Gardening and Rare Plants Expo

Plant growers

Alameda Homestead Nursery – Judy and David are Australia's largest producers of hybrid clematis, producing approximately 80,000 plants. New Release varieties on sale. Alameda Homestead Nursery also produce Wisteria, Mandevilla, Stephanotis, Phaseolus and Lavender.

Antique Perennials – Matt specialises in rare perennials, alpines, and bulbs. This includes some remarkable primulas, epimediums and geraniums. A wholesale nursery not usually open to the public.

Australian Bulb Company –Peter has grown all these plants specially grown for this event, he has a range of rare and unusual perennials, shrubs and trees including Ginger Lilies and other exotic perennials.

Australian Rhododendron Society (Victoria) –  A wealth of in-depth knowledge and wisdom all about the wonders of the colourful Rhododendron genus. Vireya Rhododendrons are in flower at the time so they will be the focus on the show. They will however have a range of new, rare and unusual species for show and sale on the weekend aslo.

Bass Valley African Violets – Annette and Stephen have a beautiful array of African Violets, they know all the tricks of the trade as well. A huge stock of colours and easy to grow potting system.

B&T Ferns & Orchids – Mark and Judy have been specialising in a wide range of native orchids as well as imported species, ferns and Phalaenopsis orchids for many years. Spectacular flowers and an excellent reputation in the industry.

Beez Neez Herbs – Jan and Bert have an excellent range of herbs, both common and rare varieties. Perfect for the home gardener.

Boulters Nursery – Ian and Terry grow a broad variety of succulents, grasses and ground covers as well as other exotic selections such as jades, ebony dahlias and other drought tolerant plants.

Country Farm Perennials – Growers of unusual and rare perennials, including exciting new releases. Also a licensed travel agent conducting Australian and overseas Garden Holidays. Merryl and David have a tremendous amount of plant knowledge and are happy to offer advice for your home garden.

Devon Tubestock  Nursery - specializing in rare plants, tubes, and Landscaping lines. Devon prides itself in rare plants from all over the world and this speciality feature will continue into the future. As we are specialist propagators we are happy to grow unusual, rare or uncommon lines for the nursery trade. Do not  hesitate to contact us as to this service. Later this year “The Devon Garden” with all its treasures will be open to the public to show of the rare and unusual species that have become the Devon Trade Mark.

Drewitt’s Bulbs – Rare bulbs. Specialising in rare daffodil bulbs. Colin also sells garden trains and accessories, for kids both little and big!

Di’s Delightful Plants – flowering perennials, succulents, trees and shrubs with approximately 150 varieties in total on sale at the Gardening and Rare Plants Expo. New Releases include; drought tolerant Salvia varieties, species native to the arid climates of Arizona, Texas and Mexico which are well suited to water restricted Australian gardens. Simon, Di and Clive all work hard to bring such a diverse array of plants. To keep prices down many of their plants are tube stock, so if you don’t mind waiting a couple of extra months for your plants to grow you can save big bucks.

Doradi Creations – Adam has produced the most gorgeous mini cacti and succulents which are just too cute. They are planted in a range of designer thumb sized terra cotta pots and planters all set to go in gift packaging. See his unusual key chains with real live plants.

Ferny Creek Horticultural Society - The team from this renown society have been carefully seeding, cutting and breeding up some unusual and rare plants to bring along for the weekend. They are also bringing along a swag of experts to solve all your garden problems.

Genat’s Curiosities – See exotic plants you’ve only heard about through rumour, in books or in Botanic Gardens. Peter & Grace have an astonishing collection of bulbs and perennials from around the world.

Gentiana Nursery – Craig has a fabulous collection of unusual perennials and conifers. His range is ideal for rockeries and gardens throughout Victoria.

Greenbox Hedges – direct from the grower, English Box (Buxus Sempervirens) Dutch Box (Buxus Suffruticosa) and Japanese Box – (Buxus Micro Japonica). Once established these species are all drought tolerant. Goff has over twenty years experience in growing and maintaining hedging.

Greener Pasture – Niro and his team have high quality value added Coir products. They also stock a wide range of coconut peat products including grow bags, blocks, bricks, growing cubes and rubberized coir pots.

Hillbilly Farms – A family owned and operated Blueberry and Honey Farm in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. They are renowned for the delicious tasting honey, jams and blueberries.

Post Office Farm Nursery – Peter has been breeding superior forms of Helleborus x hybridus as well as growing a comprehensive range of the less commonly available Helleborus species and hybrids, including doubles. Post Office Farm Nursery grows thousands of Helleborus x hybridus from the best imported seed from the UK, Germany and the US. Hellebores are easy to grow, they flower in winter when colour is most valuable, and boast a wonderful variety of flower colours and forms, as well as providing evergreen foliage in the garden.

James Lucas Succulents – A huge range of these hardy plants. In a massive variety of colours shapes and sizes. Easy care and drought tolerant plants.

Johns Clivia’s – John fell in love with Clivia many years ago and since then has propagated, bred and imported Clivia from all around the world. Some very rare and unusual varieties including yellows, pale peach, lots of different oranges, spidery flowers, tulip shaped flowers and a variety of mature pots ready to flower.

Mt Beenak Orchids – Cool growing orchids, cymbidiums, scented zygopetalums, odontoglossums, sarcochilus, dendrobiums, masdevallia, carnivorous plants, and more exotics. Most flowers stem from Clive and Agi’s own breeding line and there are some absolute stunners.

Mountview Nursery – Known as the home of the Rhoeo. Larry and Tony have special Rhoeo varieties available on the weekend including variegated varieties, Dwarf and standard. Mountview Nurseries also stock a range of grasses, Lirriope and hedging plants.

Oz Water Gardens – Darrel and the team at Oz Watergardens has set Australia’s benchmark as the leading wholesale waterlily and aquatic plant production nursery. They cater for the needs of people who wish to create a tranquil oasis, piece of paradise or frog friendly environment. From the smallest waterbowl to the largest ornamental lake. They have a dedicated and enthusiastic team producing Australia’s best quality waterplants.

Ron’s Hostas – Ron has a huge array of these shade tolerant hardy herbaceous perennials. Hostas or Plantation Lilies have a wonderful collection of foliage in colours from yellow to blue. Hostas are so lovable in the garden, you  could end up like Ron starting off with one and ending up with thousands!

Tanglewood Creations – Peter and Rosemary have a great array of potted herbs available for sale. In addition Tanglewood creations offer some innovative and individual garden fencing, trellises and furniture made from all natural products.

Tempo Two –Tim will be bringing along a massive selection of Bearded Iris and Daylilies. This includes all new varieties with some amazing colours and huge falls. Both are super hardy plants in a huge array of colours.

Tesselaar Bulbs – With over 60 years and three generations experience in serving Australian Gardeners, Tesselaar have a huge range of spring flowering bulbs including tulips, daffodils, anemones, ranunculi and more – Don’t miss the exciting Expo specials available over the weekend.

The Imagination Tree – Philip, Chris and staff present one of the finest galleries of advanced bonsai in Australia, great gift ideas for water-conscious gardeners, and a complete range of bonsai products (including plants, pots, tools and accessories) for beginners to experts. Professional services including pruning, re-potting, holiday care, and DIY training workshops are also available.

Tree Top Flowers - See exotic plants you’ve only heard about through rumour, in books or in Botanic Gardens. Peter & his daughter Grace have an astonishing collection of bulbs and perennials from around the world.

Van Berkel Farms – Greg has been supplying Australia with Dahlias for over 50 years, and have an exciting array of Cacti, Decorative, Giant Decorative and other varieties of Dahlias including new imports from America and around the world.

Wallara Roses – Libby has a large range of roses will be on display and sale over the weekend. Wallara Roses specialise in the Smooth Touch Thornless Roses as well as the New Golden Iceberg Rose.

Wokkatarnee Nursery – Adrian has an amazing array of easy to plant potted colour as well as a selection of exciting natives.

Yamina Rare Plants – Peter and Peter have a range of columnar, or narrow trees for planting in small or confined spaces. Dichondra versicolor or Evergreen Hydrangea. Shade loving hydrangea species, sweet smelling ‘Sweet Box’ or Sarcococca, perfumed ground cover Packysandra, mahonia bright yellow, rare Daphne sp., Maples, Tulip Trees, perennials, grasses, dwarf, rare and new conifers, and more.

Garden Sundries

Aussie Shade & Hot Houses - Derek specialises in a versatile range of quality shade and hot houses, Aussie Shade & Hot Houses provide the ultimate in plant protection. Grow and enjoy plants in summer and winter free from the scorching sun, desiccating wind and rain and frost damage. Elegant and robust, our houses will enhance any garden landscape and suit a diverse range of grower requirements. Manufactured in Australia with high quality materials, our modular range of u-PVC frames offers the perfect growing solution.

Anshaw Art - Brenda will be bringing along her range of original and limited edition architectural and water feature artwork for home, gallery and office.

Black Snake Productions
Black Snake productions wildlife demonstrations is the perfect way to convey messages of conservation, wildlife information and snake & spider safety to students of ALL ages in a fun, exciting and very educational format.

Black Snake Productions staff has the experience of teaching at over 500 schools and over 166,500 students all over Australia from Darwin to Port Lincoln and from Broom to Sydney.

Our aim is to educate people about the amazing world of Australian wildlife, focusing on the world of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. From local and common lizards, the biggest species of crocodilian in the world to threatened and extremely endangered animals.
Sunday only

Formartive – Malcolm has created some truly fabulous works for the home and garden. All work is locally made in the Dandenong Ranges. There is a wonderful range of both wall and free standing works that are ideal to create an arty focal point in your garden.  

Grow Better - If you are a passionate gardener that already has a beautiful and successful garden, or a gardener that would like to have a garden that your friends and neighbours would envy – then Mike from Grow Better Garden Products believes that he can help you get greater success with your endeavours using any of our great range of environmentally responsible fertilisers, potting mixes and soil improvers including the well known Sea Tea.

Indoor & Outdoor Furniture – wooden creations by Keith Behm, a local noted wooden crafts person.

Kwik Kerb –– Kwik kerb garden edging is a continuous concrete edging. Manufactured in a large range of colours, patterns and profiles. Manufactured on site to suit the clients requirements and applications. Some of the different applications are, Garden edging, Driveway edging, Mower strips and Car Park edging.  Steven and his team have over 2,000 colour and pattern combinations.
They will also rejuvenate concrete surfaces with a large range of patterns and colours. Steven also offers concrete re sealing services. He has recently become authorised Granicrete installers. Using 3D building products and polymer flooring to make every product they manufacture unique and  able to better  suit the clients requirements.

Pro-Kut – Dionne has a range of Garden tools including Ratchet Secateurs, Ratchet Powerloppers and Telescopic Pole and Pruner. Pro-Kut offer the quality and labour saving tools from 2WP. These revolutionary tools are a boon in the garden.

Sage Horticultural – Bob and Cedric specialise in gardening products for the home gardener. Including haws watering cans, plant mates, spiral stakes, gardeners knees, fertilisers, grow boxes, greenhouses and more.

Sparkle Imports – Caroline has a unique range of custom made products handmade from natural or recycled materials. Including recycled tyre garden furniture, garden ornaments, and outdoor living products.

Woven Wire/Temlyn Treasures – John and Nola offer a stylish range of woven wire fencing and gates for the home and garden. Dog barriers. Also a funky range of old-style pedal cars and rocking horses. In addition some excellent gardening gloves and giftware, a really terrific range of hard to find items.

Yarra Glen Girl Guide Plant Crèche - Save your back and store your purchases with the Yarra Glen Girl Guides. For a gold coin donation they will also transport your goodies to your car.

Food Vendors

Alfresco Coffee – Margaret and Neville make delicious coffee, tea and hot chocolates, as well as some yummy biscuits.

Australian Harvest - Australian Harvest is based at Coldstream in Victoria's Yarra Valley and produces a wide range of Gourmet Fine Foods, including the recently released BIO-GRAPE range of delicious functional foods, which compliments the existing range of Liquored Fruits and Panforte, Nougat, rich Jellies, Pastes, Jams, Sauces, Mustards and Olives. Jane and the team will tempt your tastebuds.

Country Fair Poffertjes – Wiel and Philomein make the most delicious Dutch treat, Poffertjes. In Holland you can find them in Poffertjes Parlours, carnivals and country fairs. Poffertjes date back hundreds of years, and through Dutch influences have reached as far as the Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the West Indies and of course here in Australia. The traditional way of eating Poffertjes is with icing sugar and butter, but you can also have them with a range of toppings such as lemon, maple, strawberry or chocolate with the ultimate indulgence jam and cream. Country Fair Poffertjes was founded in 1976 and since then it has travelled to shows and events (including the Tesselaar Tulip Festival) all around Australia, the business even has a branch in Holland!

Gilbert & Marcel – Deanna bakes the most delicious range of cakes, the best bit, they are mini – so you can have more of them!

Kookaberry – Frances has a delicious selection of homemade jams cordials and syrups, chocolate dipped strawberries, mixed berries and cream as well as fresh berries. Mmmmmmmm

Love Nuts - If you are nuts about nuts, then Jim's hand cooked caramelized nuts will have your mouth watering. Have some on the day and take some home.

Seville Hill Boutique Vineyard – Hints of oak, traditional and modern wine making techniques are used to create soft, smooth and classic selections that will bring pleasure to those who enjoy fine wines. Taste some of Josie’s delicious selection.

Silvan CFA – When their not out saving homes and fighting fires the men and women of this noble service are behind the BBQ raising money. Enjoy delicious food and support a worthy cause.

Timboon Ice-cream – delicious gourmet ice-cream home made from quality all natural ingredients. The innovative flavours include white chocolate and raspberry, Irish cream and the gold medal winning Turkish Delight. Very tempting.

The Chilli Factory – Cliff is setting the world on fire, one mouth at a time! An amazing array of mild and hot hot hot from both Australia and overseas. Delicious sauces, spices and delicacies.

Victorian Baked Potatoes – Brian and Brenda have been making their delicious potatoes for years. They have an established reputation as the best in the business.

Yarra Valley Pies – Rachael and Michelle bake a scrumptious selection of pies. You can enjoy them heated for lunch, or take cold ones home for dinner. There are 16 delicious flavours to choose from. You can also choose from freshly made gourmet sandwiches.