From early April to October, the Netherlands will be hosting an event that takes place only once every ten years. Floriade is a gardener’s paradise and any readers who are members of a gardening club will probably already have been asked to join a coach party to visit it.
For the rest of us, a quick explanation is that it is a world horticultural show for consumers and when I say world, I mean just that. People will come – about two million of them – from all over world to see the five themes of this year’s extravaganza. Don’t be put off the high numbers of visitors. Spread over six months it will always be busy but not claustrophobically so.
There are five themes this year. ‘Green Engine’ portrays horticulture as the green engine of the economy. ‘Education & Innovation’ relate the story of horticulture over the years while exploring the future of the sector at the same time. For ‘Environment’ the key element is the importance of greenery at home, on the streets and in the working environment. ‘Relax & Heal’ focuses on health, movement (physical wellbeing), food and enjoying the true flavour of products. Finally, the World Show Stage will host events which show how international art, culture and entertainment inspire the horticultural sector and vice versa. Each day will feature a cultural programme of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world.
This year Floriade takes place in Venlo in the east of the country. Because the UK has so many regional flights into Amsterdam (as well as cross-channel ferry routes) it will be easy to get to. The actual site is close to Venlo railway station so, if you’re not on a specified tour it will be easy to get to you whether you drive or use public transport. If you do drive, there is plenty of parking. A day ticket will cost you €25 but there are discounts for entry across more than one day. And a ticket for multiple entry across the whole six months is avaliable as well.
For more information about Floriade, click here
image courtesy of Floriade