2024 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show: A stellar showcase of our industry

This year, we welcomed over 107,500 visitors to Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building to revel in the splendour of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS). As proud owners of the Show, we worked closely once again with event partners IMG to deliver a world-class horticultural event that offered something for everyone, and which showcased the very best aspects of our industry.

The Awards

Show Gardens

This year’s show featured eight Show Gardens, with two receiving gold and one being named Best in Show. The Best in Show award was given to designers Emmaline Bowman of Stem Landscape Architecture and Design and Liam Riley of ID Landscaping. Inspired by rural Australia through a sustainable lens, the garden showcased native plants, hay bales, and a windmill. The duo’s design entitled “Through The Looking Glass” was also the recipient of the HMAA Award for Best Use of Plant Life.

Also receiving Gold was Phil Withers’ garden, “SaltBush”, designed with Fiona Brockoff, which featured an array of native plants, including some stately banksias.

The People’s Choice Award went to ‘A Moment in Time’, designed by Peter Donegan and built by Semken Landscaping‚ presented by Daisy’s Garden Supplies.

Challenger Achievable Gardens

This year, student designers once again competed for the Achievable Gardens ‘Excellence Award’, with the award going to “Look Within” by Madeleine Holyman and Andrew Sargood from London College of Garden Design. Their garden showcased the vast variety of native and indigenous plants, and explored how depth and layers can be created in gardens.

The People’s Choice award was won by Angelo Cammaroto, from Open Colleges and Diaco’s Garden Nursery. Angelo, a Year 12 student currently studying at Salesnian College, is only 18 years old.

The Green Room

Comprising two renovated shipping containers and several marquee areas, the Green Room was decked out with green life courtesy of our generous members, Biemond’s Nurseries, Speciality Trees, Peninsula Growers, PMA, Dummen Orange, Feingold and Orchid Emporium, and it served as the industry and media hub during the Show.

Bringing together all touchpoints across our robust green life industry – from florists and designers to NGIV members and media professionals, as well as state and local decision makers – the Green Room facilitated communication, networking, and collaboration, ultimately working towards a unified voice for the industry.

The Green Room also functioned as a tranquil retreat amid the show’s activity for NGIV members, providing comfortable seating, greenery, and refreshments and was home to the Plant of the Year display.

Launched alongside the Green Room this year, the Plant of the Year Award attracted much interest and will be awarded for the first time in 2025.

The Grow Together Garden presented by The Victorian Schools Garden Program

Visitors were invited to explore, learn and grow in the Grow Together Garden, presented by the Victorian Schools Garden Program in collaboration with Foodcube and the Sustainable Landscape Design Co., with support from the Cambodian Association of Victoria and the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria.

The Grow Together Garden offered garden-based educational activities and celebrated our city’s rich diversity. Over the Show’s five days, students from schools across the state, participated in potting activities, interactive demonstrations, explored the Indian and Cambodian kitchen gardens and were captivated by the Sustainable Scarecrows display, with Sarah the Sustainable Scarecrow from Holy Cross Primary taking home the People’s Choice Award.

The Events

The Garden Party

The Industry Garden Party, held on the Thursday night of the Show, was a resounding success, selling out for the second year running. Hosted under the twinkling lights of the Central Boulevard in Carlton Gardens, the event brought together professionals from across industries and provided a lively platform for networking and fun.

Life Members’ Lunch

During the opening day of the Show, NGIV’s Board and CEO had the pleasure of gathering with our esteemed Life Members for a delightful lunch. This annual tradition serves as a meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the industry while allowing us to reconnect, reflect on past experiences, and delve into the current landscape of horticulture.

Political Engagement

We were thrilled with the level of engagement from Victorian politicians who visited the show. Their enthusiastic presence underscored the importance of horticulture within the community. Their interest in exploring the displays and engaging with exhibitors highlighted a commitment to promoting and advancing the industry. Their support not only reinforced the significance of the MIFGS but also affirmed the vital role of horticulture in shaping sustainable and vibrant communities.

Retailers and Members

Retailers and exhibitors play a pivotal role in the success of the MIFGS. Their presence infuses the show with a diverse array of products, plants, and expertise, enriching the experience for attendees and elevating the overall atmosphere. From showcasing the latest trends in gardening tools and accessories to offering rare and exciting plant specimens, their offerings captivate visitors and inspire creativity.

Along with retailers and exhibitors, there are many other NGIV members whose work behind the scenes is indispensable to the Show. These members’ generosity, dedication and expertise contributes significantly to the Show’s success year after year. From generously donating plants and materials to bringing intricate show gardens to life, NGIV members are the heart of the Show.

We extend our gratitude to NGIV members for their invaluable contributions to MIFGS, which continue to enrich the show and inspire attendees. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making the 2024 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show an unforgettable experience once again.