2026 Autumn Open Weekend & Plant Fair
Join us for the 15th annual Autumn Plant Fair
Open Saturday and Sunday, 18 & 19 April, 9am to 4pm
at Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, 1 Old South Road Bowral NSW
The Southern Highlands Plant Fair 2026 is shaping up to be more than just a traditional plant sale. What really stands out this year is the addition of Highlands Harvest. That expansion turns it into more of a full weekend experience:
🌱 Plants & gardening: Rare plants, local nursery stock, garden tools, decor, and structures
🍷 Food & drink: Local producers, wines, gin, and gourmet stalls
🎶 Atmosphere: A more festival-like vibe with food and music layered into the plant fair
It’s the kind of event where you could spend a few hours browsing plants… and end up staying the whole day for lunch, tastings, and a relaxed wander.
Stall Holders
With over 40 stallholders from across NSW and Victoria, plus contributions from the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, it’ll be a great place to find unique and collectable plants you wouldn’t normally see at big retailers.
Plant stall holders include specialists in:
– bulbs, succulents, perennials, hydrangeas, cliveas, camellias, natives and more
– allied garden stalls including fountains, stakes, & tools
– garden craft, hand made pots, garden wear, pre-loved books
Clarence Slockee
Celebrity Guest
Saturday 9am – 4pm
With regular segments on ABC TV Series, Gardening Australia Clarence continues to educate people about medicinal, cultural and edible native plant species unique to the Australian landscape.
Join him as he shares:
✨ Why native plants matter
✨ Their deep cultural and ecological connections
✨ Practical tips you can use in your own garden
Throughout the day, Clarence will also be wandering among stallholders and visitors, perfect for photo opportunities and engaging Q&A conversations.
Speaker sessions
Saturday 11am – 2.30pm
11am – Clarence Slockee from Gardening Australia will speak on Native Plants for your Garden
12 noon – Lillian Barry from Heritage Roses in Australia will speak on ‘Fragrant Heritage Roses for your Garden’
12.30 – Graeme Davis, National President of Dahlias Australia, will speak on Dahlias
1pm – Peter Hey from Just Cliveas and Rare Things will speak on Growing Cliveas and other South African plants
1.30pm – Rob Willis from Woodside Perennials will talk on Perennials and Grasses for your Garden
2pm – Mark Massey, owner of Mother Earth Nursery who sell over 200 types of hydrangeas, will speak on Hydrangeas
Jazz in the Gardens
with Short & Horny
Sunday 11am – 3pm
at the Plant Fair
Live Jazz in the Gardens with ‘Short & Horny’ on Sunday 11am – 3pm. So, be sure to come to the fair for all the stalls, and to refuel between open garden visits.