People all across the world come together each year to attend intriguing florists shows that showcase all of nature’s beauty. Horticulture enthusiasts have sought out these world’s most famous flower shows to take in the artistry of the best landscape architects, craftspeople, floral designers, and gardeners. Whatever part of the world you may find yourself in, you can be sure that there will be flower shows to highlight the cultural significance of beautiful blooms and living plants. Some of the best-known floral exhibitions include:
Philadelphia Flower Show
- When: The flower show in Philadelphia is a 10-day long event held annually in March.
- Where: The show is displayed at the Pennsylvania Convention Center located at 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
- About: The Philadelphia Flower Show has been organized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural society since 1829. The floral show brings together landscapers, floral designers, and gardeners who create stunning displays in accordance with each year’s theme. Exceptional displays win blue, red, or white ribbons for their work.
Chelsea Flower Show
When: The Chelsea Flower Show is held annually for 5 days in May.
- Where: The show is held in London on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.
- About: The Royal Horticultural Society has presented the Chelsea Flower Show since 1912. It is one of the largest in the world drawing over 150,000 visitors annually. The show grounds have continually expanded throughout the decades to accommodate ever-increasing crowds. The show focuses on the famed British gardens and participants compete for gold, silver-gilt, silver, and bronze ribbons for their creations.
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
- When: The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is held annually on a Tuesday through Sunday, ending on the second Sunday in July.
- Where: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, UK
- About: Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is another prominent UK flower show. However its history is much more recent, beginning in 1990. The show’s founder, Adrian Boyd, conceptualized the event as a way for the Royal Horticultural Society to preserve the historic Hampton Court Palace while also promoting and enhancing the local British railway stations. The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is an educational event as well as a beautiful showcase, focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainable farming and gardening practices.
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
- When: The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is held for 5 days annually in April.
- Where: It is located in the World Heritage Site of Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, Australia.
- About: This garden and floral exhibition has been running since 1995, and is ranked in the top 5 flower shows in the world. The show aims to highlight emerging lifestyle trends, by bringing together landscape and floral design displays, retailers, art and sculpture exhibits, as well as educational workshops.
Singapore Garden Festival
- When: The Singapore Garden Festival is held once every other year.
- Where: It takes place at the Suntec Singapore's International Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039593.
- About: The Singapore Garden Festival is the only one of its kind in the tropics, showcasing floral, gardening, and retail displays from the world’s top designers. It started in 2006, when many sponsors like the National Parks Board, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore, the Orchid Society of South East Asia, the Singapore Gardening Society and the Singapore Tourism Board all worked together to put on the event. The festival displays the history and significance of tropical flower varieties in the country, but also educates visitors on emerging trends and horticultural excellence from around the world.
Bloom Festival
- When: The is held annually for 5 days in June.
- Where: The event takes place at Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland.
- About: Bord Bia, Ireland’s Food Board, launched the Bloom festival in 2007 as a way to promote Ireland’s farmers and educate its citizens on hobby gardening. The event was modeled after long-standing shows like the neighboring Chelsea Garden show, but with a special Irish twist: the country’s finest brews, distilled beverages, fruits, vegetables, and potatoes would be on the menu as the main faire. The Bloom festival’s 70-acre square foot is also filled with show gardens, floral design displays, and many retailers.
This article was published by Chad Kremp
