lots of photos for you to help us identify.

Members will be available to help you with your enquiries and assist with your research. Our Annual General Meeting will be on August 19 and we are hoping to get many

new volunteers to help us with our research and other activities.

This is very rewarding and you will not only learn many new skills but also work with a great bunch of people.

We are also hoping to hold an Irish Seminar on Saturday February 17, 2024 with many of the speakers who came to our last one. This will be a weekend not to be missed so put it in your diary now!

Contributed by Jan England

Preserving Australia’s rich ecological heritage

AMIDST the myriad of options for your landscape, there is one choice that will not only add striking character and beauty to your surroundings but also contribute to the preservation of Australia’s rich ecological heritage and that is integrating a mature tree into your garden from Margaret River Trees.

Understanding the invaluable role that mature trees play in preserving biodiversity and enhancing the beauty of our landscapes, national tree supplier, Margaret River Trees, specialise in the rescue and preservation of mature trees. With a strong commitment to saving Australian native flora from the devastating effects of land clearing, the company focuses on protecting and sourcing magnificent Dragon Trees, Olive Trees, QLD Bottle Trees, and ancient

Grass Trees, all of which have become increasingly popular in landscape design.

Their dedicated team combine extensive knowledge and experience to carefully source their stock of mature trees, employing sustainable practices to ensure safe removal and relocation. This is done by partnering with landowners, developers, and communities to salvage these remarkable trees, giving them a second chance to thrive and continue their vital role in our ecosystems.

“Our mission is to protect Australia’s rich ecological heritage and promote a sustainable future. Through partnerships, community engagement, and education, we aim to inspire others to join our cause by purchasing our trees and create a lasting impact.

At MRT, we are the guardians of nature’s legacy, ensuring that these magnificent trees continue to thrive and contribute to the beauty and biodiversity of our Australian landscape,” says Mike Johnson of Margaret River Trees. See them at the QLD Garden Expo or go to www. margaretrivergrasstrees. com to view current available stock and find out more.

Wicking systems that will transform your garden

Introducing Aqualess and WaterUps, the ground breaking wicking system that will transform the way you nurture your plants. With WaterUps, you can achieve lush, thriving gardens while conserving water and reducing maintenance. Get ready to witness a gardening revolution!

Picture this; a garden filled with vibrant, healthy plants, all without the constant need for watering. With Aqualess, this dream becomes a reality. Say goodbye to traditional irrigation methods that leave you guessing when to water and constantly worrying about over or underwatering. Embrace a new era of gardening efficiency and sustainability. WaterUps is an innovative wicking system that

harnesses the power of capillary action to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants. Say farewell to surface evaporation and ineffective watering practices. This technology ensures that every drop of water

Introducing Aqualess and the WaterUps Wicking System

The Smart Way to Hydrate Your Garden!

Are you tired of constantly watering your plants and worrying about water waste? Look no further than WaterUps, the revolutionary wicking system that will transform the way you nurture your garden.

Aqualess uses the WaterUps advanced technology to create a self-watering ecosystem for your plants. With its innovative design, it allows water to be drawn up from a reservoir below, directly to the roots, providing optimal hydration and promoting healthier plant growth.

Say goodbye to manual watering and hello to effortless gardening! Whether you’re a busy professional, a plant enthusiast, or just someone who wants to conserve water, WaterUps is the ultimate solution for you. It requires minimal maintenance and reduces water consumption by up to 80%, making it environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Installing WaterUps is a breeze. Simply place the wicking cells in your garden bed, fill the reservoir, and let the magic begin. You can even connect multiple

systems together for larger gardens or custom configurations.

Don’t let your plants suffer from dehydration or waste water through runoff. Experience the future of gardening with WaterUps and enjoy vibrant, thriving plants all year round. Join the growing community of satisfied gardeners who have already discovered the benefits of WaterUps. Order your wicking system today and unlock the secret to effortlessly lush and eco-friendly gardens.

Revolutionize Your Garden with Aqualess and the WaterUps Wicking System!

is efficiently used, maximizing plant growth and minimizing water waste. At Aqualess, we are committed to sustainability.

Our wicking system not only reduces water consumption but also minimizes

fertilizer leaching, ensuring that nutrients are utilized optimally by your plants.

By implementing WaterUps, you become an eco-conscious gardener, contributing to a greener future for generations to come.

Installing WaterUps is a breeze, even for those without extensive gardening experience. Our system is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to set it up quickly and effortlessly. It is also highly adaptable, accommodating gardens of various shapes, sizes, and plant types.

From small balcony containers to large backyard plots, or Aqualess can custom build your beds to fit your specific needs.

If you can’t visit our stall at the QLD Garden Expo, visit our website aqualess. com.au or contact us now on 1300 844493 to embark on a greener, more efficient gardening journey with Aqualess!

POWERED BY LIVE MICROBES FOR ALL PLANTS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, HERBS, GARDENS

Backyard Wildlife

with Spencer Shaw

this also means there’s less grazing and browsing availability for wallabies and kangaroo’s, which often leads them closer to roadsides - where the warmth and extra run off from the bitumen can provide a better feed. So, by all means drive carefully all year where wallabies and kangaroos are still present, but with the shorter days and less feed its more important than ever to take care with your driving and slow down especially at dawn and dusk.

Those few days of warm weather in the second last week of June, brought the snakes out for a brief sojourn to try and grab a snack or two, but another cool change has sent them back to ground (literally) to try and not get too cold. Not much sympathy there, from many gardeners I’m sure, but carpet snakes are great at controlling rodents, so perhaps we can find a soft spot in our hearts for them at least.

The cooler months can be lean times for wildlife. Most grasses are slowing down and so lawns need mowing much less, but

For the fruit eating birds, there’s a range of trees. Shrub’s that can fruit well at this time of year include Orange Thorn - Pittosporum multiflorum, Plum Myrtles - Pilidiostigma glabrum, Creek Lilly PillyAcmena smithii, Native Mulberry - Pipturus argenteus, Native Ginger - Alpinia caerulea, Coastal Flax Lily - Dianella congesta, Hairy Psychotria - Psychotria loniceroides, Glossy Laurel - Cryptocarya laevigata and Bolwarra - Eupomatia laurina, to name a few. A good mix of fruiting shrubs such as these can make a big difference for our frugivorous (fruit eating) birds and their survival through the winter months.

Many of our local trees and shrubs are adapted to the vagaries of our subtropic winter and can still provide plenty of food, via their new growth for browsing native flora such as ring tail, brush tail and mountain possums. Perhaps if your lucky enough to live in koala country; even a koala or two! The sap of many trees, particularly eucalypts are also harvested by gliders, including the squirrel, sugar and last but by far not least, the cute little feather-tails. So keep cool when it comes to our wildlife and enjoy sharing your garden through the winter.

When we think of local native plants we often think of just the trees and shrubs, but South East Queensland is rich in its diversity of local native plants that can be used as groundcovers in your garden. Groundcovers stabilise your soil, cool the roots of trees and provide food and refuge for native fauna. Many exotic groundcovers are traditional old favourites, but they are also notorious weeds in your gardens and bushland. Tradescantia’s, Syngonium, Singapore Daisy, Polk-a-dot Plant are just a few of the worst and they pose a genuine threat to Australian bushland. The solution is control and eradicate these exotics and go for local native plants for groundcover in your garden. At Forest Heart we stock a great range of local native groundcovers that includes Native Plumbago (pictured above right), Native Mints, Yellow Buttons, Blue Harebells, Goodenias, Hibbertias, Lobelias, Flax lilies, Lomandras, Kangaroo Grass, Maidenhair Ferns, Rasp Ferns and more. Add to this mix some other great native groundcovers including Casuarina Cousin It (pictured left), Prostrate Grevilleas and an evergrowing range and there’s plenty of choice for planting native plants in your garden.

So, do yourself a favour and plant native plants, they’re good value, diverse in form and shape, beautiful and great for the local environment.