Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show postponed until October

Border closures have nipped Melbourne’s Flower and Garden show in the bud, forcing it to be postponed until later in the year.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden show has been postponed.

Border bans and spikes in interstate coronavirus cases have nipped plans for yet another annual event in the bud.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, originally set to be held in March, has now been tabled for October as restrictions and shifting state and national border measures make it too difficult to deliver the event.

Border closures have forced the event to be postponed. Picture: Andy Rogers

Event director Marcus Gale said organisers had been hoping restrictions would have settled in time for the event to be held in March.

“After carefully considering the interests of all our stakeholders, we cannot proceed to stage an event in March 2021 that meets the high expectations of all our partners and visitors.”

“We were very much hoping everything would have returned to normal in time to stage this year’s event,” Mr Gale said.

“However, a recent spike in interstate case numbers, border closures and other pandemic-related restrictions has again added further uncertainty and presents an extremely challenging environment to deliver an event of this magnitude.”

The event is normally held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

Chairman Michael Warner said hopes remain for the show to be held in October because the floral spectacular was a cornerstone event in Melbourne.

“It cannot be underestimated how important the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is to the horticultural industry – it is a platform that benefits the entire industry and educates, entertains and inspires the public,” Mr Warner said.

“The show has always been about bringing the best landscape and floral talent, brands and exhibitors from Australia and around the world together with visitors in a fun, interactive and safe environment.”