Whether you’re a gardener, a buyer, a floral designer or you simply have a sprouting interest in horticulture, attending a flower and garden show is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of nature with like-minded enthusiasts.
Admire the artful skill of top floral arrangers, learn about emerging gardening trends, and witness the beauty of spectacular outdoor garden settings from some of the world’s best designers.
So tend to your 2017 travel list and plan a trip to one of these top international flower and garden shows.
View Botanica’s range of flower and garden tours here
View Collette’s range of flower and garden tours here
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show – March 29 to April 2, 2017
You don’t have to travel far to attend one of the world’s great flower and gardening shows. Held annually at the historic Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show’s 2017 theme is “Discover an inner city oasis.”
The juxtaposition of the colourful gardens against the striking backdrop of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Park fountains casts an almost imperial tone to the elegant outdoor gardens.
Close to 30 landscape design sites will be featured throughout the park, with retailers available both outdoors, and within the exhibition building. This pre-winter flower show is the perfect place to enjoy the colours of autumn.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show – May 23 to 27, 2017
Held every May since 1912, the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show not only makes news for its landscapes and gardens, but for its visit each year by members of the British Royal Family.
From its beautiful location at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on the banks of the Thames, the Royal Horticultural Society puts on a spectacular gardening exhibition. The show is centred on the Great Pavilion, a covered space that features endless arrays of cut flowers as well as flower displays.
But it’s the outdoor gardens where the real show is at. The world’s best landscape and garden designers feature their works for a chance to win the Best in Show award. The Chelsea Flower Show is also best known for its stunning collection of roses, begonias and delphiniums.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Like Chelsea, the most prestigious of flower shows, the Royal Horticultural Society also hosts the world’s largest horticultural event, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in southwest London’s Surrey.
Gracing 14 hectares (34 acres) of the palace grounds, the annual event held every July features not only floral marquees and pavilions, but intricately designed water gardens of conceptual design.
What makes this show so enjoyable though is its sheer size. With all its space, visitors needn’t worry about crowds or in taking a leisurely pace through the gardens. From talks and demonstrations to shopping for flowers and plants, gardening enthusiasts may just find this flower show to be the ultimate experience.
Philadelphia Flower Show – March 11 to 19, 2017
From the world’s largest outdoor flower show at Hampton Court, we travel to Philadelphia for the largest indoor flower show. Dating back to 1829, the Philadelphia Flower Show is also one of the world’s oldest horticultural events.
Each year revolves around a national or regional theme. Last year was all about Paris, while 2017 celebrates the outdoor beauty of Holland. Stroll through the Grand Hall where you’ll find Holland recreated in all its floral extravagance.
For those looking to buy, you can take advantage of the many plant and flower retailers found at the show, or simply marvel at the creative displays. Be sure to take time out of your festive flower day and relax at the Flower Show Garden Tea Room.
Singapore Garden Festival – July 2018
For those who require some advance planning, you’ll want to consider the Singapore Garden Festival. What makes this show so special is its unique tropical theme.
Held every two years, the next one is scheduled for 2018 – although it’s never too early to start planning.
Garden Festival’s ascendancy over the last decade has put it at the top for showcasing some of the most original garden designs. Add to that the festival’s flair, and it’s plain to see why it has taken off as a must-attend event. Singapore’s botanic extravaganza runs for eight days in July 2018.