Melbourne flower and garden show in full bloom

The 2013 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is officially underway with Victorian Premier Denis Napthine launching the event at Melbourne's magnificent Carlton Gardens.

Established as one of Victoria's 'hallmark events', the show, held from 20th to 24th March 2013 in the Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens, is renowned for attracting quality and leading edge floral and landscape designers as well as as large crowds.

Speaking at the opening, Premier Napthine explained "the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is one of the world's largest and most prestigious horticulture events (and is) ranked as one of the top five flower and garden shows anywhere in the world.

"It is an integral part of Victoria's cultural major events calendar and has attracted more than 1.8 million local and international visitors since its inaugural event in 1995."

A number of special interest attractions will be on display this year including the Lindeman's Open Garden, the Sculpture Garden, Landscape Show Gardens, the Children's Garden and the Student Landscape Design Competition.

This year's theme for the Student Landscape Design Award is Landscaping for Bushfire - the Suburban Garden.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is managed, co-ordinated and marketed by IMG (International Management Group of America Ltd) in partnership with the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria and Flowers Victoria.

For more information go to

http://www.melbflowershow.com.au