Ball Australia recently celebrated another successful Queensland Grower Trials event, held from May 23 to May 26 at the Queensland Department of Agriculture & Fisheries - Redlands & Queensland Crop Development Facility. Now in its third year, this annual event has steadily grown in popularity and importance within the horticultural industry.

A Collaborative Effort

The success of this year’s trials was made possible through the collaboration of several industry leaders. Garden City Plastics, BASF, Evergreen Connect, Proptec, and Bassett Barks teamed up with Ball Australia to present three days of the ‘Colour Your World’ promotion. This initiative focuses on the growth and development of flowering plants in gardens and open spaces, specifically tailored to the subtropical Queensland climate.

Showcasing Subtropical Varieties

‘Colour Your World’ aims to enhance the beauty and biodiversity of gardens and open spaces by promoting the growth of flowering plants. The Queensland Grower Trials featured a vibrant array of cut flowers and potted plant varieties that thrive in subtropical conditions. These trials are essential for introducing new varieties to the market, ensuring they are well-suited to the local climate and can meet the demands of both home gardeners and professional landscapers.

Nurseries Contributing to the Trials

These are the nurseries that provided plants for the grower trials:

• Bush Garden Nursery
• Plant Providers
• Shamrock Plants
• Azalea Grove Nursery
• Jackie’s Wholesale Nurseries
• Tamborine Mountain Nursery

Leading the Charge

Lindsay Jenkinson, Ball Australia’s representative for Queensland, played a crucial role in the event’s success. Lindsay’s dedication and tireless efforts were evident as she energetically guided visitors through the displays, providing valuable insights into each variety and its potential applications. Her expertise and enthusiasm ensured that attendees left with a deeper understanding of the showcased plants and the benefits they offer.

Industry Engagement and Education

The Queensland Grower Trials attracted a diverse audience of eighty-four attendees, including representatives from major plant retailers eager to see the latest trends and innovations in the industry. The event also provided an educational opportunity for twenty TAFE Queensland students, who attended to gain firsthand experience and knowledge of the latest industry trends in flower and plant varieties. This hands-on exposure is invaluable for students as they prepare for careers in horticulture and related fields.

Networking and Community Building

Megan Williams, from the Garden City Plastics Queensland office, played an integral role in coordinating the smooth pickup and delivery of the growers' plants, ensuring their punctual arrival for the event. She was also a standout presence at the GCP stand each day of the event. Megan’s commitment to the event and her role in organising the Garden City Plastics sponsored Morning Tea on Wednesday added a special touch to the trials. The Morning Tea featured Bassett Bark’s Martin Duncan, who delighted attendees with his famous scones and Montville coffee. This event provided a relaxed setting for networking and building relationships within the industry.

Reflections on Success

The success of this year’s Queensland Grower Trials is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of all involved. From the dedicated efforts of Lindsay Jenkinson and Megan Williams to the support of industry partners and the enthusiasm of attendees, the event highlighted the dynamic and innovative spirit of the horticultural community. As we look to the future, the ‘Colour Your World’ initiative and the Queensland Grower Trials will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting the growth of flowering plants in Queensland. The event not only showcases the latest advancements in plant varieties but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among industry professionals, retailers, and students. Ball Australia and Garden City Plastics can proudly reflect on another successful event, confident that their efforts are helping to shape a more beautiful and sustainable environment for all. We eagerly anticipate what next year’s trials will bring and the continued growth and success of the ‘Colour Your World’ promotion.