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Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

Inspiration came alive at MIFGS 2025

Holmesglen was proud to expand our creative presence at the 2025 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS), with multiple departments showcasing their talents for the first time.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic works of Claude Monet, 'Monet’s Garden' and 'Woman with a Parasol', our immersive garden exhibition combined artistry and craftsmanship from our Fashion, Building and Construction, and Horticulture departments.

The exhibition re-imagined Monet’s masterpieces through the lens of contemporary design, blending vibrant colours, soft pastels, and natural textures, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

Award-winning displays at MIFGS 2025

Congratulations to our landscape design learners for their impressive achievements in the ‘Challenger Achievable Gardens’ competition.

  • Gold: ‘Elemental Garden’ – Joel Emmins
  • Silver: ‘Mediterranean Musings’ – Adam Clements
  • Bronze: ‘Back to Basics’ – Mitchell Reynolds
  • Best Use of Plant Life: ‘Mediterranean Musings’ – Adam Clements

Exploring Monet’s greatest visions: A garden of art and design

The garden design was a homage to Monet’s iconic water lily ponds, lush flower beds, and grassy meadows.

At the heart of this setting was a representation of Monet’s 'Woman with a Parasol'. This feature showcased three mannequins dressed in delicately designed garments, hand-sewn by our fashion degree course students, with floral accessories crafted by our VET Delivered to Secondary Students fashion course learners.

These mannequins graced the centre of a beautifully crafted bridge, designed and constructed by our joinery and furniture design course students. Using lightweight, sustainable materials, the bridge was accompanied by an elegant oval podium filled with various flowers and lush green foliage on either side.

The selected floral arrangements included roses and poppies, adding striking splashes of colour. Soft, flowing grasses and fragrant lavender also brought texture and dynamic movement to the scene.

The bridge featured a floor of green moss, while its handrails were covered with climbing roses, enhancing the atmosphere.

Concept planning

Visitors were treated to an immersive garden experience as they stepped into an interpretive wonderland of Monet influence (see concepts, right).

MIFGS inspiration | Our suggested plant list

Perennial flowers

  • Anthurium – pink
  • Bromeliad – peach/ orange
  • Chrysanthemum – White
  • Dahlia – white and peach
  • Daisy – pink and white
  • Gerbera – pink
  • Lisianthus - white
  • Protea – pink or cream
  • Roses – White, cream and pale pink
  • Snapdragon – cream, pale yellow/ orange

Accent flowers

  • African Violet
  • Chrysanthemum – blue
  • Cornflower - blue
  • Delphinium- blue
  • Lavender- purple
  • Lisianthus – purple

    Green foliage plants

    • Caladium (pink and green)
    • Calathea (indoor plant, striped variegated leaves)
    • Carissa desert Star
    • Colocasia
    • Ferns
    • Hostas
    • Peace Lily

    Monet’s Impressionist Garden: A hands-on floral experience

    Our joinery and furniture design course students crafted two garden benches using recycled natural timber, evoking a traditional garden setting.

    These benches provided an inviting spot to sit, reflect, enjoy the exhibition, and take photos.

    As an interactive feature, easels were placed nearby, encouraging visitors to draw the exhibition or a flower of their choice. Materials inspired by the impressionist palette were also provided.

    Interior decoration course students oversaw the colour schemes, and these activities were symmetrically arranged on both sides of the exhibition space.

    Holmesglen at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

    We've enjoyed a long-standing connection with MIFGS. Take a look back at what makes the event so special, as told by our students and teachers.
    Download our MIFGS colouring book (pdf 4.1mb)