Blooming Beautiful

It’s Autumn here, in the Southern Hemisphere. And for lovers of all things green, that means it’s time for the

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2013!

For five days, Australia’s best horticultural and floral designers have the chance to showcase their talents to local and international visitors at this very popular, “hallmark” event.
Melbourne’s Carlton Gardens come alive with displays, music events, sculpture exhibitions and garden-related trade stalls.
Chosen leading garden designers and landscapers are put to the test to present concepts that will suit our hot summers and diverse climate.
And each year, the eagerly awaiting public are keen to view and choose their favourite show gardens, which range from contemporary to elaborate, whimsical, imaginative, inspirational and, achievable.

Even though hubby and I arrived fairly early, it was very difficult to take photos without capturing many faces in the crowd as everyone vied for the best vantage points.

So, now that I’ve caught your attention and hopefully piqued your curiosity, would you like to go on a tour past some of this year's display gardens and finish in the “Great Hall of Flowers” held in the grand old Royal Exhibition Building? Okay then, lets go! 

  

The morning sky sported great clouds of grey, though they weren’t enough to keep the crowds away.

 Before too long, an expanse of blue pushes through, and the sun shone for the rest of the day.

While great ochre emus and rusty roos keep company with the hungry hordes,

 

we feast our eyes upon the following…

From veggie "beds"

to garden rooms,

rustic sheds

and tropical afternoons.
 

 

Resident swamp hens wander

cultivated courtyards.

 

Sydney’s iconic opera House makes an appearance 

 

and a cobbled Melbourne backstreet gets a funky facelift.

This quintessential Aussie is a winner

  

and fire pits are a hit.

Rusted metal is the “in thing”.

 

 

Garden vendors advertise their wares in wonderful ways. From signage to sculptures and birdbaths to trendy hanging planters.

Phew! There’s so much more to see. Are you tired yet?

Cool grassy banks by the ornamental lake offers welcome spots to rest.

Let’s carry on then.

Lovers of Dr. Seuss might recognize the land of the Lorax – with the creature himself a-peeping among the Truffula Tree fruits and a-keeping a wary eye out for any potential greedy Once-lers.

  

A gallery of gardens, are finely framed...

  

And, while faceless flowery figures whisper intimately,

 

pretty people are painted publicly.

 

ooh la la

Inside, the stunning Exhibition Building (one of the world's oldest pavilions) with its divinely opulent interior, is host to fabulous floral displays by Victoria’s leading florists, up-and-coming floral designers and students.

The decadently decorated dome

That's a pretty hot outfit!

Carmen Miranda would've been envious

And so, we reach the end of our journey at the show. Weary yet inspired, it’s time to head home for a welcome cuppa and later, a saunter around the backyard or balcony - surely there’s an idea or two to spruce up even the tiniest of garden corners?
As every gardener knows, there's always room for "just one more plant".

Thanks for coming along :)

Happy gardening!

♥