Costa joins record number of well-known gardening presenters heading to the Sunshine Coast

Many of the close to 40,000 gardening enthusiasts who visit the Queensland Garden Expo in July each year will be eager to see the event’s highly anticipated speaker program released this week, including more than 125 free lectures and demonstrations by some of Australia’s most respected gardening experts.

Event Manager Marion Beazley said the three-day program features firm favourites including ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Millie Ross; as well as new speakers like celebrity chef Matt Golinski and domestic poultry experts from across Australia, who will share their extensive knowledge keeping and caring for domestic chickens.

"We are proud to host Australia’s largest gardening speaker program at the Expo, with 45 speakers across eight stages over three days, and this year we have much of our gardening royalty headlining the program as well as an incredible array of other gardening experts covering a wide range of topics,” said Ms Beazley.

“We know our visitors plan their days at the Expo in advance, according to who is speaking at which stage across the Nambour Showgrounds so the release of this program is always much anticipated.

“Of course, we are delighted to confirm that Costa will join us again this year. He first joined our speaker line-up in 2011 and his charm; energy; exceptional knowledge of all things gardening and permaculture; and ever-increasing profile on the small screen have earned him a substantial following and a somewhat iconic status at the Expo – with old and young visitors alike.

“Costa will once again spend much time in the popular Kitchen Garden, including a garden ramble and special sessions for the young gardeners on the Terraces when he dons his goggles and becomes Costa the Garden Gnome."

Costa Georgiadis — a landscape architect, television presenter and author — said he was looking forward to returning to the Sunshine Coast for the Expo in July for what had become one of his favourite gardening events over the past 12 years.

“I am so chuffed to be coming to the Expo this year, it’s hands down one of the best gardening events on the calendar,” said Mr Georgiadis.

“What makes it so special is that those who come and join us, can talk directly to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced gardeners  we have in Australia. Whether you’re new to gardening (and how exciting is that!) or you are a seasoned expert looking for specialist advice, this is the best place to find it all.

“The Expo is also  a great opportunity to expose kids to all the benefits of gardening for the mind and the body, which they can then take forward and use for the rest of their lives. It’s all about gardening for the soil and the soul!”

Other popular speakers on the program this year include Phil Dudman, The Garden Guru, a horticulturalist and landscaper that fronted a noisy 80’s grunge rock band long before becoming the Horticultural Editor of ABC Gardening Australia magazine; and Brisbane local Claire Bickle who will share her wealth of knowledge on indoor plants, creating happy habitat gardens to attract native fauna.

The full speaker program is available on the official Queensland Garden Expo website at www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.

More details

Where:	Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast
When:	Friday, 7 July to Sunday, 9 July 2023
Opening times:	Gates open 8:00am and close 4:00pm daily
Disability access:	The showground offers excellent facilities for wheelchair visitors with on-site disabled parking, easy access and ground level exhibits along with disabled toilet facilities. Guide dogs are welcome.
Tickets:	Tickets available for purchase at www.qldgardenexpo.com.au. · Adult entry – $22.50 (online) / $25 (gate price) · Children 15 years and under – Free · Groups of 10 or more – $20 each · Two-day weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) – $40 · Three-day pass – $60