Autumn Sun shines on Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

In the early Autumn sun, Melbourne welcomed the return of one of its most cherished landmark events, as the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show breathed life and a calm energy into the Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens with an array of brilliant displays.

As supporters of the occasion for more than 15 years, Swinburne was proud to have past and present students continue the University's long history in the competition across both the Boutique and Emergent Gardens categories.

Impressing in the Boutique Gardens Category

Renee Reiter, creator of ‘An Intimate Garden’ claimed second place in the Landscaping Victoria Boutique Garden Competition.

Riley Cooper and Angus Haughton’s Emergent Garden entry.

Manager of Horticultural and Environmental Technologies at Swinburne’s Wantirna campus, Stewart Detez in front of Riley Cooper and Angus Haughton’s 2020 Emergent Garden display.

“Off the back of two years of COVID interruptions, preparing and committing to competing at the 2022 MIFGS is no easy task. Wind the clock back to 2020, all of Swinburne’s entries were prepared and ready to compete in the event,” said Stewart.

“To bounce back and take on the task again in 2022, bigger and better, is testament to their resilience, passion, and commitment to their aspirations within the industry. The work that they executed was of a high standard.” 

An important event for students, university, and industry

For the Horticultural and Environmental Technologies teaching team, the event allows Swinburne to demonstrate to industry and the community that skills and expertise are not limited to the classroom or online platforms and provides an excellent opportunity to work closely with industry.

Craig Taberner, CEO of Nursey and Garden Industry Victoria says students' participation is crucial. 

“From an industry and students' point of view there’s a great learning and training element. They work so hard for 6-12 months to deliver an activation to their future customers. It's hands-on training, learning and engaging with the public,” said Taberner. 

There’s also a strong networking angle at the event.

“It’s the best experience they can get outside the TAFE itself, it’s a chance to develop personally and work up the confidence to talk to the public and develop their marketing and networking skills.” 

Megan Flower, CEO Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers agrees, emphasising the need to learn planning skills, how to source materials, and create relationships with suppliers to deliver these display gardens.

“Even at that student level they're promoting themselves and their passions and they can communicate and promote those values here through their work. There are so many different reasons why somebody would participate at MIFGS, it’s a great event offering a whole range of opportunities,” she said.