2026 Community in Bloom – Floral Garden Displays

We’re thrilled to invite you to be part of one of Victoria’s most iconic celebrations – the Ballarat Begonia Festival! Held every Labour Day long weekend in March, this beloved event has been brining colour and joy to our community since 1953.

Set in the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the festival attracts 40,000-60,000 visitors over three days. This year, we’re celebrating Connection – the many ways people come together through nature, creativity and community.

COMMUNITY IN BLOOM – FLORAL GARDEN DISPLAYS
Sponsored by Nature’s Décor and Floral Enterprises.

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new initiative for 2026: Community in Bloom. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and help transform the gardens into a living gallery of floral art.

WHATS INVOLVED

Individuals, students, and community groups are invited to design and create a floral garden display that reflects our theme of Connection. Think about how your design can tell a story about people, place, culture, and the heritage of our environment.

DISPLAY DETAILS

• Each participant/group will be allocated a 2.4m x 2.4m treated pine planter box (standard sleeper size 2400mm x 200mm x 45mm).
• You’ll be responsible for the design, placement of potted plants, and finishing touches.
• A display board will be provided to acknowledge your group or individual contribution.

Participants are responsible for the design, placement of potted plants, and finishing of their display. A display board will also be provided to acknowledge the creator.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 2.4m x 2.4m treated pine planter box
• Up to 300 plants to fill your planter box
• Mulch for use within the display (a fine pine bark will be supplied)
• Maintenance – daily watering of displays.

PLANTS

Generously supplied by Nature’s Decor and grown by Floral Enterprises, you will be supplied with all plants for your display. You have the opportunity to select from 16 different plant varieties with multiple colour options for most plants available.

Plants will be grown in a variety of pot sizes from 150mm and 200mm that will be detailed in the plant list. A limited number will also be grown in 125mm pots.

Plants are to be ordered in units. Each unit includes 13 plants. Each unit is one type of flower only in the same colour and same post size.

Full details of the plant selection available can be found here

RESTRICTIONS

The Ballarat Begonia Festival takes place within the heritage-listed Ballarat Botanical Gardens. To protect this unique
environment, all displays must be non-invasive and must not impact the grounds in any way.

• Soil must not be penetrated or disturbed under any circumstances.
• All participants are required to complete a Ballarat Botanical Gardens Biosecurity Form. Click here to view the biosecurity guidelines
• Additional structures or props may be included to enhance your display, but they must be approved by the
  City of Ballarat and comply with biosecurity requirements. Note: structures must not exceed 2 meters.
• No additional plants, soil or mulch can be brought on-site and used in the garden beds.

WHO CAN ENTER?

Students
Schools, TAFEs, and universities are encouraged to participate, giving students hands-on experience in horticulture, design, and teamwork. It’s a great way to connect with the community and explore creative garden design.

Individuals
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this is your chance to express your personal style and love of plants while contributing to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

Community Groups
Local clubs, neighbourhood associations, cultural groups, and not-for-profit organisations are invited to enter under their group’s name. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase your members’ creativity and connect with the wider community.

Participants may enter as individuals, form small teams, or represent a community group. Each entry should reflect creativity, community pride, and the spirit of the Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Please note that spaces are limited. Depending on the level of community interest, we may need to establish a selection panel to review and select the successful applicants.

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Event: Ballarat Begonia Festival 2026
Date: 7 to 9 March 2026
Time: 10am to 5pm, daily
Venue: Ballarat Botanical Gardens

KEY DATES

Expressions of Interests Due (inc. all required documentation)	December 22, 2025
Bump-in**	March 4-6, 2026
Festival Dates**	March 7-9, 2026
Bump-out**	March 10-11,2026

**Times may be adjusted slightly in the lead up to the event.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

Application Form
Submitted via the online form or download the PDF. Details required on this form include:

• Your name/Community Group Name and contact information
• Title of your garden
• Explanation of how it relates to the theme Connection.

Plans
You should submit as many plans as necessary to explain your design.

• Drawings of your design (self-drawn designs accepted).
• Details and concept images of additional structures or props you may be including in your display

Plant Order form

• Click here to download full plant list
• Click here to download your order form.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Submissions must be submitted by 22 December 2025 via the online application form (with supporting documents sent via email) or, submit completed documentation in person via one of our friendly customer service team.

Don’t Forget: if community interest is high, we may need to form a selection panel to review applications. So make sure your application stands out from the crowd!