Garden Precinct to delight green thumbs at Laidley Spring Festival

Dozens of market stalls, workshop demonstrations, trade sites, live entertainment and even a Gem Show are just a few of the exciting activities planned for the new Garden Precinct at this year’s Laidley Spring Festival.

Proudly presented by the Laidley Garden Club, the Garden Precinct will be held at the Laidley Cultural Centre on Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9.

The event will run from 8am-4pm on both days, and entry is a gold coin donation.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Jason Cook said the Garden Precinct would be a one-stop shop for avid gardeners.

“The Garden Precinct will be one of the most popular spots for visitors to drop by as there will be so many things to see, do and buy,” Cr Cook said.

“The Laidley Garden Club will create an amazing space for visitors where they can come and purchase a diverse range of plants and garden products, plus learn some handy tips and tricks from the many gardening professionals who will be on site over the two days.”

Laidley Garden Club President Eileen Zahnow said there would be lots of unique stallholders selling one-of-a-kind items.

“I am excited to have so many different market stalls and trade sites at this year’s event,” Mrs Zahnow said.

“There are more than 60 sites for people to browse, so you are sure to find lots of different things you won’t find anywhere else.

“We will have people selling handmade garden art using stainless steel, as well as garden ornaments made from horseshoes, and beautiful hand painted pots, just to name a few.

“It is going to be a really fun and lively precinct, so be sure to come on down with the family.”

Laidley Spring Festival Ambassador Paul West will make a special appearance on Friday where he will MC the Garden Stage at 10am and 11am, and then host three workshops based on gardening, sustainability and produce in the afternoon.

Attendees will also get the chance to chat to members from the Gatton Lapidary Club, who will be hosting their Spring Gem Show at the same time.

Leon Steinhardt from the Gatton Lapidary Club said the club will have its own area with trade stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to gemstones, opals, crystals, agates, thunder eggs and more.

“This is your opportunity to buy pieces of handmade jewellery from our members, featuring gems and stones they have cut and polished themselves,” Mr Steinhardt said.

“There is even an area where kids can fossick for their own rocks, which they love.”

There will also be displays and information about the geology of the Lockyer Valley, including a large 3D model.

If you find yourself getting hungry wandering through the auditorium, there will be a coffee van and various food trucks.

If you are planning on visiting the Garden Precinct, there will be ample parking for buses and vehicles at the Laidley Cultural Centre throughout the weekend, and a shuttle bus will also run from the Garden Precinct to the Festival Precinct in downtown Laidley.

The 60th Anniversary Laidley Spring Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.

For more information about the 2023 Laidley Spring Festival, including the full festival program, visit https://www.laidleyspringfestival.com/

You can also stay up to date by liking and following Laidley Spring Festival on Facebook.

A rundown of the weekend’s festivities:

Friday, September 8

• 10am: Jillian Coomb from Searle’s Gardening – Talking about Searle Garden products.
• 11am: Gene Maltry from Green Thumbs Gardening – Talking about drought proofing your garden and soil quality.
• 10am-2pm: Rebecca Lee Nye – Multi award-winning singer songwriter.
• 12-12.30pm: Paul West.
• 1-1.30pm: Paul West.
• 2-2.30pm: Paul West.
• 3pm: Bunnings children’s activity – Potting seedlings.

Saturday, September 9

• 11am: Queensland Council of Garden Clubs – Talking about what they do for Garden Clubs in Queensland.
• 11am-3pm: Billy Bridge – Multi award-winning singer songwriter.
• 12pm: Sally Moore from Ja’s Nursery – Talking about growing salvias and herbs.
• 1pm: Food Organics Garden Organics – Talking about recycling food scraps for composting and reducing waste fill.
• 2pm: Mandy Leeson from Laidley Garden Club – Hosting a children’s activity.