Spring has now officially sprung and to celebrate, Floriade announced today that Costa Georgiadis, Australia’s favourite celebrity gardener is coming to Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring in Commonwealth Park.

Costa, a much-loved television personality, will be welcomed on Stage 88, Sunday 25 September from 12pm-1pm and share his love of nature and joy of gardening. Costa will also meet and greet the Floriade crowds from 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm.

Costa first caught the attention of the nation as co-creator and host of Costa’s Garden Odyssey for SBS. He is now known as the much-loved host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, acknowledged with a Silver Logie and an AACTA Award.

Costa is a landscape architect, environmental educator and television presenter who has an all-consuming passion for plants and people, winning hearts wherever he goes. He lives and breathes gardening, relishing the natural world and our connection to it. Naturally, he is the perfect addition to Floriade and our flourishing program.

Ross Triffitt, Executive Branch Manager, Events ACT said this celebrity appearance adds to the exciting program of entertainment for this year’s Floriade and NightFest.

“After a two year hiatus, we are excited to welcome back Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring to Commonwealth Park. Floriade is Canberra’s premier event and creates a wonderful vibrancy in the city as well as generating significant economic benefits. This year, we’re really excited to welcome horticultural royalty to the park. Costa’s knowledge and experience will be an amazing and entertaining addition to a packed program of events and activities.” said Triffitt.

“This year Floriade is offering a range of engaging and creative workshops, artistic displays, fantastic musical entertainment in line with the theme Sounds of Spring, and plenty of fun things to do for all ages. The program will also see the return of popular events like Dogs Day Out and the introduction of the Great Big Bulb Dig. It will be a Floriade to remember!”

NightFest, Floriade’s Dark Side, also returns with a new and exciting format of exhilarating after-dark entertainment and horticultural illuminationsfrom 29 September – 2 October from 6.30pm- 10.30pm.

This year, the NightFest programming is designed to deliver two distinct moods. Relax, put your feet up and UNWIND on Thursday 29th September and Sunday 2nd October. Dial up the weekend and INVIGORATE on Friday 30th September and Saturday 1st October as you experience electric party vibes. Nightfest tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $25 for Adult, Junior and Concession $15 and Family are $65. Children under five years are free.

Floriade returns to Commonwealth Park, Canberra from Saturday 17 September to Sunday 16 October. Gates are open 9am – 5.30pm. Entry is free, some events are ticketed. More information is available on floriadeaustralia.com