As the proud owners of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS), Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) is delighted to once again welcome you to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most celebrated horticultural event – back in 2025 and better than ever.
Since its establishment in 1903, NGIV has been the peak industry body representing Victoria’s thriving horticulture sector. Our industry –encompassing growers, allied businesses, and retailers – is vibrant and diverse, bringing together professionals from all backgrounds who supply Victorians with exceptional plants and the latest in gardening innovation.
Each year, NGIV plays a crucial role in delivering MIFGS, an internationally acclaimed event that brings together plant lovers from near and far. Our growers and allied businesses contribute stunning plants and materials, helping designers craft breathtaking show gardens, while our retailers showcase an exciting array of plants and products for every garden enthusiast. By working alongside passionate stakeholders, we create a show that stands among the world’s finest.
This year, from March 26 to 30, we invite you to experience everything this incredible event has to offer at Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building. MIFGS is a true celebration of green life and the many benefits of gardening, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Proudly presented by NGIV and our valued partners, here’s a glimpse of what we’ll be delivering at this year’s show:
The Challenger Achievable Gardens Design Competition – Now in its 18th year, this
competition highlights the creativity and horticultural knowledge of students and educational institutions, showcasing diverse, high-quality plants in landscape design. Sponsored by Challenger, an investment management firm committed to financial security in retirement, the Achievable Gardens are sure to impress.
The Green Room – A dedicated space where professionals from the horticulture and media industries can connect, exchange ideas, and learn from leading experts.
The Victorian Schools Garden Program (VSGP) Grow Together Garden – A vibrant display of edible gardens, hands-on educational activities, and multicultural kitchen gardens designed to inspire young minds.
On behalf of NGIV, I hope you have a fantastic time exploring everything the 2025 Show has to offer. As always, MIFGS promises to be an extraordinary event filled with inspiration, innovation, and ideas for every gardener. May you leave feeling excited, motivated, and ready to bring your own green spaces to life.
Carl Soderlund President, NGIV
Carl Soderlund President, NGIV
Discover the size, scope and scale of Victoria’s horticulture industry
Horticulture in Australia is thriving. With growing interest in gardening, sustainability, wellbeing, and food production, the industry is experiencing unprecedented expansion.
In 2025, the Victorian horticulture industry:
Produces over 35% of all the plants in Australia
Victoria is at the heart of Australian horticulture, producing more than 35% of the nation’s green life. With a strong heritage in plant production, the state has built a reputation for excellence, supported by skilled growers, innovative allied businesses, and dedicated retailers. From more traditional nurseries to high-tech growing facilities, Victoria’s horticultural sector embraces both time-honoured techniques and cutting-edge innovations, constantly adapting to meet evolving consumer and industry demands.
Is worth over $2.5 billion and employs over 24,100 people
As a major economic contributor, Victoria’s horticulture industry generates significant employment and fuels regional development. The sector’s adaptability and resilience ensure its continued success, whether through supplying fresh produce, developing new plant genetics, or championing sustainable practices for future generations. With an everevolving landscape, Victoria’s horticulture industry remains a powerhouse in both local and global markets.
Is a leader in domestic export and critical to food production
Victoria is a key player in domestic exports and an essential contributor to Australia’s food production. Its fertile soils, diverse climate, and innovative horticultural techniques allow the state to produce a wide variety of high-quality crops, ensuring a steady supply of greenlife for local communities and across Australia.
Supports community, environmental and economic health in Victoria
Beyond its economic significance, Victoria’s horticulture industry enriches communities and enhances environmental wellbeing. By creating jobs, driving investment, and fostering sustainable green spaces, the sector plays a vital role in supporting a healthier, more vibrant state. Studies consistently highlight the benefits of green spaces – such as gardens, parks, and urban forests – in promoting mental and physical wellbeing, further reinforcing the industry’s importance.
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show showcases the beauty, diversity, and impact of horticulture – an industry that continues to flourish thanks to the passion and expertise of Victoria’s growers, retailers, and allied businesses.
Introducing United African Farm INC
By Thuch Ajak, UAF Project Manager and Cofounder
Founded in 2019, United African Farm Inc. (UAF) is a community-led and community-driven initiative, built on the principle and spirit of Ubuntu – “We are because you are.” More than just a farm, it is a place where people grow food, share culture, and strengthen community ties. Located on Fowler Road, Cardinia, the three-acre farm provides a space for African migrants and refugees to reconnect with the land and preserve their traditions.
UAF operates as an incorporated association, governed by a board of individuals from diverse African backgrounds. It proudly embraces members from African nationalities, alongside allies from different communities who share an interest in farming and UAF’s vision.
With support from VicHealth’s Food Hub funding, UAF launched the Ubuntu Food Hub Project, ensuring members have access to fresh, organic produce while promoting self-sufficiency and healthy eating. The farm also hosts school tours and cultural immersion programs, where students participate in hands-on activities that build teamwork, encourage cultural exchange, and foster a connection to the land.
UAF also runs community markets, where members and olunteers grow and sell culturally significant crops, introducing unique African flavors to the broader Australian community while supporting economic opportunities.
At its core, United African Farm Inc. is about people –working together, learning, and growing something bigger than themselves. It is a space where food, culture, and community unite, proving that when people support each other, everyone thrives.
As the farm continues to grow, it aims to expand, empower, and create lasting change. Learn more at www.unitedafricanfarm.org
While Runaway Bride™ Hydrangea is a low-maintenance shrub, providing the right growing conditions will ensure it thrives and continues to put on its spectacular show. Whilst being more sun tolerant, Runaway Bride™ Hydrangea still performs best in dappled sunlight or partial shade. Avoid harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates, as this may cause scorching to the foliage. A well-draining, moisture-retentive soil is ideal. Adding organic matter, such as compost, will improve soil structure and fertility.
Since its introduction, Runaway Bride™ Hydrangea has garnered widespread acclaim. It was crowned ‘Plant of the Year’ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018, Japan’s Flower of the Year for 2019-2020, and has also been awarded ‘Plant of the Year’ and ‘Shrub of the Year’ for 2025 by Nursery Garden Industry Victoria – in Australia. These accolades testify to its groundbreaking breeding and exceptional beauty. Its capacity to offer a unique floral display with minimal maintenance makes it essential for gardeners wanting to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces.
From discoveries of wild plants to dedicated breeding programs with an expert plant breeder, the Runaway Bride™ Hydrangea has emerged as an award-winning sensation, highlighting the best of modern plant breeding – innovation, beauty, and effortless performance. Whether it’s cascading from a container, complementing mixed borders, standing out as a feature shrub, or stealing the show in a hanging basket, this remarkable Hydrangea truly belongs in a class of its own.
Runaway Bride™ Hydrangea is more than just a plant – it’s a living work of art.
More information RUNAWAY BRIDE™ Hydrangeahybrid‘USHYD0405’ PBR – for more information, visit www.pma.com.au
Garden Express: Leading the way in shopping for plants online
By Rowan Peterson
Our extensive online catalogue features everything from vibrant flowering bulbs and hardy perennials to the unique Wollemi Pine, catering to both seasoned gardeners and those just starting their green journey. We understand the importance of quality and variety, which is why we continuously update our offerings to include the latest and most sought-after plant varieties. Garden Express is not just about providing plants; it’s about delivering an exceptional gardening experience. Our online shipping service ensures that your chosen plants arrive at your doorstep in perfect condition, ready to be planted and enjoyed. We take pride in our efficient and reliable delivery system, which has been refined over the years to meet the highest standards of customer satisfaction.
Garden Express has been a trusted name in the gardening industry for over two decades, proudly holding the title of Australia’s largest online garden supplier. With a commitment to making gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone, we offer a diverse range of plants, seeds, and gardening tools, all available at the click of a button. Our easy online ordering system simplifies garden planning, allowing you to bring your dream garden to life with minimal effort.
As a long-term exhibitor at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, we invite you to visit us at the Show in 2025. This prestigious event is a highlight of the gardening calendar, and we are thrilled to be a part of it once again. Our presence at the Show provides an excellent opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to explore our latest offerings, seek expert advice, and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden with new plants or seeking inspiration for your next gardening project, Garden Express is here to support you every step of the way. Join us online or at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, and together, we can grow something truly beautiful.
Graft Master: Creating better plants one graft at a time
By Bonnie Wilson
From standardised Acacias and Grevilleas that cascade to the ground, to the stunning blooms of the dwarf flowering gums there are amazing grafted feature plants for all gardens.
Grafting creates one super plant from joining two different plants together, the result has superior vigour, flowers or fruit.The rootstock is grown first – not for its looks, but for its reliability and toughness. Once the rootstock reaches the desired size, the scion is grafted onto it. The scion is the ornamental top section, providing the plant’s visual appeal and wow factor.
At Humphris Nurseries, we graft to achieve special results from our plants, allowing them to grow in ways and places where they wouldn’t traditionally thrive.
» Disease resistance – Weaker plants can be grafted onto strong rootstocks, making them more resilient.
» Soil tolerance – Plants suited to dry conditions can be grafted onto a rootstock that thrives in a broad range of soil types. This means you can enjoy a flowering Eremophila from outback WA in your waterlogged Melbourne garden.
» Reliability – Grafted plants ensure consistent flower color, as they are exact replicas of the mother stock plant.
» Growth regulation – Grafting onto a small-growing rootstock results in a dwarfed plant. For example, flowering gums grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock remain compact, growing
just a few metres tall instead of reaching ten metres –perfect for smaller yards.
Growing grafted plants is a long-term process, as demonstrated by the Acacia Waterfall Standard grafting timeline:
» Year one – Plant the rootstock seeds. These require regular care to ensure they grow straight and tall.
» Year two – Graft the scion onto the rootstock. The grafting process can take months as the union knits together and begins to produce new growth.
» Year three – Pot the stock into its final container size. It will take this entire year to develop a strong stem and a full canopy, ready for sale.
» Year four – The finished plant is sent to nurseries for sale.
Grafting Australian natives is a highly specialised skill that requires deep plant knowledge and technical expertise.
Keep an eye out for Graft Master treasures at your local nursery. From ornamental weeping Grevilleas and brilliant flowering Eucalyptus to hardy Acacia Standards, there’s something special for every garden.
Elevating your outdoor space with timeless planters for every style
By Mitch Burke
A well-designed outdoor space is more than just a garden – it’s an extension of your home, a sanctuary for relaxation, and a statement of style.
The right planter doesn’t just hold greenery; it enhances the landscape, creates balance, and brings a vision to life. At Mojay Pots, we have been helping Australians transform their indoor and outdoor spaces for over 40 years, offering high-quality pots that blend timeless design with modern durability.
Our collections are thoughtfully crafted with both form and function in mind. Whether it’s the classic Hidden Treasure collection, the lightweight versatility of Gardenlite, or the refined elegance of our Balmoral and Vaucluse ranges in GRC and Polyresin, every Mojay pot is designed to complement and enhance its surroundings. For those drawn to classic charm with a modern edge, our Sorrento glazed collection delivers rich tones and elegant finishes, making it the perfect statement piece for any setting.
We also offer custom-made pots, allowing landscapers, designers, and retailers to create one-of-a-kind pieces that fit their specific project requirements. Whether you need a bespoke size, shape, or finish, we can work with you to bring your vision to life.
For landscapers and designers, our extensive range of materials and finishes ensures flexibility across a variety of projects –whether you’re crafting a sleek urban terrace, a Mediterraneaninspired courtyard, or a lush green retreat. With a combination of durability, texture, and striking aesthetics, our pots are built to withstand the elements while adding depth and structure to any space.
For retail customers, Mojay Pots offers a range of stylish and durable options that bring character and sophistication to gardens, patios, and interiors alike. Whether you’re looking for a grand architectural planter or a small decorative piece, we have a diverse selection to suit every space and style.
Ready to find the perfect pots for your next project? Explore our latest collections and discover how Mojay Pots can bring new life to your spaces.
Visit us at www.mojaypots.com.au for retail and general collections. For commercial projects and custom orders, visit www.mojaypotscommercial.com.au
THE CHALLENGER ACHIEVABLE GARDENS DESIGN COMPETITION
Now in its 18th year, the Challenger Achievable Gardens Design Competition provides students and educational institutions with a platform to showcase their design talents and horticultural expertise, while advocating for achievable gardening practices and the use of diverse, high-quality plants in the landscape.
This year, students once again compete for the prestigious ‘Excellence Award’, engaging in a valuable learning journey that spans from conceptualisation and project coordination to the realisation of a show garden. Each compact garden plot mirrors the dimensions of an average balcony or small courtyard (five meters in width by four meters in depth), challenging participants to create designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and replicable by home gardeners. With a virtual budget capped at $8,000, emphasis is placed on attainability, ensuring that at least 50% of the garden consists of soft landscaping (plants).
The competition equips students with invaluable hands-on experience, laying a solid foundation for their future careers in horticulture and design. Past submissions have captivated
visitors with their innovative concepts, and this year’s entries are poised to deliver the same excitement. The Achievable Gardens remain a highlight for attendees, and we eagerly anticipate unveiling the outstanding student designs for this year’s showcase.
This year’s Achievable Gardens are brought to you by Challenger. Challenger Limited (Challenger) is an investment management firm focused on providing members with financial security for a better retirement.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
2024 CHALLENGER DESIGN COMPETITION AWARD WINNERS
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BEST USE OF PLANTLIFE
ECLIPSE
DESIGN: Ellen Freeman >> Holmesglen
LOOK WITHIN
DESIGN: Madeleine Holyman & Andrew Sargood
>> London College of Garden Design
CREATIVE SPACE AWARD
EVER-GROWING GARDEN
DESIGN: Leigh Hudson >> Melbourne Polytechnic
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
JAPONICA-AUSTRALIS
DESIGN: Angelo Cammaroto >> Open Colleges
STATES OF GREEN
EMILY RUBIA & ZOE RUSH
LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN
The prominent tree ferns create a canopy that filters light, casting playful shadows on the ground and enhancing the garden’s artistic qualities. The Coldstream pebble footpath provides a tactile experience, while the stepping stones leading to and around the plinth encourage exploration through the space.
Incorporating playful elements, such as a handcrafted corten steel wombat nestled within the foliage, brings a sense of local wildlife into the design. This whimsical feature not only adds character but also
STATES OF GREEN BEAUTIFULLY BLENDS FUNCTIONALITY WITH SENSORY ENGAGEMENT, DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM BOTH TROPICAL QUEENSLAND AND THE SOPHISTICATED STYLE OF MELBOURNE. AT THE HEART OF THIS SPACE, THE ARCHED SITTING PLINTH REPRESENTS HUMAN CONNECTION AND SERVES AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE DESIGN, OFFERING A SPACE OF REFLECTION AND CALM. THE WATER FEATURE ADDS DEPTH, INTRIGUE, AND A SOOTHING SOUNDSCAPE, ENHANCING THE OVERALL TRANQUIL ATMOSPHERE.
reinforces the connection to the surrounding natural environment.
The inclusion of indigenous plants like Midgem Berry connects the garden to ancestral flora, highlighting how indigenous foods can be grown in small spaces. This design’s thoughtful plant selection celebrates Australia’s rich, diverse landscape and provides a sensory journey, merging texture, beauty and functionality in a compact, immersive space.
BOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME
Dicksonia antarctica Soft Tree fern
Doryanthes palmeri Giant Spear Lily
Blechnum nudum Fishbone Water Fern
Doodia aspera Prickly Rasp Fern
Blechnum penna-marina Alpine Water Fern
Pellaea falcata Sickle Fern
Todea barbara Austral King Fern
Alocasia macrorrhizos Elephant Ears
Waterhousea floribunda Weeping Lilly Pilly
Austromyrtus dulcis Midgem Berry, Midyim berry
Acacia cognata ‘Mini Cog’River Wattle
Dichondra repens Kidney Weed
Scaevola aemula Native Fan flower
Scleranthus biflorusCushion Bush
Brachyscome multifida Cut leaf daisy
Blechnum minus Soft Water Fern
Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush
ALAFIA AUSTRALIS
MORAYO ADEYEMI
MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC
“IT IS WELL DOWN UNDER” A HEALING GARDEN, LINKING AUSTRALIAN AND WEST AFRICAN TRADITIONS.
Alafia Australis is a phrase that borrows words from Yoruba and Latin, translating to “It is well down under”.
Just as previous waves of migration have shaped the contemporary Australian garden, the design showcases a more recent contribution to the country’s cultural tapestry; African vernacular design and its communal outlook.
The design accommodates newly arrived West Africans, particularly the elderly, who are in the process of acclimatising to the Australian environment. Included is a pavilion kitchen and workshop space that supports culinary, medicinal and aesthetic traditions, such as outdoor bulk cooking, apothecary and indigo fabric dying.
Taking cues from traditional African building techniques, the pavilion wall is made of rammed earth enclosed by raised garden beds filled with a mix of ornamental and edible plants found in both regions’ riparian and rainforest environments, making them suitable for damp gardens that receive adequate sun from the east.
Morayo has been on the journey of finding botanical parallels between the west coast of Africa and the east coast of Australia, as seeded by the Gondwana supercontinent. By taking this hybridised approach, the design creates opportunities for location-based healing through connection with nature, family and community.
KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME
Aa Adiantum aethipicum Native Maidenhair
Aca Alpinia caerulea ‘Atherton’Red Back Australian Ginger
Ac Archontophoenix Bangalow Palm cunninghamiana
Bs Blechnum spp Blechnum Fern
Ca Celosia argentea Lagos Spinach (Efo Shoko)
Ce Colocasia esculenta Taro
Cc Cyathea spp Cyathea Tree Fern
Ds Dendrobium spp Dendrobium Orchid
Dr Dichondra repens Kidney Weed cultivar
Ee Elaeocarpus eumundi Eumundi quandong
Hh Hibiscus heterophyllus Native Rosella
Hs Hibiscus sabdariffa Wild Rosella
Ia Indigofera australis Austral Indigo
Ps Platycerium superbum Staghorn Fern
Pt Pteris tremula Australian Brake
Sa Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree
Tf Talinum fruticosum Waterleaf
Tl Tristaniopsis laurina ‘Luscious’Water Gum
Va Vernonia amygdalina Bitter Leaf
Wf Waterhousea floribunda Weeping Lily Pilly
ELEMENTAL GARDEN
JOEL EMMINS
HOLMESGLEN
ELEMENTAL GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN NATURAL ELEMENTS AND HUMAN-MADE MATERIALS, EMPHASISING HOW EACH SHAPES THE OTHER OVER TIME.
The Elemental Garden illustrates how the forces of nature shape the built environment. Earth, water, fire, and air interact to create a balanced and harmonious landscape, reminding us of nature’s profound influence on human spaces.
Stone elements symbolise the strength and stability of the earth, grounding the garden with their timeless presence. Meanwhile, the carved water feature demonstrates how water, over time, can reshape even the hardest surfaces, reflecting the power of persistence and change.
The fire pit provides warmth and connection, serving as a central gathering point. Its flickering flames invite people to share stories, unwind,
and experience the comforting glow of fire – a symbol of life and energy.
Light and airy plants, such as silvery eucalypts, deep purple lavender, and gently swaying grasses, embody the element of air. Their movement in the breeze evokes a sense of calm and serenity, reminiscent of a tranquil morning bathed in soft light.
Materials like corten steel and weathered wood celebrate the beauty of natural aging. These elements show how time, weather, and the environment leave their mark, transforming human-made structures into enduring works of art that tell a story of evolution and harmony.
KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME
E.ca Eucalyptus caesia Silver princes
E.pu Eucalyptus pulverulenta Baby blue ‘Tree Form’
C.ac Calamagrostis x acutiflora Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’
C.te Carex testacea Carex ‘Rusty Fountain’
E.sw Euphorbia silver swan Euphorbia Silver Swan ‘Wilcott’
L.lo Lomandra longifolia Lomandra
S.se Senecio serpens Dwarf chalk stick
T.ja Trachelospermum jasminoides Star jasmine
S.ca Senecia candicans Angel wings
S.la Stachys lanata Lamb’s Ear
V.he Viola hedercea Native violet
Z.te Zoysia tenuifolia Nomow grass
EVERGREEN ESCAPE
JAKE McCORKELL
THIS GARDEN IS A TRANQUIL AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT, BECKONING VISITORS TO UNWIND AND CONNECT WITH NATURE IN THIS CAREFULLY CRAFTED SPACE.
Step into the outdoor space on bluestone steppers, leading to a round paved area, featuring a firepit and a floating bench seat doubling as a raised garden bed. It is an ideal setting for gathering with friends and family, offering the opportunity to sit cosily around a crackling fire on those cold evenings, or enjoy a barbeque.
The raised garden bed seating space and BBQ bench is clad with compressed fibre cement panels to add a modern-industrial feel, and the benchtop is capped with
bluestone pavers. Spotted gum hardwood is used for the seating, tying in with the fence, creating continuous lines that draw the eye and give a natural and serene feel to the space.
Evergreen plants with a lush, verdant and relaxing feel surround you in this serene oasis.
Water dribbles into a steel bowl surrounded by bamboo, generating a calming water feature as you sit immersed in this evergreen escape.
BOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME
Arthropodium cirratum
Bergenia crassifolia
Bambusa textillis var, gracillis
Curio repens
Dichondra repens
Fatsia japonica
Ficus hillii
Liriope muscari
Ligularia reniformis
Magnolia grandifolia
Rosmarinus officinalis
Stachys byzanita
Thysanolaena latifolia
Viola hederacea
New Zealand Rock Lily
Pip Squeak
Slender Weave Bamboo
Blue Chalkstick
Kidney Weed
Paper Plant
Ficus Flash
Lily Turf
Tractor Seat
Greenback Magnolia
Prostrate Rosemary
Lambs Ear
Tiger Grass
Australian Violet
A SPACE FOR REFLECTION AND CONNECTION
2024/5 CERTIFICATE
BENDIGO KANGAN
III
HORTICULTURE STUDENTS
THIS GARDEN IS A SHARED SPACE WHERE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS COME TOGETHER, INSPIRED BY THE WISDOM OF ANCIENT INDIGENOUS AND CELTIC CULTURES. IT IS A PLACE OF WELLBEING, REFLECTION AND STORYTELLING – A CONNECTION TO BOTH, LAND AND COMMUNITY.
During the day, the garden offers a calm space for relaxation and conversation. At night, the walls glow with the warm hues of sunset, symbolising the spirit of the land. Silhouettes of termite mounds, reminiscent of ancient standing stones, represent community meeting place and the cycle of life, while the stars above and below guide the way.
Tall dark tree trunks stand strong, reflecting the resilience of the people over time, while the termite mounds symbolise the importance of community and connection to land. Bunjil, the wise eagle, and Waa,
the playful raven, watch over the garden, protecting and guiding. Concentric circles on the ground represent the circle of life, ripples in a pond, the universal symbol for many cultures. A life long journey for students of horticulture everywhere.
Here, teachers and students gather to share knowledge, yarning in the meeting place, surrounded by sustainable and nourishing food plants. It is a garden built on shared respect, learning, and connection, where everyone has a place in the circle.
