Annette McFarlane gave her final advice on ABC Brisbane’s garden show last week. Claire Bickle, who has picked up the microphone, offers this tribute to her friend and colleague.
Annette McFarlane, our well-known HMAA Life Member and highly regarded gardening expert, author and broadcaster, has hung up the headphones after 35 years at the helm of ABC 612 Brisbane’s regular Gardening Talkback Show. Her long stint behind the microphone (and early morning starts) is an outstanding achievement and testament to her dedication in promoting, educating, and encouraging amateur and seasoned gardeners alike with integrity and professionalism.
Annette was a founding member and inaugural president of HMAQ. She has contributed significantly to the gardening community and over the decades has written popular gardening books, including Organic Fruit Tree Growing, Organic Vegetable Growing and Successful Gardening in Subtropical Climates. She has been a keynote speaker and has presented and run workshops at many gardening shows and events. Throughout her career, she has inspired people to grow their own food and create beautiful, organic productive gardens especially through community-based education programs with Brisbane City Council and as a Senior Lecturer at TAFE for more than 25 years. In 2018 she received the Golden Wattle award from the Australian Institute of Horticulture in recognition of her contribution to horticulture.
With tertiary qualifications in horticulture and education including a master’s degree in environmental education, her approachable style and practical guidance have made her a trusted resource for gardeners in Queensland and beyond.
Annette has always guided and supported upcoming horticulturists, including myself, right back at the start of my career some 34 years ago. Thank you Annette for all that you’ve achieved and done for our industry. All the HMAA family wish you all the very best in your retirement.
Listen to a segment from one of Annette’s shows here or search the ABC website.
