Royal Exhibition Building activity is blossoming with the return of the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS), presented by Lawn Solutions Australia between March 27 – 31, 2019. With the show being in its 24th year, the MIFGS is easily the largest horticultural event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Drawing in crowds both local and from overseas, the show’s booming crowds, lively atmosphere, and over 200 vendors was proof of this.
MEL Live headed down to the show to have a look at everything it had to offer. Featuring landscape and floristry demonstrations across the Carlton Gardens, presentations were inspiring to both amateur and professional gardening enthusiasts. Vendors of new gardening tech and plants (of course!) were spread out across the grounds, showcasing some amazing new developments, as well as rare and on-trend plants, and some phenomenal sculptures.
Inside the Royal Exhibition Building were incredible floral installations, both across landscapes and sculpture. An incredible runway of floral dresses and wedding arbours from floristry students was laid out across one of the building’s wings. To say every installation was breathtaking and surreal is an understatement. Vendors such as Seedlip (the world’s first non-alcoholic spirit) mixed up the night, offering free sampling to attendees.
The show was capped off with live music, performances, and a plethora of food choices. We definitely had to take in a minute to take in our surroundings; listening to the live band, while enjoying some Prosecco. Stilt-walkers, jugglers, and fire twirlers provided entertainment for kids, making the show perfect for families.
By the end of our night at the show, we left with many thoughts; 1) we were inspired, 2) we wanted bigger gardens, and 3) we wanted to sign up with the Melbourne Flower School to learn some amazing skills. As we headed off with four different types of pothos between us, we hoped that next year’s show would be just as good, if not better.