Friday, December 24, 2010

Trees take center stage at Floriade 2012

On 6 April 2012, the international horticultural exhibition Floriade 2012 will open its doors to the public. This 64-hectare horticultural showcase will not only preserve the area’s existing forestry resources, but will enhance the site with the planting of additional trees. Already, 1500 large calipre trees – about 85 per cent of the new plantings scheduled for Floriade 2012 – have been planted.


The overall design of Floriade 2012 will focus on five separate but interconnected themes that clearly address current trends. Education & Innovation, World Show Stage, Relax & Heal, Green Engine and Environment will all be explored through innovative and thought-provoking and above all, aesthetically-pleasing displays. Trees will feature prominently in each of these themed areas. Designer John Boon and planting advisor Jan Mauritz have selected trees based on the principles of “the right plant in the right place,” ensuring that the varieties chosen are well-suited to the existing climatic conditions and soil types. And of course, the quality of the trees planted is of paramount importance.

Throughout, aesthetic appeal takes center stage

The allure of beautiful colours for example, will be strongly featured at the central entrance of the themed area to be known as “Environment, Quality of Life.” A wonderful range of colours, from green, yellow, red and variegated, are realized in deciduous and coniferous trees. As well as the variety of colours, the designers have also selected different tree shapes, leaf shapes and textures, bark pattern and colours and more, in a large and diversified botanical selection. The Bomen Allee (Tree Avenue) will include 120 different street trees, showing that diversity is possible. Trees will be tagged to make this a learning as well as a visually exciting experience.

The concept that trees have mystical properties will be explored in the themed area to be known as the“Friends Woodland.” Located near Kabelbos, an existing forest area, a Celtic Tree Horoscope has been planted. This is a circle of 21 trees, each one representing two periods or a day of the year (the change of the seasons). Simply find the day or period of your birthday to know which type of tree and its corresponding characteristics to which you belong! Surrounding the tree horoscope are 100 old fruit trees, of 42 different varieties, in response to the current trend to nostalgic and heritage varieties.

A peaceful haven, offering an opportunity to picnic in the shade of trees or simply to relax, can be found in the World Show Stage area known as “Cultural Convergence.” Several varieties of park trees are freely planted here, including Prunus, Tilia, Rhododendron, Sophora, Castanea, Populus and red beech cultivars. The entire area is enhanced with large borders of ornamental shrubs.




Further opportunities for relaxing can be found in the themed zone “Relax and Heal, Well-being,” which focuses on both our mental as well as our physical well-being. Over 200 Robinias of different varieties and flowering at different times of the season, filter the sunlight, offering an overall sense of tranquillity. This planting forms the link between the shaded woodland area and the open market gardening area. Several other multi-stem and specimen trees, including some Mediterranean species are also featured.

“The Future in our Sights” focuses on the theme of Education and Innovation and in this area the designers have appropriately chosen to use trimmed, espaliered and topiary types of trees, including 160 striking 10 to 12 tiered specimen Tilias. An avenue of large-leaved Tilia americanaand small-leaved Tilia europa forms the entranceway to the Dutch government pavilion.

Of course, a modern horticultural showcase would not be complete without the inclusion of the green theme of “Sustainability.” Here, a newly planted row of conifers enhances the existing fringe of the wood with softwoods. This area will also be planted with some young birch trees as pioneer plants, creating an atmosphere of a deserted industrial area, which is reclaimed by nature. The plant materials will form a stark contrast with hard materials such as slabs of concrete, pavement and the large, austere glass building that will be created in this location.

There is now a little less than two years to go before Floriade 2012 opens its gates to the public. In the meanwhile, we will bring you ongoing news of the park’s development. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll be putting this event on your “must see” list.

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