Page 3058 - Week 09 - Thursday, 21 September 2006
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
The displays contain more than one million blooming tulips, bulbs and annuals. The displays depict our worldwide neighbours in blooms and design elements never before seen at Floriade. I have heard rave reviews about some of the displays, particularly the Canadian flowerbed that features a giant Canadian maple leaf tree in blooms that spill across the vista, creating a giant tulip explosion. This was a major feature at the Canadian Tulip Festival, which began in 1945 when Princess Juliana of the Netherlands presented Ottawa with 100,000 tulip bulbs.
The French display, which is made up of thousands of blue, white and red blooms which create a giant French flag, signals a grand entry into Commonwealth Park. France has a spectacular annual flower parade called the Bataille de Fleurs, part of the famous Nice Carnival, where floats covered in fresh flowers form a stunning parade.
Traditional gardens are also represented. I recommend that visitors take a journey through the classically designed Chinese garden by entering through the mystical moon gates. Legend has it that people who walk through a moon gate, especially young lovers and honeymooners, are blessed with good luck. China is the home to the spectacular Hong Kong flower show.
The Japanese garden is also breathtaking as visitors enter through the bamboo surrounds and traditional Japanese arch to enjoy the serene and austere Zen garden. The traditional rock garden is surrounded by thousands of pure white blooms, representing the pebbles and sand traditionally used in this ancient gardening practice. In Japan each year the Tonami Tulip Fair is held. Of course Australia is also represented. The Floriade garden bed recognises the diversity of our land, complete with an awesome sculpture of a special native Australian animal—the frill-necked lizard.
This year Floriade was launched on 16 September and runs through to 15 October. It is sure to again attract thousands of people. In fact, during its first weekend, almost 39,000 visitors attended the event—an increase of more than 10,000 people from the first weekend of Floriade 2005. I am sure the beautiful weather we had on the weekend was a factor in this, but I also believe that Floriade’s exceptional reputation was a major drawcard.
One of the best things about Floriade is that every day it changes. At the moment the hyacinths are out in full bloom, and their aroma has filled Commonwealth Park. In a few weeks, however, more of the tulips and irises will be in bloom. The entertainment also changes regularly. There is always something different to see and do. Over the course of the month there will be a wide variety of entertainment, including live concerts, buskers and roving performers. The entertainment provides something for everyone, from the very young to the young at heart. The changing program of activities includes workshops, floral competitions and exhibitions. These add further interest to Floriade’s flower beds.
Floriade is not just about entertainment, however; there are many informative displays and workshops. The 2006 showcase gardens at Floriade are designed to inspire and educate people about plant varieties, garden design and landscaping. They must all contain some elements of waterwise gardening.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .