News
12 July, 2025
Cultivating sustainability
The Queensland Garden Show will have a renewed focus on cultivating the next generation of gardeners through hands-on education, sustainable living, and showcasing a return of the Rooster Crowing Competition.
This year’s show aims to help families reconnect with where food comes from. Through interactive, family-friendly activities, children will discover the journey from seed to plate, encouraging healthy eating habits and a lifelong appreciation for nature.
One of the many features of Queensland’s largest gardening event is the vibrant ‘Kids Garden Patch,’ where children can get their hands dirty with seed planting, garden crafts, and sustainable gardening workshops. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and help grow future gardeners.
Mum of three and show speaker, Racheal Pascoe, said it is important to cultivate a sense of seed to plate from a young age.
“In our world of instant gratification, it is nature that teaches us to slow down and appreciate the seasons,” Mrs Pascoe said.
“My kids often snacked straight from the garden, and I didn’t mind because at least they were eating something nutritious, like raw snow peas. Supporting healthy habits in kids is so important, and gardening teaches this.”
Event Manager Marion Beazley said the Queensland Garden Show is a must for these budding gardeners as well as the absolute plant enthusiasts and everyone in between.
“Visitors can explore dozens of exhibitors showcasing garden products, large machinery, and even a variety of lifestyle and homewares displays,” she said.
Ms Beazley said one of the show’s most unique attractions—the Rooster Crowing Competition—also returns this year, continuing its legacy as what is believed to be Australia’s very first contest of its kind.
“Held daily at 1pm on the Banksia Stage, this event invites participants of all ages to channel their inner rooster to win,” she said.
“Each day, four champions will be crowned: an adult grand champion and runner-up, as well as kids grand champion and runner-up, with prizes to be won.”
The Rooster Crowing Competition forms part of the show’s Poultry Spectacular, recently introduced because of the increased popularity of keeping chickens in Australian backyards.
Another highlight is the Coffee Cup Refill Station: purchase your favourite coffee, and instead of a refill, receive potting mix and a plant to take home—transforming a single-use cup into a living keepsake.
