APRIL 19th, 2026 @ CLARE SHOWGROUND

The SA Autumn Garden Festival was South Australia's first gardening festival. It is a fantastic opportunity to hear from some of Australia’s top gardening experts and stock up on the latest plants and accessories.

The Premier Garden Festival in SA

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Workshops

Saturday APRIL 18th 2026

Starting Your Patch From Scratch... with Sophie Thomson

Sat 18 Apr, 2026 | 10am - 1pm

Are you dreaming of creating your own piece of paradise, but not quite sure where to begin?

Join me in Clare on Saturday 18 April ….the day before the SA Autumn Garden Festiva…for a hands-on, practical workshop designed to give you the confidence and know-how to start your journey.

Over this extended session, I’ll guide you through the fundamentals of designing a sustainable, productive and beautiful garden from the ground up. Together we’ll explore:

  • how to create a clear masterplan for long-term success
  • zoning your space to manage water wisely and build microclimates
  • improving your soil for healthier plants
  • choosing the right plants at the right time
  • where to position vegie patches, orchards and productive spaces
  • integrating chooks, bees and beneficial bugs

This workshop draws on my personal 15+ years of experience building gardens from scratch…….both at Sophie’s Patch in Mt Barker and now at Sophie’s Patch 2.0 in the Mid Murray ….in some pretty tough conditions, from scorching summers to frosts and challenging soils. I’ll share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how you can apply these lessons to your own patch.

  • Bring your notebook and all your burning questions—I’ll weave in answers throughout the morning.

or take part in the FREE Demonstrations throughout the Festival day commencing at 10am

Keynote SPEAKERS

It was in his grandfather’s market garden that Georgiadis developed …

Gardening Australia presenter, author and horticulturist Sophie Thomson brings her …

OUR SPONSORS
salife
sawater
PlainsProducer
image011
Screenshot 2024-02-28 at 11.34.32 am
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
TraceyDewellFacebook
SA Autumn Garden Festival