Eddie Russell
Spring has sprung and Maddingley Botanical has teamed up with St Anne’s Winery to deliver the “regional equivalent” to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
From 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday, October 6, patrons can enjoy an extravaganza of lavish floral arrangements, live music, wine tasting, and more at Sip & Bloom.
Maddingley Botanical general manager Michael Sinclair said he wanted to “ignite tourism” in the area by enticing attendees from far and wide.
“People are coming from Wagga Wagga and the eastern suburbs so we are hoping … to put Moorabool on the map,” he said.
Mr Sinclair said the occasion also met the desires of residents.
“People are crying out for an event like this because there isn’t one like it … this side of Melbourne.”
“They are looking for things to do coming out of winter with footy finishing that isn’t going to cost them a million dollars.”
Mr Sinclair said he hoped visitors would feel compelled to take up a pastime or develop a passion.
“We want to inspire a love of gardening and provide access to new things that might not have been there before,” he said.
A ‘handpicked’ selection of native Australian and African plants like Proteas and Banksias will be available to purchase.
St Anne’s Winery employee Jake Currey said he was excited about the variety of activities on offer at the inaugural edition.
“We will have different food offerings, workshops and demonstrations, and our usual wine tasting,” he said.
Mr Currey said for wine lovers, it was the “perfect time” for a sauvignon blanc.
“We have a terrific vintage that is super fresh and fruity – it suits the whole vibe very well.”
“You also can’t go wrong with a sparkling. We have a white and a red both with a nice bit of bubble.”
Parking is $5 per vehicle and all proceeds go to the Country Fire Association (CFA), who will help organise and direct traffic.
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1278081
