Plant Lovers Fair returns to the Central Coast in 2026

Calling all plant lovers, from serial green thumbs and keen collectors to those looking for their first few plants. The Plant Lovers Fair is returning to the Central Coast on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, bringing more than 30 specialist exhibitors to Kariong for a huge weekend dedicated to all things plants.

And big news this year: Costa Georgiadis is coming back!

Held at Kariong Mountains High School, the annual not-for-profit event has become a spring favourite for local gardeners, collectors and the plant-curious, with exhibitors specifically chosen because they offer something outside the usual garden-centre line-up.

You’ll find rare and unusual plants, collectors’ varieties and the kinds of plants you’re unlikely to stumble across at your local garden centre. And the timing couldn’t be better. Landing right at the start of spring, you’re sure to find the perfect plants to bring your garden to life.

Central Coast Plant Lovers Fair 2026

The 2026 Plant Lovers Fair exhibitor list is enormous, covering everything from flowering favourites and edibles to some seriously niche specimens. 

You’ll find orchids, bromeliads, succulents, cacti, bonsai, bulbs, roses, camellias, Australian natives, ferns, tropical plants, African violets, herbs and heirloom vegetable seeds, with specialist growers travelling from NSW, Victoria and Queensland for the weekend.

There are some particularly fun finds in the mix. Yamina Rare Plants specialises in unusual collectors’ plants, including magnolias, maples and conifers.

Importantly, ‘rare’ doesn’t necessarily mean ridiculously difficult to keep alive. Many of the exhibitors are specialist growers here to share the dirt on what will work in your garden, how to care for it and where to plant it – you don’t need rubber arms to be easily convinced here. (But if you need backup: yes, you do need that plant. And that one too, of course.)

Specialist exhibitors and Costa Georgiadis

Plant Lovers Fair isn’t simply a giant plant sale. A speakers program will run throughout the weekend, with growers and exhibitors sharing practical advice about the plants they know best. The full schedule will be available at the event.

It’s a chance to ask the questions that Google sometimes makes unnecessarily complicated: Why is this leaf going brown? Will this actually survive in my backyard? And how much watering does ‘moderate watering’ really mean?

With special guest Costa Georgiadis joining the program, visitors will also have the chance to hear from one of Australia’s best-known gardening presenters and passionate advocates for sustainable, community-focused gardening.

Known for his work on ABC’s Gardening Australia, Costa brings an energetic, hands-on approach to growing, composting, biodiversity and making the most of the garden you have, whether that’s a backyard, balcony or community plot. He’s generous with his advice and especially loves getting the kiddos excited about plants, so his return is all the more reason to bring the whole family along. 

A  family-friendly Central Coast gardening event 

The Plant Lovers Fair is run by a not-for-profit association and a small committee of volunteers, with ticket income helping cover the considerable cost of staging the weekend, as well as supporting the host school. 

And whoever came up with the fair’s free undercover plant minding service deserves a medal. Buy your plants, drop them off and keep browsing without hauling three pots, a fern and an ornamental shrub around for the rest of the afternoon. School students and Scouts will also be on hand to help move purchases to the designated pick-up area.

There’ll be plenty to eat while you browse, including Turkish gozleme, Vietnamese food, coffee, sweet treats, and food from the Kariong Mountains High School canteen and sausage sizzle. Under 18s get in free, making it an easy family day out too.

Plant Lovers Fair 2026: dates, tickets and location

When: Saturday 19 September, 9am – 4pm and Sunday 20 September, 9am – 3pm
Where: Kariong Mountains High School, 10 Festival Drive, Kariong
Tickets: $15 adults, under 18s free, $22 online weekend pass and $13 per person for pre-arranged coach groups. Tickets can be purchased online (recommended) or at the gate.

There will be free parking. The venue is wheelchair accessible, although some grassed parking and exhibitor areas may be uneven or soft depending on conditions. And note that as the fair is held on school grounds, animals are not permitted.

For tickets, the full 2026 exhibitor list and more information, head to plantloversfair.com.au. For more info check the PLF socials on Instagram or Facebook. Otherwise, grab your tickets here now, and get ready for a weekend of family fun, fresh air, fabulous plants and plenty of inspo for creating your own little green oasis at home.

Our advice: clear a little space in the garden before you go… just in case.