All of September: Kings Park and Botanic Garden Wildflower Festival. www.wildflowerswa.com

4:Mukinbudin Spring Festival

4: Koorda show. Koorda Tourist Information Centre, Cnr Railway ad Birdwood Streets, Koorda. Tel: 9037 6888 or mepis@bigpond.net.au

4-12: Dalwallinu Wattle Week Festival. www.wildflowerswa.com

4-5: OPEN GARDEN: Anna Chandler's garden, Cottesloe

8-12: Esperance Wildflower Festival. www.wildflowerswa.com or Esperance Visitor Centre, Museum Village, Cnr Dempster & Kemp Streets,Esperance. Tel: 9083 1555 or bookings@visitesperance.com

9-13: Wubin Wildflower show

9-13: Feature tours 5 days, 4 nights West Coast wildflowers. Home pick up, all meals, good accommodation. $1,830 pp twin share adult, $1,795pp twin share senior, $450 single supplement. Tel: (08) 9478 5520 for a brochure. www.funseekertours.com.au

11-25: Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show. Ravensthorpe, Western Australia. Wildflower Show 11 - 25 September 2010. Wildflower Expo and Market Day Saturday 18 September. Opening times 9am-4pm daily ~ Admission $3.00 adults, Children free. Venue: Ravensthorpe Senior Citizens Centre, Morgans Street, Ravensthorpe ~ Wheelchair access available. Come and share the Spring beauty of the Ravensthorpe Range, the magnificent Hopetoun Coast and the Fitzgerald River and Frank Hann National Parks. Over the last 26 years the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show has developed into one of the best shows in Western Australia. Possibly the largest number in the world of different species of named wildflowers are displayed, collected from one of the world’s richest biodiversity areas. Administrative inquiries: The Secretary, PO Box 143, Ravensthorpe, WA, 6346. Botanical information: Merle Bennett, merleb@wn.com.au

11-12: OPEN GARDEN: Ben's garden, Melville

11: 88th Corrigin Agricultural Show.Enquiries Corrigin Community Resource Centre, 55 Larke Crescent, Corrigin. Tel: 9063 2778. corrigin@wn.com.au 11-12: Dalwallinu Centenary

12: Flavours of Chittering 2010 Food and Wine Festival. www.flavoursofchittering.com.au

12: OPEN GARDEN: Monaro, Fremantle

12 September to 11 October: Floriade, Australia’s famous flower display in Commonwealth Park. Enjoy fabulous entertainment, see how profssional landscapers create waterwise gardens, share family time with activities for the children, wise up with a range of informative demonstrations and sample some of the local food and wine. www.floriadeaustralia.com

13 September to 3 October: ASA Cultural Tours for Garden Lovers – Gardens of Italy: The Italian Lakes, The Veneto, Tuscany & Rome with Sabrina Hahn – gardening commentator on ABC 720 Perth and David Henderson - artist. Tel freecall 1800 645 755 or Tel (03) 9822 6899, web: www.asatours.com.au, e-mail: info@asatours.com.au

13: Casey Tours WA Northern Wildflowers 3 day hotel tour with botanical guide. Prince includes twin share hotel, cooked breakfast, evening meal and entries to various attractions. Senior $590, adults $620. Single supplement $120. Other departure date from Perth: 20 September. Phone: 1800 999 677. www.caseytours.com.au

15-21: Feature tours 7 days, 6 nights midwest wildflowers. Home pick up, all meals, good accommodation. $1,290 pp twin share adult, $1,260 pp twin share senior, $266 single supplement. Tel: (08) 9478 5520 for a brochure. www.funseekertours.com.au

16-18: Cactus & Succulent Society of WA display and show at the Riverton Forum Shopping Centre. Enquiries: 9390 6229

16-19: Chittering Wildflower Festival 2010, Chittering Visitor Centre, 6180 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon. 10am to 4pm daily. Wheelchair access at rear of hall. Admission $4, concession $3. Coaches welcome. Beautiful stage display of massed flowers set amongst historical memorabilia. Hundreds of named individual specimens. Wildflowers for sale. Local arts and crafts on sale. Self drive and walking maps. Morning and afternoon teas available. Op shop and museum open. Guided wildflower tours. Advanced bookings for all tours essential. Morning and afternoon bus tours at 11am and 2pm, $7 pp tour guide fee. Tel: 9576 1100, e-mail: bindinfo@iinet.net.au

16 September to 13 October: The Tesselaar Tulip Festival, one hour's drive from Melbourne. The Turkish Weekend 18 & 19 September allows visitors to discover the origin of the tulip. The festival is open daily from 10am to 5pm with entry $18 for adults, $15 for concession holders and free for those under 16. Visit www.tulipfestival.com.au

17-26: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland. www.toowoomba.org

17-18: 99th Moora Agricultural Show.

18: Wildflower Expo; Hopetoun

18: Quairading Show

18: Bruce Rock Show

18: Kellerberrin Show. Enquiries: Kellerberrin Tourist Information Centre, 110 Massingham Street, Kellerberrin. Tel: 9045 4006 or e-mail: shire@kellerberrin.wa.gov.au

18: Casey Tours one day wildflower tour that includes morning tea and lunch. Includes a visit to the Bindoon Wildflower Show. Other departure date from Perth 19 September. $82 senior, $85 adult. Phone: 1800 999 677. www.caseytours.com.au

18-19: OPEN GARDEN: Winslow Cottage, Claremont

18-19: OPEN GARDEN: Marie's garden, Kingsley

18-19: OPEN GARDEN: Sutton Hill, Stoneville

20: Gardeners' Circle WA meeting at the Cannington Exhibition Centre, Cnr Station Street and Albany Highway, Cannington. Doors open 6.40pm, plant sales and library 6.50pm. Meetings start at 7.30pm sharp. Includes COUNTRY SUPPER. www.gardenerscirclewa.com

23 September to 8 October (16 days): Garden Tour of Canberra, Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains and Sydney taking in all three garden festivals of Floriade, Tulip Time Bowral and Leura Garden Festival. A luxurious garden tour with multiple night stays in 4 & 5 star hotels. Beautiful food, incredible sights, great company, luxurious coach and a detailed tour booklet. 26 glorious cool climate gardens with experienced and caring tour guides Gayle and Nic Monzu. Ring for a detailed brochure: 1300 552 805 or e-mail: perth@morcombetravel.com Limited to 35 tour members, never to be repeated.

24: Funseeker Tours 1 day tour to New Norcia wildflowers via Gingin and Mogumber where you will see orchids and wildflowers along the roadside en route to New Norcia for lunch. Tel: (08) 9478 5520 for a brochure. www.funseekertours.com.au

25 September to 2 October: Perth Royal Show, Claremont showgrounds.

25-26: OPEN GARDEN: Carvalho garden, Brigadoon

25-26: OPEN GARDEN: Dahliance, Gidgegannup

25-27: OPEN GARDEN: Mountolive Studio Garden, Hovea

1: SPECIAL EVENT Grow your own veggies, with Sue McDougall, Sawyers Valley. Join the knowledgeable and charming garden expert and radio presenter in her own vegetable garden for this exciting workshop on planning, planting and growing vegetables. Sue will guide you through all the stages required to make your vegetable patch productive, ensuring a year round harvest of fresh and delicious produce. Tickets $65 including morning tea, information pack and seeds. 10.30am to 12.30pm. Numbers are strictly limited so bookings are essential. Book online at www.opengarden.org.au or ring (08) 9295 0497

2 & 3: The annual competitive clivia show is held at Clivia Classiques nursery, 630 Armadale Road, Forrestdale. (Tel: 9397 0602).

2-10: Leura gardens Festival, open 9.30am to 4.30pm. Up to ten privately owned gardens open to the public during blossom time. Shuttle bus service between gardens and Leura railway station. Tickets at $5pp, excludes special tours. www.leuragardensfestival.com.au or e-mail: info@leuragardensfestival.com.au

2-3: OPEN GARDEN: Irene's garden, Gnangara

3-7: Festival of Country Gardens Prelude. The Festivals highlight gardens of the countryside in the hinterland of the South West.There is a continental climate, less moderated by the sea than the coastal areas, and in which gardens and all things horticultural flourish. The countryside is noted for its steep slopes and winding valleys that provide picturesque backdrops to many of the towns and the gardens. Tall timbers grow here - both native and exotic. Orchards, vineyards and vegetable fields are prominent elements of the landscape. Book your accommodation now! See Friends for ideas about where to stay. www.countrygardens.com.au e-mail: mail@countrygardens.com.au enquiries:9764 1111

4 - 25: ASA Cultural Tours for Garden Lovers – Gardens of Paradise: A Cultural Tour of South America (Chile, Rio de Janeiro & Buenos Aires) with Warwick Forge. Tel freecall 1800 645 755, web: www.asatours.com.au, e-mail: info@asatours.com.au

6-10: Spring in the Valley. Wineries and restaurants open their doors to WA’s food and wine loving masses, many offering special Spring in the Valley packages or deals. www.swanvalley.com.au

9: WA Gerbera Society championship and spring show at the Collins Street Centre, Collin Street (Cnr Shaftsbury Street), South Perth. Opening 10am to 4pm. Admission $3. Enquiries: 6363 6468

9 & 10: Gosnells Horticultural Society show at the Addie Mills Centre, Gosnells. Enquiries: Margaret 9398 2684.

9 & 10: Romancing the Stone Garden, 3 Lilian Road (Corner Lilian and Hawtin Road), Maida Vale. Features include garden talks by Sue Mc Dougall and Neville Passmore, a basic introduction to building rock walls by Tom Hogg, 5 artists from the Watercolour Society painting and demonstrating in the garden and a pottery demonstration. also Devonshire teas and a sausage sizzle, pot plant sales Open 10.00am -4.30pm Adult Entry $6.00

9 & 10: Congella Garden, 39 Orange Valley Road, Kalamunda. Features include a Japanese Garden, Tropical Garden, Succulents, orchids and rhoodendrons. refreshments available and pot plant sales. 10.00am -4.30pm Adult Entry $6.00

9-10: OPEN GARDEN: Deacon House, Claremont

9-10: OPEN GARDEN: Vanessa’s garden

9-10: OPEN GARDEN: Heronsbrook, Margaret River

9-10: OPEN GARDEN: The Habitat, Dongara

11-14: Feature tours 4 days, 3 nights Stirlings and Porongurups wildflowers. Home pick up, all meals, good accommodation. $1,015 pp twin share adult, $995pp twin share senior, $140 single supplement. Tel: (08) 9478 5520 for a brochure. www.funseekertours.com.au

12: The Secret Garden Workshops, Margaret River - Composting, feeding and pest management in spring. Irrigation and lawn maintenance in preparation for summer. A series of three exciting hands on workshops with Pat Poynton in her exceptionally beautiful Secret Garden at Margaret River. Designed by Paul Bangay, this classic European style country garden has strong design and superb plantings. Pat and her team will take you on a guided tour and provide seasonally tailored workshops with information and tips on how to achieve similar results in your own garden. Tickets $95 including workshop, garden tour, morning tea and a beautiful garden journal for you to keep. 9.30am to 12.30pm. Numbers are strictly limited so bookings are essential. Book onine at www.opengarden.org.au or ring (08) 9295 0497

13 – 24: ASA Cultural Tours for Garden Lovers – Art & Gardens of Provence and The Cote D’Azur with Kenneth W Park – curator, presenter and writer. Tel freecall 1800 645 755 or Tel (03) 9822 6899, web: www.asatours.com.au, e-mail: info@asatours.com.au

15 & 16: Busselton & Districts Horticultural Society show. Enquiries Kay 9754 1362 or e-mail: bsnshow@westnet.com.au

16: The Mandurah Spring Flower Show at Accent – Mandurah (formerly Senior Citizen Centre), Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah. Various displays, plant and home produce stalls and raffle. Admission $3, children under 14years free. 10am to 4pm.Enquiries: Coral 9535 3736.

16-17: OPEN GARDEN: Craigmile, Canning Vale

17: Funseeker Tours day trip to York Gardens. Four gardens, morning tea, lunch. Cost $100, senior $95. Tel: (08) 9478 5520 (all hours) or www.funseekertours.com.au

18: Gardeners' Circle WA meeting at the Cannington Exhibition Centre, Cnr Station Street and Albany Highway, Cannington. Doors open 6.40pm, plant sales and library 6.50pm. Meetings start at 7.30pm sharp. www.gardenerscirclewa.com

20: Chooks in the City with Debra Pearson, Jolimont. If you’ve always wanted to own a couple of chooks and wondered how to go about it, join horticulturalist and poultry consultant Debra Pearson for an informative and fun workshop in a lovely private garden. Debra will advise you on the pros and cons of various breeds and how to choose those suitable for your requirements. She’ll offer advice on the care and proper feeding of your chooks, how to select a comfortable henhouse, and all the other tips you need to have happy, healthy laying chooks. Tickets $65 including morning tea and information pack. 10am to 12.30pm. Numbers are strictly limited so bookings are essential. Book online at www.opengarden.org.au or ring (08) 9295 0497.

21 to23: The West Australian Iris Society's show and display at the Belmont Forum Shopping Centre. Enquiries: Caroline 9451 8141

23 & 24: Rose Society of WA Spring Show at the Guildford Town Hall. Enquiries Sandy 9307 5823.

23 & 24: Narrogin & Districts Horticultural Society's annual Spring Festival featuring roses and some beautiful open gardens. Enquiries Joan Crosby 9881 1236 or e-mail: joan@belletam.net

22: Brunswick Agricultural show at the Brunswick showgrounds. Enquiries: Judy 9726 1236 or Leanne 9796 0468

23: Casey Tours 4 day southern wildflowers motel tour with a botanical guide. Motel accommodation, most evening meals and breakfasts and entries to various attractions are included in the price of $790 senior, adult $820 with single supplement $200. Phone: 1800 999 677 or www.caseytours.com.au

23 October to 6 November: ASA Cultural Tours for Garden Lovers – Gardens of Japan with John Patrick – presenter on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia and author. Tel freecall 1800 645 755 or (03) 9822 6899, web: www.asatours.com.au, e-mail: info@asatours.com.au

23-24: OPEN GARDEN: Kalimna, Peppermint Grove

23-24: OPEN GARDEN: Mahony garden, Mandurah

23-24: OPEN GARDEN: Nat and Rod’s garden, 31 Marginata Road, Parklands Mandurah. 10am to 4.30pm, entry $6 adults. Sabrina Hahn will talk on Produce Gardening at 2pm Sunday. Artworks.

23 & 24: Open Garden Cynthia's, Member of the Mandurah Garden Club, at 3 Eden Street - Dudley Park - Mandurah. 10 am to 4 pm. Entry Fee $6.00 pp. Plants & artwork for sale as are light refreshments. Funds for dementia research.

24: OPEN GARDEN, Amberley Gardens, Karnup

28 to 1 November: Feature tours 5 days, 4 nights wildflowers in the Fitzgeralds wildflowers. Home pick up, all meals, good accommodation. $1,175 pp twin share adult, $1,150pp twin share senior, $205 single supplement. Tel: (08) 9478 5520 for a brochure. www.funseekertours.com.au

28, 30 & 31: Amandas Garden Fete, Junction of Matison and Margaret Streets, Southern River.Features include - Mass display of Amanda Rose, several water features, large variety of plants and trees, devonshire teas and sausage sizzle, plant sales and stalls. Open Thurs 28th, Sat 30th and Sun 31st October Adult entry $5.00

29 October to 7 November: Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival, New Zealand. Taranaki is located on the west coast of the North Island and is a region that has unique natural environs thanks to rich volcanic soil and it produces some of the most outstanding gardens and parks in NZ with the highest number of gardens of national significance in the country. Forty-nine of New Zealand's most stunning gardens open for viewing, a vertical garden growing on the side of the festival's office building, jazz and wine in gardens, guest speakers,floral design demonstration, steam train journey, bus tours, guided walks, guest speakers Programmes are free. We're happy to post one to you, just give us a call on the freephone number below and we'll put one in the m ail. Programmes and www.rhodo.co.nz provide all the information you need to plan your festival experience. You can buy tickets through the festival office and at outlets around Taranaki. The programme has all the details. Each garden has nominated a charge of either free, $4, $8, or $12. www.rhodo.co.nz or e-mail: lisa@taft.co.nz

30: Kalamunda & Districts Agricultural Society Spring Flower Show, Kalamunda Agricultural Hall. Enquiries: Pam Edwards 9454 5228

30: Gidgegannup Agricultural Society show at the showgrounds. Enquiries Ian Stannard: istannard@primus.com.au

30 October to Thursday 4 November: Melbourne Iris Convention - Carnival of Colour. Enquiries vis.melb.2010@gmail.com

30-31: OPEN GARDEN: Granville garden, Gooseberry Hill

30-31: OPEN GARDEN: Alastair and Frances MacNeill's garden, Capel.

30-31: OPEN GARDEN: Moreton Bay, Capel

30-31: OPEN GARDEN: Maya, Capel

30-31: OPEN GARDEN: Redgumridge, Gelorup

30-31: OPEN GARDEN: Anne's garden, Esperance

30-31: OPEN GARDEN: Bron-y-aur, Esperance

30-31: OPEN GARDEN: Liddelow Family Garden, Esperance

Garden DesignFest : www.gardendesignfest.org.au Every two years for just two days in November some special Melbourne gardens are opened to the public. Some are grand and formal, others are contained and contemporary and some are simply extravagant. Each garden has been planned and implemented by acclaimed Melbourne garden designers and landscapers. These breathtaking private gardens are opened to raise money and awareness for the charities supported by Rotary Kew. Hire a car and use a GPS navigator to visit as many of the 22 gardens as you can or for the less adventurous, a mini-bus guided tour is available.

2: Upper Blackwood Agricultural show special feature is cut flowers and floral arrangements. 10am to 5pm at the Dinninup showgrounds, Boyup Brook. Web: http://ubas.mysouthwest.com.au. Enquiries: Richard_liz@activ8.net.au

3-7: Festival of Country Gardens Main Festival. The Festival highlight gardens of the countryside in the hinterland of the South West. There is a continental climate, less moderated by the sea than the coastal areas, and in which gardens and all things horticultural flourish. The countryside is noted for its steep slopes and winding valleys that provide picturesque backdrops to many of the towns and the gardens. Tall timbers grow here - both native and exotic. Orchards, vineyards and vegetable fields are prominent elements of the landscape. Book your accommodation now! See Friends for ideas about where to stay. www.countrygardens.com.au e-mail: mail@countrygardens.com.au enquiries:9764 1111

4-6: WA Fuchsia Society display at Stockton Shopping Centre, Riverton. Members on hand to assist with any queries and plants for sale. Enquiries David Pooley 9354 1431

5-14: Fremantle Festival: While the program is still to be finalised, this bustling arts and culture festival is always a great place for foodies to find new favourites. www.fremantlefestivals.com

5 & 6: Canning Agricultural & Horticultural show at the Canning Show Grounds. Enquiries: Noel 9457 8375

6 & 7: Lavender Festival. On the first weekend in November each year, Cape Lavender in Margaret River hosts a festival of food, wine, natural health, talks and demonstrations, workshops, art, live music and kids’ entertainment. www.capelavender.com.au

8: Geographe Crush Festival. 11am to 6pm in Bicentennial Square, Bunbury. Showcases the wine and produce of this growing region from Harvey in the north to Busselton in the south. There will be tastings, entertainment, wine seminars, cooking sessions and more.

13 & 14: Roseworthy Garden, 181 Walnut Road, Bickley. A superb collection of old fashioned roses with many modern varieties provides a spectacular display. Refreshments available. Adult Entry $5.00 10.00am - 4.30pm

13 & 14: South West Rose Group November Rose Show for 2010 in The Shire Hall, Pratt Road, Eaton. Enquiries: Tricia 9725 0857 or tricia_cats2222@yahoo.com.au

14 & 15: Australian Fuchsia Society's annual show, Adelaide, South Australia. Enquiries to secretary Janine Channon (08) 8283 2970.

13 & 14: Albany Agriculture show at the Albany Showgrounds. www.albanyshow.org.au

15: Gardeners' Circle WA meeting at the Cannington Exhibition Centre, Cnr Station Street and Albany Highway, Cannington. Doors open 6.40pm, plant sales and library 6.50pm. Meetings start at 7.30pm sharp. www.gardenerscirclewa.com

27 & 28: Western Australian Fern Society show at the Cannington Exhibition Centre, Cnr Albany Highway & Station Street, Cannington. Enquiries: Jill 9417 1274

3 & 4: Osborne Park show is held every year. It features displays of local produce, animals and livestock, carnival attractions and fireworks, fun for the whole family. 6.00pm to 10pm Friday & Saturday at the Robinson Reserve, Royal Street, Osborne Park, Western Australia. Fireworks display both nights at around 9pm. Enquiries Warren Bettridge 0417 173 737 or http://www.opas.org.au/program.html 10 & 11: Feature tours 2 days, 1 night Manjimup cherry festival. Home pick up, all meals, good accommodation. $505pp twin share adult, $495pp twin share senior, $75 single supplement. Tel: (08) 9478 5520 for a brochure. www.funseekertours.com.au

11: Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival: This annual celebration of cherries sees Manjimup come to life in an extravaganza of live music, produce stalls and cherry related activities.

26 & 27: Garden Clubs & Societies Fair at the Cannington Exhibition Centre, Cnr Station Street & Albany Highway, Cannington. Open to the public from 9am to 4pm. Enquiries WA Horticultural Council - Helen - (08) 9403 0001 or hortwa@iinet.net.au

5: The Secret Garden Workshops, Margaret River – Dividing and feeding irises, compost making and preparing the garden for winter. A series of three exciting hands on workshops with Pat Poynton in her exceptionally beautiful Secret Garden at Margaret River. Designed by Paul Bangay, this classic European style country garden has strong design and superb plantings. Pat and her team will take you on a guided tour and provide seasonally tailored workshops with information and tips on how to achieve similar results in your own garden. Tickets $95 including workshop, garden tour, morning tea and a beautiful garden journal for you to keep. 9.30am to 12.30pm. Numbers are strictly limited so bookings are essential. Book online at www.opengarden.org.au or ring (08) 9295 0497.

26: The Secret Garden Workshops, Margaret River – Winter pruning of hydrangeas, wisterias and roses. A series of three exciting hands on workshops with Pat Poynton in her exceptionally beautiful Secret Garden at Margaret River. Designed by Paul Bangay, this classic European style country garden has strong design and superb plantings. Pat and her team will take you on a guided tour and provide seasonally tailored workshops with information and tips on how to achieve similar results in your own garden. Tickets $95 including workshop, garden tour, morning tea and a beautiful garden journal for you to keep. 9.30am to 12.30pm. Numbers are strictly limited so bookings are essential. Book online at www.opengarden.org.au or ring (08) 9295 0497.

9-14: The Garden Clubs of Australia Biennial Convention will be held in the Blue Mountains, 90km west of Sydney. Watch this space!

17 & 18: National Rose Convention at Floreat. Enquiries Sandy 9307 5823.

2 & 3: Osborne Park show is held every year. It features displays of local produce, animals and livestock, carnival attractions and fireworks, fun for the whole family. 6.00pm to 10pm Friday & Saturday at the Robinson Reserve, Royal Street, Osborne Park, Western Australia. Fireworks display both nights at around 9pm. Enquiries Warren Bettridge 0417 173 737 or http://www.opas.org.au/program.html

10-16: The Northern Districts Orchid Society (NDOS) will host the 19th Australian Orchid Conference while the event will be organised and managed by a Special Project Committee of the Western Australian Regional Orchid Organisation (WAROO) whose members are AOC affiliated clubs/societies. Perth Western Australia web site is now up and running at…. http://www.waorchids.iinet.net.au/19th_AOC_Conference.htm

30 November & 1 December: Osborne Park show is held every year. It features displays of local produce, animals and livestock, carnival attractions and fireworks, fun for the whole family. 6.00pm to 10pm Friday & Saturday at the Robinson Reserve, Royal Street, Osborne Park, Western Australia. Fireworks display both nights at around 9pm. Enquiries Warren Bettridge 0417 173 737 or http://www.opas.org.au/program.html

held in the Blue Mountains, 90km west of Sydney. Watch this space!

17 & 18: National Rose Convention at Floreat. Enquiries Sandy 9307 5823.

10-16: The Northern Districts Orchid Society (NDOS) will host the 19th Australian Orchid Conference while the event will be organised and managed by a Special Project Committee of the Western Australian Regional Orchid Organisation (WAROO) whose members are AOC affiliated clubs/societies. Perth Western Australia web site is now up and running at…. http://www.waorchids.iinet.net.au/19th_AOC_Conference.htm