 |
Previous page
Outdoor displays intrigued and brought us something new to consider. The dynmanic water sculptures Water Spirals (+61-3-6239 1401) attracted a large following; the glass butterflies by Melissa Thomas (+61 (0)3 9464 0731); Jungle Garden (+61 (0)417 306 286) had wonderful primitive and elegant Japanese influences; Southern Earth Landscape (+61 (0)418 597 1401 ) had a very difference and imaginative verdant and putting green and sculptured hedge; Tara landscapes (+61 (0)3 9781 3311) created an outback scene for 3MP, complete with an aeroplane!
In the retail section of the show visitors enjoyed dramatic displays. We noticed with Paddington Pots (+61 9569 5384) showing us how to bring classical garden ornaments into a more modern idiom; Tessac Stone (+61 (0)3 9338 0088) displayed a range of pebbles, paving, planters and other stone work; Jo Boake, the Tin Lady (+61 (0)3 5874 2672) had corrugated iron animals in families of chicken, ducks, rabbits as well as a range of covetable wine buckets; Gardens of Steel (+61 (0)3 9754 2423) showed dramatic arbours, trellis and other structures; masses of pumpkin, squash and gourds made a striking display for Diggers Seeds (+61 (0)3 5987 1877); and some displays of garden accessories were just plain fun! |
Digger Seeds - fascinating pumpkins |
The plant suppliers of roses, clematis and bulbs were out in force, with more unusual succulents, carnivorous plants and Australian natives being well represented as well. Colourful masses of daffodils, hyacinth, lilies and tulips drew in gardeners who quickly bought new season's bulbs by the dozen. Stunning clematis and roses were seen walking about the grounds in shopping bags and South African and native Australian blooms were dramatic. Every conceivable garden tool, device and accessory was on display ready to be tested, explained and purchased.
Local visitors spent up large and departed from the show happy and laden with goodies. We New Zealand gardeners were, unfortunately, restricted to buying non-living material but there was still plenty to take the eye, tempt the pocket and to bring home with us.
Books and garden tours of Australia and beyond were being sold and the very helpful staff at Australia's Open Garden Scheme (+61 (0)3 9397 8841) were dispensing advice and guidebooks to help us find the prettiest gardens in Victoria and beyond. |
Next Page | |
|
Show Visitors - Shop 'til You Drop |
|
Glass Butterflies and Flowers - Melissa Thomas |
Eye-catching Water Spirals |
Massed Displays of Bulbs |
Everything under the sun |
Australian native banksias | |
