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Local gardeners and horticulturists are gearing up for the second New Zealand Flower and Garden Show, which will take place at West Auckland’s Trusts Arena from November 28 to December 2.
The five-day event will include a substantial number of large and small display gardens, including some from international designers; urban, community and school garden displays; floral art and fashion; sculpture and art displays; a food demonstration zone and more than 200 retail exhibits.
Local people taking part include Bruce and Raewyn Whistler of Matakana Palms, who are working with Australian designer Christian Jenkins and supplying trees and plants for his display garden. They are hoping for a repeat of his success of last year, when his garden won a gold medal with plants they had supplied.
Mahurangi West artist and permaculture gardener Sarah Smuts-Kennedy will also be at the show in her capacity as founder and instigator of For The Love of Bees, a “living social structure” project aimed at making Auckland the safest city in the world for bees and pollinators. Their stand at the show will include teaching tools for communities that encourage businesses, schools, individuals and beekeepers to collaborate in their efforts to promote a sustainable environment for bees.
The 2018 show will also have more indoor exhibits this year, in case of bad weather, and there will be a chance to grab last minute bargains at a Plant Sell Off between 5pm and 6pm on the final day of the show.
The 2017 New Zealand Flower and Garden Show was Auckland’s first major gardening show since the Ellerslie Flower Show moved to Christchurch in 2008. Originally planned for Okahu Bay in 2016, the launch show was delayed by a year and moved to the Trusts Arena grounds in Henderson, where this year’s event will also be held.
Tickets range in price from $28 to $33 plus booking fees and can be booked in advance at ticketek.co.nz
Info: nzflowergardenshow.co.nz
