Free School Excursion to Show
Hands on kids' activities & education at Australia’s premier garden show
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show presented by Scotts Osmocote in partnership with Victorian Schools Garden Program, are delighted to welcome school aged children and their teachers to enjoy a free suite of gardening activities to encourage the use of outdoor spaces at schools, and educate and inspire the next generation of green thumbs.
The Schools Program, running from Wednesday 20th March – Friday 22nd March, will deliver a range of activities, all designed to promote a true connection and understanding of the natural environment.
Click here for 2024 show maps – Carlton Gardens & Great Hall of Flowers with exhibitor list.
The Schools Program is open to all Victorian schools. Registrations for the free excursion are now CLOSED – program is booked out.
Information on the 2024 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show free school excursion will be updated as it becomes available.
To receive the VSGP enews with all announcements go to ‘contacts‘ and add your details.
Grow Together Garden - Site A45
This year, we are excited to welcome you the Grow Together Garden at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, presented by VSGP, Foodcube and the Sustainable Landscape Design Co.
The garden will bring together beautiful edible garden displays, celebrating the multiculturalism of our amazing city. This year, we feature a Cambodian garden and Indian garden with thanks to the Cambodian Association of Victoria and the Federation of Indian Associations Victoria.
There will be lots of free garden based educational kids’ activities throughout the space, interactive demonstrations, a sustainable scarecrow display and much more, all encouraging kids to explore, learn and grow their passion for gardening, nature and plants.
Victorian Schools Garden Program – Site A45
The VSGP invites children and to get their hands dirty potting an edible plant that they can take home, watch grow, cook and eat in a recipe provided. Children/students of all ages can also explore the microscopic world of vegetables, plant and insects.
Wheen Bee Foundation – Site A45
The Wheen Bee Foundation is bringing an exciting interactive display to the Grow Together Garden. There will be activities for bee lovers of all ages, with teachers from Bee School by Beechworth Honey on hand with fun and educational resources from the Centre for Bee Education. Activities include an observation hive, a native bee display, Powerful Pollinator Planting Guides and daily prize giveaways for teachers and the general public.
Urban Plant Health Network – Site A45
The Urban Plant Health Network will be back this year to encourage all kids to be pest warriors and look out for bugs in their backyards. Our favourite Agriculture Victoria entomologists, horticulture and biosecurity staff will be around to talk about good bugs and bad bugs you can expect to find in your neighbourhood and how to report pests if you find them.
There will be free showbags for kids and live minibeasts on display as well as preserved insects.
Foodcube – Site A45
Visit the Foodcube marquee to discover tastes from around the world. Nurture your child’s budding love for gardening in our immersive, educational experience. A series of displays will guide children and adults alike through the garden to learn about wicking beds, recycling for sustainability, worms and nutrient recycling, pollinators in the garden and more. Don’t miss out on the excitement – sow the seeds of knowledge to inspire the next generation of Urban Farmers!
Let creativity blossom with our exclusive colouring in page – design your dream garden and discover the joy of nurturing your own Foodcube wicking bed masterpiece.
Explore how you can grow your future with a career in horticulture. Transform your passion for plants into a rewarding and innovative vocation.
Please continue to monitor this page for updates on the Grow Together Garden activities and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show website for a list of all other children/educational activities available at the show.
Sustainable Scarecrow School Competition at Show
Registration for the Sustainable Scarecrow Competition is now closed.
2024 Sustainable Scarecrow Competition Brief and entry process.
Click here for Scarecrow Drop off and Collection Map.
If you have any questions, please email the VSGP at vsgp@ngiv.com.au or via phone on 9576 0599.
The Sustainable Scarecrows will be showcased in the Grow Together Garden at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, sharing and inspiring the possibility of recycling and reusing for the community.
Professional Development Workshop
The Victorian Schools Garden Program holds professional development workshops which educate and encourage teachers, parents and volunteers to make the most of their outdoor spaces.
These workshops are designed to help schools introduce or invigorate their garden programs. Participants are provided with the skills, knowledge and expertise needed to manage and increase the success of their gardening activities and explore ways to make outdoor learning a part of the curriculum.
| Date: | TBC |
| Time: | TBC |
| Location: | TBC |