7 Top fantastic flower shows around the world

For all flower and horticultural enthusiasts there are plenty of top international flower shows to add to your travel itinerary while on holiday. Flower shows are incredible tourist attractions that promise an explosion of delights your senses will thoroughly enjoy. Be inspired by great leaps in imagination and creativity. Here are our top 7 fantastic flower shows around the world (in no particular order):

1. Chelsea Flower Show, London
Arguably the world’s most renowned flower show, the Chelsea Flower Show is hosted on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and showcases over 20 show gardens designed by cutting-edge inspired and creative landscaping experts from around the world. Visitors can expect to be bombarded by dramatic bloom displays and inspiring garden designs and themes. This premiere event in the horticultural world attracts 157 000 visitors each year, attesting to its popularity.

2. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
South Africa’s classic internationally acclaimed perennial flower show is one attraction that should feature on the itinerary lists of all visitors to the city. Reasons for including a stop at the ‘most beautiful garden in Africa’ include more than 22 000 indigenous plants and award-winning flowers shows that can be viewed all year round.

3. Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Australia
This 18 year-old international flower show is reported to be the largest flower show in the southern hemisphere. This stunning garden expo is held at a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne – where awe-inspiring avant-garde landscape designs are on display.

4. The Hong Kong Flower Expo
This flower show in Asia attracts more than 500 000 visitors and is characterised by its display of remarkable potted plants and spectacular garden displays by exhibitors from more than 20 countries around the world. Apart from the thrilling flower displays, visitors can also get expert advice from plant-care clinics and participate in guided walks.

5. Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, London
The world’s biggest flower show, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is widely known for the enthralling show gardens on display as well as floral marquees and pavilions. The distinctive voice of this flower show is the spotlight on environmental concerns and horticultural education.

6. Philadelphia International Flower Show
This year the Philadelphia International Flower Show saw its 184th annual hosting in March. The indoor flower show plays to a theme every year with ‘Brilliant’ being the theme for this year. The spirit of competitiveness soars high among exhibitors which ensure that the creative landscaping talent brought to the event present riveting garden displays. Visitors can also enjoy garden teas, a kid’s zone and a Garden to Table Kitchen where culinary demonstrations are held.

7. Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt, Netherlands
The Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world and is one of the top tourist attractions in the city for horticultural lovers. Established in 1862, the flower show floats on the Singel Canal. Visitors can ogle at magnificent charming bouquets from florists and flower shops which are a real treat.