If you’re a sucker for flowers then get ready to screenshot because these places are bloomin’ heaven on Earth. Some of them are right on our doorstep too.
Angie Thomas, Horticulture Consultant to Yates says flower festivals are most definitely not exclusive to green thumbs: “In the past five years, I have noticed a visible rise in the variety of people attending flower festivals. Expanded programs are mixing flowers with food, wine, music, comedy, art and cultural experiences.”
Check out some of the best flower festivals in Australia and around the world.
1. Wisteria Flower Tunnel, Japan
It’s known for its magical Cherry Blossom season which runs from mid-March but if you can hold off on heading to the land of the geisha until late April you’ll be graced with this stunning sight.
The Wisteria Flower Tunnel is located in the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu, which is on the opposite side of Japan from Tokyo. It’s a private garden so there’s an entry fee (between $6-$18, dependant on how in-bloom the flowers are) but honestly though, who wouldn’t pay to see this in real life?!
^ Ugh, the beauty is too much, hurts our eyes.
2. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Comprising three gardens, with the most flower-filled being the aptly named Flower Dome. It’s the largest glass greenhouse in the world at 1.2 hectares (to put that in perspective that’s a little bigger than two football fields) and features blooms and plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.
Step inside where’s it’s forever spring and be mesmerised by the changing displays.
3. Floriade, Canberra
Every year Canberrans and flower-obsessed folk around the country make their way to the Nation’s capital to witness the magic that is Floriade. More than one million bulbs and annuals are planted on the grounds of Commonwealth Park, which takes 20 gardeners seven weeks, and are loving tended to for months in the lead-up. Come spring, the whole park erupts in a riot of colour.
The free event attracts almost half a million visitors and this year you could be one of them so keep September 16 to October 15 free so you can make a trip to the ACT.
4. The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Festival, Victoria
Now in its 22nd year, this annual garden show plays host to some of the most creative landscapers in our great country. Not to mention, plenty of flowers showcased in every which way.
In the Great Hall of Flowers you’ll find designs from Australia’s leading florists, as well as a floral and foliage fashion exhibit by RMIT and grower’s market where you can pick up a floral souvenir direct from the source.
Plus, you’re in luck because year’s show is on from this Wednesday, March 29 until Sunday, April 2 so you don’t even have to wait that long to get your flower-obsession on.
5. Chelsea Flower Show, London UK
Considering the guest list includes the likes of Her Majesty, Prince Harry, Duchess Catherine and Prince Charles, it’s fair to say the No trip to Holland is complete without a tiptoe through the tulips and daffodils at the iconic Keukenhof Gardens. More than 7 million blooms line the fields, which cover 32 hectares, from late March until late May. There’s also a number of flower shows on throughout this season, each highlighting the beauty of a different bloom. Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has been an iconic Queensland event. Held over 10 days in September, the program includes a street parade, a night garden with immersive light installations, a three day food and wine festival and the opportunity to visit some spectacular private and public local gardens. There’s even a scented garden specifically designed for people who are visually impaired. Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival in the NSW town of Cowra is a celebration of spring and Japanese culture. Held at the Cowra Japanese Garden, he one day event at the end of September, when the cherry blossoms are at their peak, also includes cultural activities like tai chi, tea ceremonies, martial arts and Taiko drummers. In addition to cherry blossoms, there’s bonsai demonstrations in the Bonsai House.6. Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
7. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, QLD
8. Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival Cowra, NSW
