Queensland Garden Show launches 2026 speaker program
Queensland's biggest gardening event has announced its much-anticipated 2026 speaker program, welcoming an exciting mix of new talent and beloved returning experts to Australia's largest gardening speaker program as the Show prepares to celebrate its 42nd year.
The Queensland Garden Show returns to the Nambour Showgrounds from 10 to 12 July, offering more than 90 free talks and demonstrations across five live stages. Horticultural legends Graham Ross AM, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Phil Dudman are joined by an exciting line-up of first-time presenters and emerging voices from across the gardening world.
Among the new additions to the program is Tammy Huynh, ABC Gardening Australia presenter, author of The Plant Book and 2021 Horticulturist of the Year, who said she is looking forward to making her Queensland Garden Show debut.
“I'm excited to make my first appearance at the Queensland Garden Show this year,” Ms Huynh said.
“One of the things I love most about gardening events is the opportunity to connect with other plant enthusiasts, share knowledge and learn something new. I'm also looking forward to seeing the amazing range of plants for sale and soaking up the fantastic atmosphere that the Show is known for.
“My sessions will explore indoor plant care, common problems and some of the biggest myths surrounding houseplants, with plenty of practical tips to help people grow with confidence.”
Chief Executive Officer of Greenlife Industry QLD, Colin Fruk, said the speaker program remained one of the event's biggest drawcards and a key reason visitors travel from across Australia to attend.
"The Queensland Garden Show has built a reputation as the place where gardeners can learn directly from some of the country's most knowledgeable and respected growers and horticultural experts, and this year's program reflects the incredible diversity of Australia's gardening community," Mr Fruk said.
"Welcoming Tammy Huynh to the Show for the first time is a real highlight. She represents a new generation of horticultural voices that are helping make gardening more accessible, joyful and relevant for everyday Australians.
"At the same time, we're delighted to welcome back some of the gardening industry's most trusted and recognisable personalities who continue to inspire visitors year after year."
Another new speaker is Robert “The Mountain Man” Wilson who will share his insights into legacy horticulture and the Cooks Garden Stage will include an impressive line-up of chefs including Mal Meiers, the Head Chef of ēthos at Alsahwa Estate, Kenji Hiroto is the heart and soul of SOKA, crowd-favourite Matt Golinski and Robert Cauilan, Executive Chef at Aussie World and the Banana Bender Pub who brings the vibrant, bold flavours of the Philippines to modern Australian cuisine.
The release of the three-day program allows visitors to start planning their Queensland Garden Show experience, with sessions catering to everyone from absolute beginners to gardening gurus.
"Whether you're interested in rare, unusual and ornamental plants, new plant releases, growing your own food at home, creating a more sustainable garden or simply learning from some of the best minds in horticulture, there is something in the program for every gardener,” Mr Fruk said.
"The Queensland Garden Show gives people a unique opportunity to learn from the very best, ask questions in person and head home with practical ideas that can be put into action straight away."
Beyond the speaker stages, visitors can browse the Giant Kitchen Garden, receive personalised advice at the Plant Clinic, take part in hands-on workshops, and shop Queensland's largest collection of plants available for sale in one location. The event attracts more than 25,000 visitors each year and features over 360 exhibitors, including 55 nurseries selling 60,000 plants each day.
One of the Show's most unique and crowd-pleasing attractions, the Rooster Crowing Competition, will also return in 2026 as part of the Poultry Spectacular. With both adults and children invited to show off their best rooster crow, the competition has become a favourite with visitors and promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
The 2026 Queensland Garden Show will be held from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour. Gates are open at 8am daily.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.qldgardenshow.com.au.
ABC Gardening Australia presenter, author of The Plant Book and 2021 Horticulturist of the Year, Tammy Huynh, is looking forward to making her Queensland Garden Show debut.