It's been billed one of the to 10 sights in the world. It boasts upwards of 1.8 billion bulbs, 5,000 rose bushes, 19,000 perennials and 3,000 trees. It happens only once every 10 years and this fantastic flower event is happening now in Holland. It's Floriade 2012!
This world horticultural expo is open to the public now through 7 October in the Dutch town of Venlo. The event is highly anticipated by its hosts in Holland but also by gardeners and growers the world over. Indeed, this sixth edition of Floriade welcomes participants from across the globe including Thailand, Slovakia, Bolivia, Bhutan and Japan. Their prowess extends across over 160 acres and features more than just the floral fare. The grounds are also blooming with trees, herbs, fruit and vegetable plants.
"It's everything," American flower merchant, Debbie van Bourgondien told The Daily Beast. "If you are looking for the latest trends in gardening, the latest varieties, you’ll find it here."
Floriade is a sightseeing adventure, with five different sections designed by the world's best landscape artists. No two area is the same, and the variation of creativity, colours and plant species is best experienced with the help of a knowledgeable guide. On one or two day tours, you can learn the intricate details of the individual gardens, and get a grand overview on their own electric cable car.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to forget the powerful role nature plays. These gardens are the world's most spectacular displays of floral design and highlight the skill of today's horticultural sector. But they are a reminder too, that sometimes - in this case every 10 years - it is important to take the time to stop and smell the roses.
