Floriade 2012: World Horticultural Expo Returns To The Netherlands

One of the many places that's long been on anyone's travel bucket list is Keukenhof,  Holland's famous spring garden. 

As the largest bulb flower park in the world, Keukenhof is spread out over nearly 80 acres, with seven million flower bulbs planted by hand. But no worries if you didn't catch the colorful rite of spring, it returns again next year for two months, March 21-May 20, 2013.

Another impressive floral event, which happens only once every decade in The Netherlands, is the Floriade Horticultural Expo. This year it's being held in the region of Venlo, made up of seven communities and located southeast of Amsterdam near the German and Belgian borders. As one of the largest horticultural producing regions within Europe, this year's edition is spread out over 163 acres known as the Venlo Green Park.

The 2012 theme, "Be part of the theatre in nature, get closer to the quality of life," acknowledges the contribution of Dutch horticulture to the quality of life. Floriade 2012 is more an experience than a showcase. When I visited shortly before its April 5 opening, they were still putting the finishing touches on the exhibition, and if I had a chance to see it in all its glory, I would. The six-month exhibition runs through Oct. 20, 2012.

Taking five years to create, at a price tag of 43.5 million Euros, there are five themes throughout the exhibition. Each area is separated by a woodland, and the five "worlds" include: Relax & Heal, Green Engine, Education & Innovation, Environment and World Show Stage. Two of the buildings on the ground are permanent, including Villa Flora, the largest indoor flower exhibition in Europe. Floriade 2012 is not so much a theme park as a place to spend a day or two, exploring and relaxing, and enjoying a meal in one of the five cafes or from the various kiosks spread throughout the grounds. It's been well thought out, with much attention to detail.

The numbers alone are impressive: 100+ gardens and pavilions; 1.8 million bulbs; 18,000 shrubs; 190,000 perennials; 15,000 hedge plants; 5,000 rose bushes; and 4,000 trees. Sustainability was key in creating the exposition, from reusing the rainwater, soil and green waste to implementing sustainable construction practices and being mindful of the post-event use of the site.

Floriade 2012 is more than flowers and greenery. Each day there's a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theater and visual art from around the world. And kids are definitely in the mix. At the entrance, families receive a free Floriade Kids expedition guide, and there are play areas for children in each of the five theme worlds. They can even meet Willow Man, an eccentric character who lives in the woods where he built tree houses from branches and waste wood. And there are plenty of picnic areas for families.

During the summer, weekend evening programs include open air cinema, a light show and various performers. For travelers, there are plenty of tourist accommodations and other opportunities in the region, which may be found at www.lustforlimburg.com.

Floriade 2012: Holland’s garden party

Once every 10 years, Holland stages Floriade, the world’s premier horticultural extravaganza. CNN lists the event as one of the 10 top world destinations for 2012.

And it’s not surprising.

Officially, the event is referred to as an exposition, but perhaps the Olympics of Horticulture would be a more apt handle for this six month event (it runs until October). This year it takes place in the southeast part of Holland — in Venlo near the German border. Holland has dressed up over 66 hectares of once fallow farmland and invited the world to its garden party.

Dozens of countries are participating to create five unique themed worlds: Relax & Heal, Green Engine, Education & Innovation, Environment and the World Show Stage. Each area offers pavilions and exhibits featuring programms and activities to reflect its theme. In each “world,” visitors are served up a cultural menu of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art.

Yes, plants and flowers feature prominently and they are dressed in their party best. While wildflowers quietly bloom in the woods, the park has been planted with 3,000 trees, 1.8 million bulbs, 5,000 rose bushes and 190,000 perennials. As the season progresses, the grounds will be ablaze in waves of colour and texture creating an ever-changing landscape.

Displays offer gardeners ideas to take home with them, with an emphasis on getting close to nature. The “Willow Bike Riders” in the Luxembourg’s garden illustrate how natural products can be used creatively in garden design.

For the flower-mad, Villa Flora in the Green Engine world is the place to be, with the largest indoor floral exhibition in Europe. Here the designs dazzles with wild and wonderful floral art and sculptural design.

In the Relax and Heal world you can explore how horticulture contributes to better health and wellbeing. A serene looking pool with a fire-breathing dragon at the water’s edge makes you wonder if we need both calm moments and a little excitement to better cope with the challenges of life.

Many architecturally interesting buildings dotted throughout the park attract lots of attention, starting with the 70 metre-high building that greets you at the entrance. Known as The Innovatoren, designed by Architect Jo Coenen, the building is destined to become part of Venlo GreenPark — an innovative business park focused on sustainability and innovation. Spain’s colourful facade demands attention.

Then there is the fun and quirky; a full-size tree, its trunk enveloped in a knitted “tree cosy,” garden chairs shaped like tulips that fold up when not in use, and innovative products like the recyclable packaging that individually coddles each flower bulb.

For more information, go to floriade.com.