Every year, thousands of horticultural events take place around the world and here we’ve cultivated some of the best from here and abroad to plant the seed for your next trip.
Sakura (cherry blossom) Japan tours
Spring is cherry blossom season when much of the country is framed in bright hues of pink and right now is the perfect time to plan for Japan’s many festivals and events celebrating this beautiful time of year.
From the gardens surrounding the centuries old Goryokaku Fort and Hirosaki Castle, to the peaceful parks in Tokyo and Kyoto, the splendour of the cherry blossom season is unforgettable.
And if you want to extend the joy of the season, travel to the northern part of the country where blossoms in Hokkaido for example continue as late as May.
When: Late April to late May
How: Organised tours, cruises
More info: www.jnto.org.au/locations-to-see-sakura
Chelsea Flower Show
The most famous flower and garden show on the planet, Chelsea showcases magnificent floral designs and landscapes from the world’s best gardeners and architects.
The perfect place to harvest ideas for your own garden, this hugely popular show offers something for everyone from the unconventional to geographically themed gardens, stunning water features and much more including 100-plus floral displays. There’s inspiration everywhere you look.
When: 22 to 26 May 2018
How: Advance ticket purchase required, or consider an organised tour that includes London and visits to famous English gardens like Sissinghurst Castle and Hidcote Manor.
Perth Wildflowers
This is one that might not readily spring to mind but over in the west, colour jumps out of the ground at this time of year.
From the urban parks, to the coastal and inland trails, Perth’s 12,000 species of wildflowers can be seen in all their glory between September and November.
A September visit to Perth is especially well timed as it coincides with the city’s annual Kings Park Festival. Hosted workshops are part of the fun event that showcases the park’s beautiful gardens and wildflower species.
Venture further to explore the gorges of Kalbarri National Park north of Perth where over 1100 varieties of wildflowers can be found as early as July.
When: September to November
How: Organised tours, self-drive
More info: www.experienceperth.com
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
One of Australia’s most popular flower and garden events, the 10-day flower and garden extravaganza in Toowoomba, Queensland, each September features a Grand Central Floral Parade and a private garden competition with over 40 on display.
Special events include an Ikebana floral arrangement display, a Clivia show, wine sessions, concerts and cooking events with famous Aussie chefs.
Where: Toowoomba, Queensland (approximately 130km west of Brisbane)
When: September
How: Self-drive
More info: www.tcof.com.au
Singapore Garden Festival
The major international floral show to be held in the tropics, the week-long Singapore Garden Festival offers a burst of exciting displays.
The festival is held every two years at the famous Gardens by the Bay, a stunning nature park that features flower domes, conservatories and waterfront gardens.
A renowned venue for top local and international garden designers to showcase their lush creations, the Singapore Garden Festival has gained a reputation as one of the world’s best garden tourism events.
When: July 2018
How: Organised tours, self-tour
More info: www.singaporegardenfestival.com
Epcot International Flower Show
Only Disney could stage a flower and garden extravaganza like this. Held in Orlando at Florida’s famous Epcot Center, the Epcot International Flower Show is lauded as an “annual celebration of Spring.”
And it’s an event the whole family can enjoy. Disney-themed shrubs and trees, flower towers and wildlife habitats grace the garden pathways making it a sensory indulgence to remember.
Gardening aficionados will appreciate the exhibits and seminars, as well as the outdoor kitchens and concerts. Guided tours of Epcot’s Gardens of the World are yet another way to take in the manicured beauty of the park.
When: March to June 2018
Where: Epcot Center – Orlando, Florida
More info: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
Published under license from Well Travelled
