Shopping for beautiful blooms, presentations by guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and fossicking for precious gemstones are just a few of the exciting activities planned for the new Garden Precinct at this year’s Laidley Spring Festival.
Held over two of the festival’s three days (6-7 September), families will be able to soak up the sunshine while browsing the precinct’s many market stalls and exhibitions in its new outdoor location at the Laidley Recreational Reserve.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said the Spring Gardening Fair will be a one-stop-shop for avid gardeners.
“The Garden Precinct is one of the festival’s most popular events because it really encapsulates our beautiful region in the spring time,” Mayor Milligan said.
“Here, you will find lots of beautiful, colourful flowers, and lots of friendly locals who will only be too happy to share their passion with you.”
Laidley Garden Club President Eileen Zahnow said she is excited to be planning the Spring Gardening Fair, with the Garden Precinct a must-see attraction for locals and visitors.
“There will be a big marquee set up, so you won’t be able to miss us,” Eileen said.
“We will have more than 80 stallholders selling everything from flowers and plants to hand painted pots, metal garden ornaments, ceramics, mosaics and even bird baths.”
Eileen has also invited several guest speakers who will discuss a wide range of topics such as different gardening techniques, and how to care for native bees.
One of the guest speakers will be Ipswich resident Claire Bickle, who has worked in the horticultural industry for more than 20 years. Claire will share her top tips when she makes her debut at the Festival on Saturday.
“One of the biggest tips I always tell people who are interested in gardening is to start small with just one patch and go from there,” Claire said.
“Check your soil, make sure it has good drainage, talk to your local nursery to find the right plants that will be best suited to your surroundings, and then work on a good watering regime.
“Small steps and then success leads to greater things.”
Festival attendees can map out a full day that includes a Spring Orchid Show, 40th Anniversary Quilt and Craft Expo, Artists’ Exhibition, as well as heritage activities at Das Neumann Haus Museum and the Laidley Pioneer Village Museum.
Talented artisans will showcase their unique handmade items at the 40 th anniversary Laidley Quilt and Craft Expo.
Avid quilter and the coordinator of this year’s Quilt and Craft Expo, Maxine Lester said that craft enthusiasts will feel like they have stepped through the gates of heaven when they see the wide range of displays, market stalls, hands-on demonstrations and sweet treats when the Laidley Quilt and Craft Expo returns to the historic Uniting Church this September.
“One of the most amazing things to see will be the church blanketed in colourful, handmade quilts of all sizes. We will hang the quilts from the open rafters on the roof, as well as on the walls, so everyone who visits can see them up close,” Maxine said.
The Gatton Lapidary Club will host their Spring Gem Show with trade stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to gemstones, opals, crystals, agates, thunder eggs and more, as well as informative displays.
President Leon Steinhardt said that the Gem Show is a good opportunity for people to come and learn more about fossicking and the many incredible specimens that are found in the Lockyer Valley.
A highlight of Saturday’s program is the Laidley Street Parade, where kids and adults alike are set to be wowed by the eclectic mix of decorative floats, farm machinery, vintage cars and roving performers.
Mayor Milligan is anticipating the parade to be bigger and better than ever and encouraged visitors to be there to cheer on their favourite float.
“The parade will go for roughly 45 minutes, which gives festival-goers plenty of time to then immerse themselves in many other great events that will be held over the course of the weekend.”
The nearby Laidley Recreational Reserve will be a hive of activity on Saturday with a full day of live entertainment, market stalls, food trucks and the Show ‘n’ Shine car competition.
Across the festival, there will be ample parking for buses and vehicles, with car parks available all within a short stroll from the Recreational Reserve. There will also be a free shuttle bus that will run regularly between the main venues to assist visitors in seeing everything the festival has to offer.
The Laidley Spring Festival will be held on three big days from September 6-8, and is made possible with support from the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Tourism Events Queensland, Pohlmans Nursery, The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Independent, River 94.9 and Australian Organic Farms.
Make sure to follow Laidley Spring Festival on Facebook and Instagram for more announcements.
You can also log onto the festival website at www.laidleyspringfestival.com to view the full festival program.
