Let’s face it: our nation’s capital is generally not the most exciting place, what with its circular streets and tame nightclubs and Kevin Rudds. But from the 12th of September to the 11th of October, all that will temporarily change, as Canberra puts on the glorious annual spectacle known as
Floriade.
Boasting a wide variety and enormous number of bulbs and annuals, Floriade is the largest flower festival in Australia. It has been running since 1988 and attracts over 400,000 visitors. From the very beginning, it has been held in Commonwealth Park, which lies alongside
Lake Burley Griffin and is just a short walk from the city centre.
As the website explains, this year’s
program “has something for everybody with displays, workshops, concerts and roving performers”, while
gardening personalities will also be doing the rounds. The theme for 2009 is Mind, Body and Soul- and the
extraordinary garden beds have been organised accordingly, with one rising and falling like the waves of the ocean, and another depicting a beating heart. As for the
showcase gardens, these are expected to be based around the concept of “outdoor living and entertaining”, and to embrace “the concept of water conservation and or alternative energy use.”
Floriade is free and will be open from 9am to 5pm (5:30pm on weekends and public holidays) each day. And from the 23rd to the 27th of September,
NightFest will be on as well. Running from 6.30 to 10.30pm, this is a ticket-only affair, and includes an enticing variety of film screenings, stand-up comedy, music, magic, acrobatics, marquees, dining and more.
To read the FAQ,
click here.
To examine Floriade’s interactive map,
click here.
To work out how to get there (once in Canberra),
click here.
To see an alluring photo gallery,
click here.
