A bit of advice frequently given to assignees moving abroad is to “bloom where you’re planted.” With much of the Northern Hemisphere experiencing an extremely cold, snowy winter, it is easy to feel more like hibernating than blooming.
But spring is coming! And just to urge it along, witness one of the beautiful flower and garden shows around the world:
Philadelphia Flower Show, March 1-9, is the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show. First held in 1829, today the show is held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and takes up 33 indoor acres with garden exhibits and glorious flower displays.
Hong Kong Flower Show, March 7-16, is held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. This year’s theme is the Kalanchoe, a tropical succulent flowering plant. Displays of floral arrangements, landscape designs, and horticultural items for sale are just a few features of this colorful, fragrant show.
Keukenhof Gardens, March 20-May 18, is a 32-hectacre park with 15 km of footpaths, located about 35 minutes from Amsterdam. During the flower show, the gardens are filled with blooming tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring bulbs. Sail around Keukenhof in a ‘whisper boat’ or join in one of the many weekend activities.
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, March 26-30, is Australia’s largest flower and garden show, featuring floral design workshops, sculpture garden, a retail market, and the Great Hall of Flowers in the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.
Chelsea Flower Show, May 20-24, has been held on the grounds of London’s Chelsea Hospital for 101 years. Britain’s most prestigious flower show dazzles visitors – including the Royal family – with Show Gardens, Artisan Gardens, and Fresh Gardens, each its own category.
There are many more wonderful flower and garden shows around the world. These are only a few!
So wherever you find your inspiration – from Mother Nature or elsewhere – here’s to turning over a new leaf in March, and springing forward into a new season.
