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Time to read 7 min
Flowers have an incredible way of bringing people together, creating moments of beauty, inspiration, and connection. For those passionate about horticulture, flower festivals provide a unique opportunity to admire nature’s artistry while learning from expert growers and floral designers.
Over the weekend, Emma and Emmett attended the Dahlia Festival in Glen Waverley , an event dedicated to celebrating one of the most striking and versatile flowers. This visit was part of their countdown to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show , a major highlight on the horticultural calendar and the largest horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.
However, the day didn’t go entirely as planned. Melbourne’s weather was scorching , and Emmett was feeling increasingly uncomfortable—not from the heat, but from the beginnings of a gout attack that had started the day before. Even so, the dazzling dahlia displays, expert talks, and floral artistry made the visit well worth it.
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The forecast for the weekend had warned of extreme temperatures, and Melbourne certainly delivered. The sun was relentless, and by the time Emma and Emmett arrived in Glen Waverley , they were relieved to find that the Dahlia Festival was held indoors.
Stepping into the air-conditioned exhibition space was a welcome escape from the heat, and the first sight of the floral displays was enough to make them forget the soaring temperatures outside.
Rows of meticulously arranged dahlias in every imaginable shade greeted visitors upon arrival. Some were deep burgundy, others a soft blush pink, while some boasted intricate color blends that looked almost unreal. The variety was breathtaking— from giant dinner-plate dahlias that could fill both hands to delicate pompons that looked like tiny floral sculptures.
Despite feeling the first signs of gout pain creeping into his foot, Emmett was captivated by the vibrant display. The passion and skill of the growers were evident in every bloom, and it was clear that these flowers had been carefully cultivated to perfection.
The Dahlia Festival was not just about admiring beautiful flowers; it was a learning experience . The event featured:
Emma, always keen to expand her gardening knowledge, took notes on which dahlia varieties were best suited for home gardens and how to keep them blooming longer. Meanwhile, Emmett found a comfortable chair near the presentation area, where he could still listen in on the talks without putting too much pressure on his aching foot.
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As the day went on, Emmett’s foot began to throb more intensely . At first, he brushed it off as a bit of discomfort from walking, but by the afternoon, he knew exactly what was happening— the beginnings of a gout attack . The familiar sensation of sharp, persistent pain was setting in, making each step feel heavier.
Determined not to let it ruin the experience, Emmett adjusted his plan. He skipped some of the walking-intensive parts of the exhibition, opting instead to sit near the floral demonstration area while Emma continued exploring. She made sure to check in frequently, bringing over brochures, taking photos of displays, and sharing tips from the gardening talks.
Melbourne’s seasons influence the availability and price of bridal flowers. Here’s a quick guide to help you select seasonal blooms:
Spring (September – November): Peonies, tulips, ranunculus, roses
Summer (December – February): Gardenias, hydrangeas, sunflowers
Autumn (March – May): Dahlias, chrysanthemums, orchids
Winter (June – August): Camellias, anemones, hellebores.
Opting for seasonal bridal flowers ensures the freshest blooms and can also help keep your floral budget in check.
"Dahlias teach us the dance of delicate determination".
While the Dahlia Festival was a spectacular event dedicated to a single bloom, it was just the beginning of the floral season. With the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show fast approaching, excitement was building for an even grander showcase of garden design, floral installations, and horticultural expertise .
Held at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens , this flower and garden show is the largest horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. It brings together industry professionals, floral designers , and garden enthusiasts for a five-day celebration of all things green and blooming.
This year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show will feature:
For Emma and Emmett, the Dahlia Festival was the perfect warm-up event leading to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show . Emmett, now well aware that he’d need to rest and manage his gout flare-up ahead of time, was already planning how to navigate the larger event without too much walking .
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If you love flowers, plants, and garden innovation, this international flower garden show is a must-visit. Here’s why it should be on your calendar:
Despite the hot Melbourne weather and Emmett’s gout attack looming , the Dahlia Festival was a beautiful and inspiring experience. The exhibition showcased the best of dahlia cultivation, provided expert insights, and built excitement for what’s to come at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show .
With only a few weeks to go, Emma and Emmett are eagerly preparing for the flower and garden show , making a list of must-see exhibits and planning a strategy to make the most of the event while ensuring Emmett’s foot doesn’t slow them down too much .
If you’re considering attending the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show , now is the perfect time to start planning. Whether you’re passionate about garden design , eager to learn from top floral designers , or simply want to soak in the breathtaking beauty of floral exhibits, this flower and garden show promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show . Will you be attending? Let us know what you’re most excited to see.
The Author: Emma Schreenan
Emma is the Creative Director of Herbivore Florals - one of the most premium wedding and event florists in Melbourne. If you'd like to read more about the Herbivore Team, click below.
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During the consultation, we’ll go over your wedding theme, preferred flowers, and overall style. Our experienced florists will offer recommendations and help tailor a floral package that suits your special day.
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