The Carlton Gardens are more commonly known as the Exhibition Gardens and is located in the city, adjoining the Royal Exhibition Building. The Carlton Gardens were established by the architect who designed the Exhibition Building, Joseph Reed. The plantings in the garden are the work of William Sangster.

The Carlton Gardens are special because they are well looked after and are a historical part of Melbourne, they have been there for a long time. Some special features of the gardens are a really old tree you can play in and a pond with a large fountain in the middle of it.

People visit the gardens to have lunch, go for walks, bike ride or just to have a play. There are also many shows and events that are held in the gardens, like the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

This show is held annually in the Carlton Gardens and Ehibition Building. This year it is being held from the 12th - 16th April.

The theme for 1999 was 'Reflections' celebrating the past, present and future. The show includes over 300 exhibits which represents horticulture, nursery products, landscape gardening and design, floristry and cut flowers at their very best!