A kaleidoscope of colour, creativity and contemporary garden design will take root in Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building when the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show returns from Wednesday March 25 to Sunday March 29.
This year’s creative direction, Kaleidoscope, invites visitors to explore shifting perspectives in landscape design, sustainability and floral artistry.
Show Garden Competition Returns
The popular Show Garden Competition will once again be a major drawcard, featuring seven internationally acclaimed landscape designers. Their emotionally driven, experience-led gardens will showcase how Australians are reimagining outdoor spaces as places for connection, calm and self-expression. Visitors can vote for their favourite design in the People’s Choice Award.
Landscaping legend Jamie Durie will make a highly anticipated return to the competition for the first time since 2010, unveiling a visionary garden focused on sustainability.
Celebrating Floral Artistry
Inside the Royal Exhibition Building, the Great Hall of Flowers will transform into a spectacular floral gallery beneath the grand dome. A new feature for 2026, Growers Avenue, will bring an urban flower farm to life, celebrating Australian-grown blooms from regenerative micro farms to large-scale producers.
At its centre, The Petal Project will see growers and florists collaborate to showcase a single flower or floral family through striking installations that highlight craftsmanship and creativity. Live competitions and judged categories will celebrate both established florists and emerging talent shaping Australia’s floral design scene.
New Additions: The Wildplace and Gardens by Twilight
A major new feature this year is The Wildplace Children’s Garden, an immersive play space designed to reconnect children with nature through imagination and discovery. Blending natural materials with Indigenous perspectives on caring for Country, the garden encourages exploration and learning while fostering an appreciation for biodiversity.
The much-loved Gardens by Twilight experience will also expand across both Friday and Saturday nights, transforming the gardens into a glowing after-dark celebration. Visitors can enjoy creative lighting, live entertainment and evening hospitality in a vibrant social atmosphere.
Innovation and Heart at the Core
Show Director Trent Cornish said the 2026 program reflects both innovation and heart.
“The Kaleidoscope theme captures the diversity of ideas and talent that define this event,” he said. “Every garden and installation offers a different lens, whether through sustainable planting, bold design or immersive floral artistry.
“What makes it truly special is the way people engage with it. Families, passionate gardeners, designers and first timers all find something that speaks to them. That blend of inspiration, education and enjoyment is what keeps Melbourne coming back each year.”
Other Highlights
Additional attractions include the Balcony Garden Competition presented by Bunnings Warehouse, the Border Garden Competition presented by Yates, and the Australian Unity Hanging Basket Competition. The Challenger Achievable Gardens Competition will showcase 12 gardens by emerging landscape designers.
Visitors can also take part in hands-on workshops and demonstrations led by industry experts, covering floral arranging, ceramics, botanical watercolour and creative crafts.
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show remain one of Victoria’s most anticipated major events, celebrating the beauty, creativity and community spirit that gardens inspire.
https://melbflowershow.com.au/tickets
