Gardening experts Peter Mason and Kate Wall to bring their horticultural expertise to Laidley Spring Festival

The Laidley Spring Festival (September 12-14) is set to flourish with horticultural expertise this year, with renowned landscaper and zinnia breeder Peter Mason and Brisbane gardening coach Kate Wall set to join in the festivities. 

Both passionate about cultivating the perfect garden, they will share their top tips and tricks with fellow green thumbs and plant aficionados at the festival’s Garden Precinct.  

Located in the grounds of the Laidley Recreational Reserve, the Garden Precinct is one of the festival’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of botanical buffs who are on the hunt for the perfect flowers, potted plants, and garden ornaments to spruce up their yards.  

The outdoor setting provides the perfect backdrop for visitors to explore the numerous market stalls, watch the hands-on demonstrations, as well as find out more about the valley’s geology at the Spring Gem Show and the region’s history through a display by the Laidley Pioneer Village. 

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan, said she is excited to welcome two esteemed gardening gurus to this year’s event. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Peter and Kate to the Laidley Spring Festival for the first time. Their presence will add a wealth of experience and insight, making the Garden Precinct an invaluable opportunity for both seasoned gardeners and those new to the hobby,” Cr Milligan said. 

“Our community’s deep-rooted passion for gardening is beautifully showcased at the Garden Precinct. Run by the dedicated members of the Laidley Garden Club, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, discover a diverse array of plants and produce, and celebrate the vibrant beauty of our local flora.”

Taking to the stage first will be head gardener, zinnia breeder and the host of the Quince Flowers Podcast, Peter Mason, who will appear at the Garden Precinct at 10.30am on Friday, September 12.  

“I am always excited to be around fellow passionate gardeners,” Peter said. 

“I will be talking about growing zinnias and how to breed your own varieties with unique colours, forms, and growth habits, which is something they really lend themselves to.”

Festivalgoers will then have the chance to hear from gardening coach and award-winning gardening author Kate Wall at 11.30am on Saturday, September 13.  

Having made gardening her full-time career following the devastating 2011 January floods, Kate will discuss ways to make your garden more resilient.  

“It is important to factor in resilience when it comes to creating your garden. We never know what weather extreme we will face next, and we need to make sure our gardens can cope,” Kate said. 

After watching the demonstrations, Laidley Garden Club President Eileen Zahnow said there would be more than 80 market stalls for people to peruse.  

“This year there will be multiple stalls inside and outside the Garden Precinct selling everything from tropical plants, rose bushes, as well as herb nursery, lots of succulents, metal garden ornaments, sea sculptures, plus much more,” Eileen said.  

Entry to the Garden Precinct is a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the Laidley Ambulance Committee.  

Leon Steinhardt from the Gatton Lapidary Club said he was looking forward to another successful Spring Gem Show.  

“It’s going to be a great weekend for anyone with an interest in rocks, minerals, and the natural history of the Laidley area,” Leon said.  

“This year we will have a great mix of traders coming with their polished stones, gems, crystals, and minerals, which is always a highlight for visitors.”

If you are planning on visiting the Garden Precinct, make sure to plan ahead! Log onto www.laidleyspringfestival.com for the full festival program and parking information. 

The Laidley Spring Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.