There's no doubt that this year will have made a name for itself in the history books, however 2022 is looking pretty bright! Our AGC directors Graham Ross AM VMM (NSW), John Mason (QLD) and Trevor Nottle (SA) share with us their 2021 review and predictions for 2022. 

The AGC Chair was happy to see the back of Covid, if for no other reason than to get a haircut !!!

2021 Review

Every high school in Australia for the first time in history now knows about careers in gardening and ornamental horticulture. A great achievement for the AGC.

We held one our biggest careers ZOOM conferences for NSW Secondary School Careers Advisors representing <100,000 students, and we’ve had good feedback.

WA held one complete careers event that the AGC attended and events in Qld and NSW were Covid interrupted. SA progressing well with engagement with the state government.

The AGC continues to be approached by industry and community bodies seeking our assistance to progress gardening pursuits, apprenticeship training and events.

Commonwealth and State Governments maintain contact with the AGC furthering awareness about gardening matters and the work of the AGC into the future.

2022 Predictions

The AGC is supporting three BBM Awardees in their travel and horticulture work experiences in the UK and France.

The biggest gardening event in the Southern Hemisphere returns, MIFGS, and the AGC will be there with bells on to engage with teenagers about careers in gardening and ornamental horticulture.

We have other garden events to attend to distribute our great careers booklets across Australia.

Garden tourism is ramping up in South Australia and the AGC looks forward to the outcomes there.

Other state AGC directors are also looking to engage with garden tourism opportunities as the country opens up again.

The Australian Independent Garden Centres group with finally be holding there often postponed conference and the AGC will be there to make contact with existing apprentices and future trainees in gardening and ornamental horticulture.

Ash Walker from Welby Garden Centre receiving his nomination for Industry Bloomer in the Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT Awards from the AGC Chair, Graham Ross AM. Ash is also a BBM Travel Scholarship Awardee for 2022 and spent time working at Mayfield Gardens, Oberon, NSW, during 2021.

John Mason

2021 Review

I’m hearing increasing negativity from mainstream education (TAFE, Unis & RTO’s). Some regions are more positive, but many are very unsettled – some are changing how they do things (eg. Moving to micro courses, moving online). At the same time, there has been a boom in non traditional education. Professional industry bodies are doing a lot more (eg. Webinars), international providers (particularly micro credentials) have ramped up.  We’ve seen a 500%+ growth in numbers of students studying ACS courses (mostly through affiliates) since the start of Covid. My observation is put simply, horticultural education is considered to be in trouble by many mainstream industry people; but in reality, it is actually growing – it’s just that it is changing & volatile. I don’t think the future will look anything like the past; but I think a lot of people are still hanging onto the thought it will.

2022 Predictions

As we emerge from Covid, consider:

• Supply chains globally & nationally are damaged – Covid has resulted in shortages of some products and raw materials; prompting a rethink of where we get things from and developing more reliable supplies into the future.
• The experience of Covid has made a significant % of the population reconsider what they do with their lives, where they live, where and how they work, play, interact with others. There is an increased activity and interest in gardening and I think that is likely to stay well above pre-Covid levels.
• Climate change and technological developments are of course other strong influences.
• One thing is for sure – without Covid, 2022 would have been very different to 2019 – but with Covid, it will be even more different.

A gorgeous, native Hibiscus heterophyllus, in a rare yellow, thriving in my rainforest garden.

Trevor Nottle

2021 Review

Last Friday afternoon I attended the launch of 'Australian Garden Calendar', a website developed by HMA SA to promote garden tourism in SA and Australia wide. Every garden event in SA has been invited to advertise their event in the calendar format free of charge. Major Australian garden events are also invited to list in the calendar. A broad view of garden events will ensure that a wide range of activities will be included from open gardens, flower shows, garden competitions, theatre and music in the garden, garden sculpture exhibitions, regional shows and more.

2022 Predictions

I predict a successful future for the calendar as it grows and meets a real need for timely information for local and interstate travellers. For more information contact hello@australiangardencalendar.com.au.

A fine peony from my garden.