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CLARE Showgrounds will be a hive of activity when the South Australian Autumn Garden Festival comes to town on Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21.

Festivities begin with a special Gala Dinner on Saturday night, featuring Costa on the Couch, when experienced ABC broadcast journalist Annabelle Homer interviews Costa Georgiadis, host of ABC’s Gardening Australia.

Marketing coordinator Steve Whelan said the Gala Dinner kicks off from 6pm at the Clare Showgrounds Hall.

“The dinner is $100 per head, including a glass of Skillogalee bubbles on arrival,” he said.

“All money raised from the auction will go toward upgrading the red brick pavilion where the dinner will be held.

“There are still tickets available, and bookings can be made through the website.

“This is all on top of a must-see interview with Costa, a Gold Logie, award-winning host.”

Skillogalee Estate will showcase local sustainable products, and their premium wines will be served.

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner and hear about the provenance of the produce.

The Garden Festival itself is 10am to 3pm on Sunday, April 21.

There will be special guests, gardening experts and workshops for the keen green thumb, the indoor plant lover, gardening novices and everyone in between.

“Guest speakers include Costa and Sophie Thomson, both immensely popular gardening personalities on ABC Television’s Gardening Australia; other speakers include Mark Smith from the Adelaide Hills Vegie Gardens,” Mr Whelan said.

“Also during the day, Steven Hoepfner from Wagtail Urban Farm and Gavin Woods from the Australian Rose Society will appear, to name a few.

“An additional special guest speaker is Vasili, from Vasili’s Gardens in Victoria; Vasili will also have many of his unique products for sale.”

There will be several free demonstrations and workshops about composting, worm farms, fruit tree pruning, sourdough making, backyard bees, flowers, foliage and the list goes on.

A designated area will feature free children’s activities.

“Woolworths will provide free fruit for the kids,” Mr Whelan said.

“Mid North Poultry Club will give advice about keeping backyard feathered friends as well as having various ducks and chooks on display to pat.

“Children can build their own scarecrow, have their faces painted, make nature crowns or plant seeds in an egg carton or compostable coffee cup.

“There really is something for everyone at the Autumn Garden Festival, so come along.”

For more information or to book, go to saautumngardenfestival.com.au/.