By Rama Gaind
More than one million flowers bloomed on cue for the opening of Australia’s annual festival of spring – Floriade 2011– in Commonwealth Park, in Canberra, on September 17.
Even the weather was pleasantly warm … just perfect!
Floriade attracted record crowds last year with more than 470,000 visitors and generated $26.9 million for the local economy – an increase of $4.2 million on 2009. Funded by the ACT Government, Floriade began in 1988 as a spectacular commemoration of Australia’s Bicentennary and Canberra’s 75th birthday.
Before the gates were opened to the public on the Saturday, former Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch, 23, wore a dress like no other at the launch of Floriade on September 16.
Smelling sweet in a frock made of more than 2000 orange and pink rose petals, the model and TV personality felt that spring had arrived in the national capital.
The Floriade Ambassador wore the dress for one day only – and looked “absolutely amazing”.
The dress, which was created by Susie Dunn and Pauline Moule from Australian Capital Tourism, was said to reflect a sense of energy that rejuvenates life after the long winter.
Theme for the senses
In keeping with this year’s theme ‘A feast for the senses’, the colourful garden bed designs have been arranged with more than one million bulbs to represent chocolate paradise, red hot chillies, cheese platter, spice market, coffee break, a bowl of citrus fruits – to name but a few.
The garden beds in Commonwealth Park, take up 8763 square metres in 2011, are filled with tulips, irises, pansies, hyacinths, violas, poppies, narcissus, polyanthus, ranunculus, daffodils and other annuals in designs inspired by the flavours that stimulate our senses.
The 23rd annual festival is also filled with music, cultural celebrations, horticultural workshops, artistic displays, entertainment and recreational activities.
Workshops on organic gardening, hanging baskets, rose pruning and bouquet design will be held by leading florists and food enthusiasts will share the delights of pasta-making, spice mixing and wine matching.
New attractions will include From the Pantry food demonstrations and the Victory Garden, filled with plants and vegetables grown by Australian families during World War II.
Floriade favourites
Until October 16, Like Mum’s home cooking, there are some things you just never get tired of. That’s why a range of popular attractions will return to Floriade in 2011, although they’ll be seasoned with a flavourful new twist.
The award-winning Lindeman’s Open Garden returns offering visitors an oasis within the festival. Enjoy garden cooking demonstrations with Lindeman’s ambassadors, celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo and renowned gardener Meredith Kirton, who will provide simple, seasonal and lighter-style recipes and tips on how and what to grow during spring.
Visitors will also be given the chance to get hands-on by creating their own hanging basket and showcasing it on the hanging basket tree for all to see.
Garnier World
This year, Floriade NightFest welcomes back Garnier World, a living, breathing beauty paradise where Garnier will pamper you with complimentary treatments including mini massages, facials or hair styling. It will be open from September 28 to October 2 day and night.
Passion for Fashion
Fashion is synonymous with spring and the 2011 Passion for Fashion competition will bring the two together in a stunning display of creativity and colour. Student designers will do battle to create the most original floral gowns based on this year’s theme, ‘A feast for the senses’.
Kids Corner
Meet the cuddly little farmyard animals at Matilda’s Farmyard or visit Reptile Inc and pat the bluetongues, turtles and dragons at the Kids Corner. If you’re feeling creative, then turn the fragrant lotus into the perfect gift or ornament at the lotus lantern making workshops.
Ferris wheel
Capture the amazing vistas of Floriade from the giant ferris wheel or the viewing platform to fully appreciate the garden bed designs.
You too can be inspired by the showcase gardens and the infinite possibilities of transforming your backyard.
Visit the month-long festival in the nation’s capital. Floriade is open seven days a week. Call 1300 554 114 or go to www.floriadeaustralia.com or www.visitcanberra.com.au.
