Huge Australian Bred Begonia display
Meet and listen to Jane Edmanson and Stephan Ryan

Talks and Demonstrations Timetable

Free informative and instructional talks run throughout the weekend aimed at both the budding gardener and the expert green thumb. The speaker program offers experience, knowledge and inspiration from specialists in their field. 

Garden expert and personality Stephen Ryan is compere throughout the weekend, adding his informative and fun approach. 

Guest speaker is the legendary horticulturalist Jane Edmanson.  Other inspirational garden speakers include David Glenn and Merryle Johnson.

Saturday

11.00am

Martin Farrugia of Australian Bred Begonias:
Begonias. The easy way to grow them.

11.30am

Merryle Johnson of Country Farm Perennials:
Garden colour with perennials.

12.00pm

Stephen Ryan, former host of ABC Gardening Australia and proprietor of
Dicksonia Rare Plants
:
Rare plants, the good the bad and the ugly.

12.30pm

Tim Drewitt of Drewitt bulbs:
Rare bulbs.

1.00pm

-- Keynote presentation --

Jane Edmanson, Horticulturalist, presenter on ABC Gardening Australia and Gardening Talk back radio host:
Good Gardening practices.

2.00pm

David Glenn of Lambley Nursery:
Dry gardening with Bulbs.

2.30pm

Darrly Hoogeboom of Oz Watergardens
Pond plants, their use and selection.

Sunday

11.00am

Clive Halls of Mt Beenak Orchids:
Beautiful cool climate Orchids, all you need to know.

11.30am

David Glenn of Lambley Nursery:
Dry gardening with Bulbs.

12.00pm

Stephen Ryan, former host of ABC Gardening Australia and proprietor of
Dicksonia Rare Plants
:
Rare plants, the good the bad and the ugly.

12.30pm

Merryle Johnson of Country Farm Perennials:
Garden colour with perennials.

1.00pm

-- Keynote presentation --

Jane Edmanson, Horticulturalist, presenter on ABC Gardening Australia and Gardening Talk back radio host:
Good Gardening practices.

2.00pm

Martin Farrugia of Australian Bred Begonias:
Begonias. The easy way to grow them.

2.30pm

Annette Kennedy of Bass Valley African Violets:
How to grow and care for African Violets.

 

Speaker Biography:

Jane EdmansonJane Edmanson. An inspirational speaker with an immense amount of horticultural knowledge from having worked in plant nurseries for 20 years. Jane is one of the foremost horticulturalists in Australia. She has been a presenter for the ABC’s Gardening Australia for more than 19 years. Jane presents weekly radio shows advising thousands of gardeners across Victoria on 3AW and Magic 1278. She also writes for magazines and has written 5 books. Jane leads garden tours around the world each year. Jane is a patron Royal Horticulture Society, Sustainable Gardening Australia, Ambassador for Australia Day, Ambassador of Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and Chairperson of Schools' Garden Awards amongst others. She has received an Order of Australia Medal and is a terrific woman to boot! Jane will be speaking on Good Gardening Practices. Her talk will include a range of hints, tips and solutions to everyday gardening problems.

Stephen RyanStephen Ryan, broadcaster, horticulturalist and Proprietor of Dicksonia Rare Plants speaks on growing and maintaining a variety of rare plants. Stephen is a gardening author, radio broadcaster as well as nursery owner.  Stephen has a wealth of knowledge in the rare and unusual world of botany. He is a very keen gardener and has a great sense of fun in the garden.  Stephen promotes plant diversity and has collected some great tid bits and facts to astound and regale you with over the weekend. Stephen is a broadcaster and has written several books.

Country Farm PerennialsMerryle Johnson of Country Farm Perennials speaks on Perennials in Tough Spots.  We all have them in the garden, those places where nothing seems to grow, be it the exposed sunny section or the damp shaded bog. Merryle has all the answers and with her good humour and comprehensive botanical knowledge will help you to fill all those tough spots.

Mt Beenak OrchidsClive Halls from Mt Beenak Orchids will keep you interested with an interesting presentation on orchid culture with a question and answer session as well as practical demonstrations. Orchids you will find are much easier than you think.

Bass Valley African VioletsAnnette Kennedy from Bass Valley African Violets will be speaking on these floriferous and hardy plants. They specialise in the wick watering system, from which they have enjoyed success beyond all expectations. In their talk they will teach you how to grow and care for these beautiful plants – they are so easy (and rewarding).

As seating is limited we advise you arrive early.