Last week I went on my annual visit to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS). Although I always love the colourful and creative floral displays, this year I was really keen to get some landscaping ideas for our new garden. The Royal Exhibition Building was once again transformed into a visual feast. Here are some of my favourites.
Roses of all colours.
A clever and creative display.
I love this interesting mix of bright colours.
And now to the Landscaping Boutique Gardens.
‘Equilibrium’ by Nathan Burkett Design. This exhibit was a great display of symmetry. The tall Plane Trees create a ‘living’ pergola and canopy. The garden is formal yet has a relaxing entertaining space. I love the inclusion of the built-in seating around the fire pit.
The living pergolas are surrounded by a Bisazza-tiled mosaic stream.
Another Gold winning exhibit is Crossroads, by Ian Barker Designs. This garden starts with a beautiful display of cornflowers leading to the crossroad or steel doorway.
The main garden features layers of green foliage rather than flowering plants. I love the palette of green and burgundy with touches of white. Grey granite paving and stacked bluestone lead to the reflection pool.
Bees were loving this ‘Angelica Gigas’ (so I’m told!) plant.
Winner of a Gold medal and Best In Show was this exhibit called Quietude by Cycas Landscape Design and Lisa Ellis Gardens. It was also my favourite display. It has a central al fresco area and combines timber and stone with layered greenery. The predominant colours are black, grey and green.
I love the stacked bluestone retaining walls.
Another fire pit with a sunken lounge.
This Beyond Blue wellness garden by Landscape Design Group won a silver medal. This tranquil exhibit has all the features of a true Japanese garden and it was hard to believe it was not a permanent fixture.
This exhibit called the Bronzed Brolga received a Bronze medal. It was designed by Semken Landscaping in partnership with Tourism NT. It gives the visitors a taste of the NT landscape including the striking red desert sand and waterholes.
Another exhibit worthy of a mention is the community art installation, ‘5000 Poppies’ designed by Phillip Johnson. It is a tribute to his great grandfather who served in WWI. To commemorate 100 years since the Gallipoli landing, Lynn Berry is co-ordinating a project inviting crafters to crochet poppies. Some were used in this exhibit but the majority will be shown in Federation Square on ANZAC Day this year. It is such a moving display.
Tulips are my favourite flower and I love these colours.
The Carlton Gardens themselves make for a perfect back drop.
Although I didn’t find the floral displays as spectacular as last years’, I did enjoy seeing the Landscape Designs. There is a definite trend in use of bluestone and darker granite which I think looks great against layers of greenery. Although I look back to my blogpost last year (here) and wish I could get another glimpse of my favourite exhibit, The Gardener’s Library. Unfortunately the new garden won’t have space to accommodate a glass conservatory!!
Did you go to MIFGS this year? Which exhibit was your favourite?
Belinda XO