Don’t Miss These International Flower Shows: A World of Floral Wonders.
Each season whispers a new floral story, and you’re invited to witness the breathtaking tales! Join us for a vibrant celebration of nature’s artistry, where every petal paints a masterpiece.
Inside this handbook:
- Discover the season’s most treasured floral experiences.
- Unleash your inner horticulturalist.
- Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colours and delicate fragrances.
Don’t miss out! Be part of a blooming amazing experience!
Chelsea Flower Show, England
One of the world’s most well-known and esteemed flower shows is the Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place in London. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, this event attracts visitors from all over the globe for five days in late May. It is often associated with the royal family.
Visitors can explore innovative garden designs, lavish displays, and newly developed plants. The show features stunning show gardens and cutting-edge floral displays. The Chelsea Flower Show offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the plant kingdom.
With only 157,000 visitors allowed each year, tickets must be purchased in advance. Breathtaking exotic exhibits, dramatic blooms, innovative new designs, and gardening inspiration make this show spectacular. A-list celebrities often attend.
Best Time to Visit: The show runs from May 21 to May 25, 2024. The best days to visit are Tuesday and Wednesday, as these are RHS members’ days when the displays are at their freshest. If you prefer fewer crowds, aim for afternoon visits starting around 3 PM.
Tips:
- Arrive early, ideally before the gates open at 8 AM, to enjoy quieter moments in the show gardens.
- Bring a bottle of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energised throughout the day.
- Consider exploring less crowded areas like the Artisan Gardens or the Great Floral Pavilion in the morning before they fill up.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, England
Since 1990, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show has attracted visitors worldwide and is considered one of the world’s largest flower shows. The show picks a different theme each year, encouraging designers to produce gardens from the outrageous to the accessible.
Visitors can enjoy stunning garden displays, exceptional floral arrangements, and stalls to pick up gardening materials. Competitions and cuisine are also featured. The show is known for its festival of roses, where a rose of the year is unveiled annually. The focus is on sharing the best in gardening and encouraging visitors to become gardeners themselves.
Best Time to Visit: This show typically occurs in early July. The best time to visit is during the weekdays when crowds are lighter.
Tips:
- Plan your visit for early in the day to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
- Participate in workshops and talks offered throughout the event for a more interactive experience.
The Hong Kong Flower Expo, Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Flower Expo is a 10-day festival that draws almost half a million visitors yearly with its dazzling landscape displays, unusual plants, and cultural events. Each year, the show sets a theme and invites countries from around the world to participate, focusing on instilling a love of horticulture across the globe.
A series of activities are held throughout the expo, including floral art demonstrations, plant-care clinics, and guided walks. Kid’s activities include magic shows, face painting, and bouncy castles. Music performances, marching bands, cooking demonstrations, and fashion shows make this more than just a flower show. The breathtaking displays of flowers and plants from around the world are a treat.
Best Time to Visit: The expo is held in mid-November. Visiting during weekdays will help avoid large crowds.
Tips:
- Use public transport to reach the venue easily, as parking can be limited.
- Take advantage of guided tours available at the expo for deeper insights into the floral displays.
Keukenhof, Netherlands
Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe,” is one of the largest flower gardens in the world. Open annually for approximately eight weeks from mid-March to mid-May, it showcases millions of tulips and other spring flowers in breathtaking displays. The gardens feature themed areas that change each year, providing visitors with a fresh experience. Holland’s Keukenhof is a must-see.
Best Time to Visit: Open from mid-March to mid-May, plan your visit between late April and early May for peak tulip bloom.
Tips:
- Purchase tickets online in advance to skip long lines at the entrance.
- Consider renting a bike to explore nearby tulip fields for a unique experience.
Philadelphia Flower Show, USA
The Philadelphia Flower Show is the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the United States. This marquee event at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre has been running for almost two centuries and is known around the world for its spectacular immersive floral exhibits and plant competitions. With a different theme each year, the show includes competitions, workshops, and a variety of vendors selling plants and garden-related products. Thousands of people come to see the riot of colour and maximalist floral arrangements.
Best Time to Visit: Usually held in early March. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Tips:
- Attend special preview events if available for an exclusive experience.
- Many displays are designed with photography in mind, so bring a camera.
Cherry Blossom Festivals
Cherry blossoms are another stunning floral spectacle celebrated worldwide each spring. Here are some top destinations to witness these breathtaking blooms:
Washington D.C., USA
- Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April.
- Tip: Check out real-time updates on blooming status via the National Park Service’s Cherry Blossom Watch.
Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan
- Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April.
- Tip: Experience hanami (flower viewing) picnics under blooming cherry trees in parks like Ueno Park or Shinjuku Gyoen.
Have you discovered our latest blog on cherry blossoms yet?
Vancouver, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: March 28 to April 23.
- Tip: Join guided walks during Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival events for an immersive experience.
Macon, Georgia
- Best Time to Visit: March 21 to March 30.
- Tip: Participate in local festivities like parades and races during Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival.
Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, South Korea
- Best Time to Visit: Late March to mid-April.
- Tip: Enjoy local food stalls while taking in beautiful views along cherry blossom-lined streets.
Jerte Valley, Spain
- Best Time to Visit: March 22 – April 7.
- Tip: Attend various activities during Fiesta Del Cerezo En Flor for an engaging experience amidst millions of cherry trees.
Whether you’re drawn by vibrant tulips or delicate cherry blossoms, these flower shows offer unforgettable experiences filled with beauty and cultural richness. Plan your visit around peak blooming times for maximum enjoyment!
