Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to head for the Clare Valley, and this April, green thumbs, plant lovers and families looking for a wholesome day out will have a good reason to make the trip.
The South Australian Autumn Garden Festival is returning to the Clare Showgrounds on Sunday 19 April, bringing a full day of gardening inspiration, expert advice, market stalls and country charm. Now celebrating its 15th year, the much-loved event has built a strong following for its mix of practical gardening ideas, community spirit and relaxed regional atmosphere.
This year’s program is shaping up as one of the festival’s biggest yet, with Gardening Australia favourite Costa Georgiadis leading the speaker lineup. Costa will take to the stage at 11.30am, sharing his passion for sustainable living and the power of connecting people with nature through gardening.
Joining him is well-known gardening expert Sophie Thomson, who will present at 12.30pm on rewilding and restoring challenging landscapes through her work with Sophie’s Patch 2.0. Later in the day, Costa and Sophie will return for a 2pm discussion panel alongside soil scientist Adam Burford for an interactive audience Q&A, with environmentalist and regenerative farmer Rebecca Sullivan stepping in as MC.
The day begins from 10am with Paulie Calaby exploring how to grow food that nourishes body, mind and soul, before Mark Smith shares practical advice on water-saving wicking beds at 10.30am. At 11am, Adam Burford will dig into the topic of healing drought-damaged soil, while Brenton Whellum rounds out the afternoon sessions at 1.30pm with a focus on Australian natives and water-wise gardening.
Across the program, visitors can expect a strong mix of ideas tailored to South Australian conditions, from soil health and sustainable growing methods to smarter water use and productive home gardens. It is the kind of event that appeals just as much to seasoned gardeners as it does to people who simply want a few good ideas to take home for their backyard.
Beyond the speaker stage, the festival offers plenty more to explore. Plant sales, bulbs, garden sculptures and market stalls will fill the grounds, while a dedicated kids’ activity area helps make it an easy family outing. Whether you are chasing inspiration for your own patch, looking to shop from specialist stallholders or simply keen to spend a day outdoors in the Clare Valley, there will be plenty to keep you busy.
With entry priced at $15 and free admission for under 18s, the festival remains an accessible day out for families and gardening enthusiasts alike. Combined with the fresh autumn air and scenic regional setting, it is easy to see why the event continues to grow year after year.
For anyone passionate about gardening, sustainability or simply enjoying a great regional event, the South Australian Autumn Garden Festival looks set to be one of the Clare Valley’s standout autumn dates.
South Australian Autumn Garden Festival will be held at the Clare Showgrounds on Horrocks Highway, Clare, on Sunday 19 April from 10am to 3pm. Entry is $15, with free admission for under 18s.
South Australian Autumn Garden Festival
Where: Clare Showgrounds, Horrocks Highway, Clare
When: Sunday 19 April, 10am – 3pm
Cost: $15, under 18 years are FREE
For more information, click here.
