The World’s Best Flower Shows 2017
Around the world, people can explore extravagant and stunning flower shows that occur every year. Each one has its own unique style and features that make it a must-see event. Australia is lucky enough to have a number of high quality, beautiful shows that we discussed in our previous post.
However, shows in other countries often provide something different and unique, which is a great source of inspiration for any floral enthusiast.
If you plan on travelling next year and are still deciding where to go, we have created a list of what we consider some of the world’s best flower shows that will happen in 2017. See what the best in the business from around the world are growing and creating and be inspired on your next holiday.
So dig up the travel bug and head to one of these incredible flower shows in 2017.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
What: Awaken your curiosity at Walt Disney World’s extravagant and amazing flower show.
When: 1st March – 29th May 2017
Where: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, USA
Image source: Somewhere in the Sand
Discover a show full of excitement, thrills, beauty and wonder at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Located inside Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, this flower show is a completely different adventure from the others on this list.
Combining dazzling gardens, topiary trees, outdoor kitchens, guided walks, concerts and seminars, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For the kids and the young at heart, there are gardens and play areas specifically designed for children to learn and delight in horticultural activities. You can also see topiary trees shaped into your favourite Disney characters.
To enter you have to purchase a theme park ticket, which means you can experience both the magic of Disney World and the spectacular floral designs and displays at the same time. Discover more on the Disney World Website
Canada Blooms
What: A huge indoor event showcasing the latest garden designs and the winners from the Toronto Flower Show.
When: 10th March – 19th March 2017
Where: Enercare Centre, Toronto, Canada
Image source: /images/uploads/blog/
Witness spectacular floral exhibits created by over 140 professional designers in the largest flower and garden festival in Canada. At the same time, the Toronto Flower Show exhibits the winning entries of their annual competition that award the best amateur floral arrangers.
This is the perfect show to brush up on the latest horticultural knowledge and ideas as there are hundreds of demonstrations, talks and workshops run by national and international experts. In addition, there are collections of amazing gardens designed by landscaping experts that showcase spring’s colourful ensemble of flowers
To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, the theme for 2017 is ‘Oh! Canada’. The professional florists are also tasked with creating designs in the theme of ‘Coast to Coast’, so you can expect the displays to create beautiful symbols of national pride.
Check out the Canada Blooms website for more information.
Hong Kong Flower Show
What: A splash of colour in the urban jungle of Hong Kong.
When: 10th March – 19th March 2017
Where: Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Image source: Hong Kong Flower Show – Leisure and Cultural Services Department
To experience flowers at their most romantic this year, head to the Hong Kong Flower Show, whose theme this year is ‘Blossoms of Love’. Floral designers from around the world are tasked with creating their best floral arrangements and landscapes featuring roses, which is sure to delight both the sights and smells of everyone there.
Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, the Hong Kong Flower Show is not to be missed by any lover of plants and horticulture. There are plant exhibit competitions, a diverse range of educational activities and the ability to purchase a wide array of plants. There are also incredible examples of potted plants that are sure to inspire any green thumb.
Located in one of the most densely populated places in the world, the Hong Kong Flower Show is bursting with colour and fresh air, which reminds us of the importance of flowers and nature in our rapidly developing planet. Discover more about this event on the Hong Kong Flower Show website.
Philadelphia Flower Show
What: The world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show.
When: 11th March – 19th March 2017
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, USA
Image source: /images/uploads/blog/
Having recently been awarded the Grand Pinnacle Gold award from the International Festivals & Events Association, and by being the world’s oldest and largest flower show, the Philadelphia Flower Show is definitely one to plan a trip to.
The theme for 2017 is ‘HOLLAND: Flowering the World’, so you can expect the top horticulturists and floral designers from the Netherlands to be there showcasing their skills and knowledge (and of course, the odd tulip or two). There is also a focus on the Dutch efforts in creating sustainable and green urban environments.
The 10 acre Convention Center will be transformed into a vivid oasis of floral designs, landscape displays, talks, demonstrations and a vast indoor market. For kids, there will be an interactive butterfly exhibit and a teddy bear’s picnic. Whilst the kids are occupied, the adults can unwind in the garden spa with massages, champagne and a make-your-own essential oils station.
There are many more events to see but we can’t list them all here. To discover what else makes this show so special, check out the official Philadelphia Flower Show website.
Keukenhof Gardens
What: As one of the most photographed places in the world, the Keukenhof Gardens are an explosion of colour and beauty.
When: 23rd March – 21st May 2017
Where: Keukenhof, The Netherlands
Image source: www.thousandwonders.net
If you can’t make it to the Philadelphia Flower Show, or would prefer to see Dutch flowers in the Netherlands, you can’t go past Keukenhof Gardens. The world famous colour extravaganza attracts millions of visitors every year with its promise of the best mass floral displays you will ever see. Whilst not technically a ‘show’, the gardens are only open for two months every year and are so spectacular that we had to include them on this list!
Every year, around 7 million flower bulbs are planted in the 79-acre garden. Whilst the tulips are a speciality, there are also stunning exhibits of crocuses, narcissus, orchids, hyacinths, lilies and Japanese cherry blossoms. If that is not enough to entice you, the Orange Nassau Pavillion houses floral displays created by flower arranging experts, with flowers sourced from over 500 growers.
It is hard to miss the extreme dedication, talent and hard work that go into creating these spectacular gardens. For the 3 months of autumn, the gardeners’ hand-plant each bulb and each flower hybrid is marked with the grower’s names so that you know who to purchase or learn more about it.
For more information about the flowers and other events, such as the annual Flower Parade, check out Keukenhof’s website.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
What: Known as ‘The Great Spring Show’, this is one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world
When: 23rd May – 27th May 2017
Where: The Royal Hospital, London, UK
Image source: www.sarahhorne.net
Every year, members of the British royal family attend the Chelsea Flower Show to see an array of new plants, floral displays and the latest trends in garden design. This is the show where the best horticultural designers are sponsored by generous benefactors and are left to create unparalleled gardens that you can only see here.
Anyone who is serious about floral or landscape design needs to attend this show at least once in their lives. There is no end to the inspiration and glamour that can be found, which makes it one of the highlights of the London social calendar.
Set in only 11 acres, there is a limit of 157,000 tickets available each year which are already on sale. So if you plan on attending, it is best to plan in advance and buy them soon. For more information, see the RHS Chelsea Flower Show website.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
What: The largest flower show in the world, nestled in the heart of London.
When: 4th July – 9th July
Where: Hampton Court Palace, London, UK
Image by Lucy Shiel via www.cravenhouse.net
It would be hard not to compare the two London flower shows set less than two months apart. Whilst the Chelsea Show has the latest spectacular landscape designs, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show cannot be beaten on its atmosphere. It is relaxing and you are able to engage with the gardens.
As the largest flower show in the world, everything that is displayed is of the highest quality. With vast amounts of gardens, pavilions, talks and demonstrations you will want to spend more than a day here. The Floral Marquee is a stand out, covering 6,750 square metres (that is larger than a soccer pitch!), as is the Festival of Roses Marquee which is filled with the colours and scents of hundreds of roses.
The main focus of this show is on environmental sustainability, growing your on food and the ability to purchase any plants or equipment that tickle your fancy. Their conceptual gardens are created around the theme of topical social issues, and win awards every year.
Learn more about what makes this show so exceptional on the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show website.
New Zealand Flower & Garden Show
What: The first international flower show to be held in Auckland since 2008 is poised to become one of the best in the world.
When: 22nd November – 26th November
Where: Okahu Bay and Bastion Point, Auckland, New Zealand
Image source: www.pinterest.com
Whilst not yet able to claim status as one of the world’s best flower shows, this is one we think you should watch. Its inaugural show will happen in 2017, and with the events and displays planned to occur, we can’t help but be excited about this one. With the extra time to prepare and learn, you can expect a bigger and more polished event than most inaugural shows.
Set at picturesque Bastion Point, this flower show is set to host some big names in the horticultural world. These designers will come from all over the world and present over 100 modern floral art and garden designs in 10 categories.
With a close connection to the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei people, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about their culture and history throughout the show. There will also be gardens designed to showcase elements of their culture.
Countdown the opening date with the New Zealand Flower & Garden Show website and discover what else you can expect at the maiden show.
Whether you are yet to decide on a holiday destination or happen to be in the area, a visit to these flower shows is an exciting activity for your itinerary. Discover the best and most creative designs from around the world to inspire your floral displays and gardens back home.
Do you know of any other flower shows, maybe in your home town or that you have previously visited? Let us know in the comments below!
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