The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show provides a plethora of opportunities to so many in the industry. We wanted to catch up with some of the key players from MIFGS 2022 to understand more about their experiences this year and the importance of the event itself
'This was my first MIFGS as Chairman of the Board and it was wonderful to finally get one under my belt after two cancellations!!
From a personal viewpoint, I learned so much and all the hard work was worthwhile because of the wonderful atmosphere created by the show, and it was very satisfying to walk through the gardens and soak up all the smiling faces. It’s wonderful to see the different elements of our industry come together to deliver an event which delighted so many visitors.
Some of the new offerings, like ‘Autumn Nights’, helped to attract a younger crowd and the range of children’s activities enticed families to experience the Show. I also felt that exhibitors weren’t just reliant on trying to wow the audience with visual impact but were also conveying important messages about sustainability, health and wellbeing, and connection to nature. What we’ve collectively been through over the last two years has awoken the public appetite for greenlife and flowers and outdoor spaces, and that breathed new life and feeling into what was an outstanding MIFGS. ”
Michael Warner, MIFGS Chairman
The past five days have been nothing short of incredible with more than 103,000 passionate plant people celebrating the return of the southern hemisphere’s largest horticultural event for the first time since 2019. After a challenging two years, it was wonderful to see such a strong turn out and so many ” smiling faces back in the heart of Melbourne. We couldn’t be happier with the result.
Marcus Gale, Event Director
“From a retail perspective the Show was such a great success.
There was a huge appetite from visitors to try and recreate some of what was on display at the Show Gardens at home.
I was also very aware of a new audience visiting our stand, people who have taken to gardening in the past couple of years.
I met lots of local and regional customers too, it’s wonderful to have that support in our own back yard.
It was so good to see everyone smiling, you got the sense that people were relishing the opportunity to attend and enjoy a major event, in a safe environment.
MIFGS is one of our major marketing events and this year didn’t disappoint. ”
Mario Diaco, Managing Director Diaco’s Garden Nursery
“It’s been a challenging couple of years for us as an association after the financial losses of two cancelled shows. After what was a hugely successful MIFGS I’m just delighted for all concerned that this year not only went ahead but exceeded all possible expectations.
The Show is a wonderful barometer for public interest in greenlife and gardening and based on the past five days
Victoria’s horticulture industry has never been healthier. I’d like to thank all our members who supplied, exhibited, and sold plants, all those who came on as sponsors, and those who took the time to visit. MIFGS is an industry wide event, and it wouldn’t be possible without your involvement.
Craig Taberner, CEO NGIV
“Ball Australia has been participating in the NGIV ‘REVEALED’ Program at MIFGS for 15 years and this year’s show had high energy and an audience that was engaged and keen –it was so good to be back amongst gardening enthusiasts.
For Ball Australia, showcasing new products at an open consumer event is insightful market research and ‘REVEALED’ gives us the perfect connection to communicate to the home gardener, media or retailer, and hear their comments and ideas.
As interest in gardening for consumers changes, it is great to see this reflected at MIFGS through the displays, events, and products available, gardening has kicked on! ”
Kate Grant, Ball Australia, REVEALED exhibitor
“Designing and displaying a garden at MIFGS provided an amazing experience to work with growers, materials and product suppliers, landscape construction businesses and designers, which enabled me to start building some solid relationships within the landscape and horticultural industry.
The Emergent Gardens also allowed my design, along with the selected plants, materials and products to be showcased to the general public, providing exposure on a large scale. It was wonderful to talk to many visitors who were inspired by the gardens on display and interested in bringing some of these ideas to their outdoor spaces at home. ”
Chin Liew, Garden Designer for Emergent Gardens
“Participating in MIFGS and subsequently claiming the outstanding achievement award for my garden on the Avenue of Achievable Gardens has been a phenomenal experience.
It has thrown me onto a stage where the whole landscape and nursery community has had the opportunity to validate my style and aesthetic. I have met nursery growers and talked plants and varieties, spoken to material suppliers and now discussed my resulting design with experts in the field. It has advanced my career in so many ways and so quickly. There is such a supportive community around MIFGS with people willing to help each other ” out. MIFGS is also a rare opportunity to engage the public in Landscape Design and have some great conversations. Emma Powell, Garden Designer for Achievable Gardens
2022 Winners – Show Garden/Feature Garden
City of Melbourne Award of Excellence for Best in Show
Christian Jenkins Landscape Design, Inner Calm
Gold Show Garden
Warners Nurseries in collaboration with Robert Boyle, More Than Meets The Eye Christian Jenkins Landscape Design, Inner Calm
Silver Gilt Show Garden
Mark Browning Landscape Design, AUD
Silver Show Garden
Steve Day – Tree & Shrub Growers VIC, Resilience Dylan Alcott and Vivid Design, Tramlines Vivid Design, Apertura
Bronze Show Garden
Budling Design, Through The Lens Inge Jabara Landscapes, Granum Florere
HMA Award for the Best Use of Plant Life
Warners Nurseries in collaboration with Robert Boyle, More Than Meets The Eye
Mark Bence Construction Award
Mark Browning Landscape Design, AUD
Innovative Design Award presented by Peugeot
Christian Jenkins Landscape Design, Inner Calm
Landscaping Victoria Boutique Garden Award
1st Place – Alison Douglas Design, Elements 2nd Place – Invidia Landscapes – Renee Reiter, An Intimate Garden 3rd Place – akas landscape architecture, Coming Soon
