Eumundi Voice Issue 121, 10 July 2025

GARDENING

Influencers and young gardeners

Organisers of the Qld Garden Show are expecting young gardeners to be amongst the thousands who pass through the gates at the Nambour Showgrounds from 11-13 July. Plant Hacks and #Plantok are the latest viral sensations sprouting a new era of gardening enthusiasts. Much-loved Australian gardening icon and ABC Gardening Australia host, Costa Georgiadis, who speaks at the Qld Garden Show every year, is embracing the movement as a proud plant-fluencer with more than 219,000 Facebook followers and 120,000 Instagram followers.

Recent research from The Australia Institute’s Grow your Own – 2024 report found that 45% of Australians grow their own food and almost 4 in 5 (78%) Australians aged 18-39 were interested in growing their own food. More than 3 in 5 (61%) identified lack of space as a barrier to growing their own food. For younger Australians, the lack of skills was often another hurdle. These figures reinforce the value of community gardens and gardening programs. Visit: australiainstitute.org. au/report/grow-your-own-2024.