Spring is in the air, and there’s no better way to celebrate than booking a trip to a horticultural extravaganza like Floriade 2022.
This once-in-a-decade international expo takes place in the Netherlands, showcasing the best flora and fauna from all over the world. The first of these events was held in Rotterdam, and there have been six of them since. The seventh next year promises to be even more inspirational, firmly setting down roots in the 21st century by focusing on innovative sustainable technology.
Tulips are probably what most of us would think of when the Netherlands comes to mind, but the “Growing Green Cities” concept of Floriade 2022 will feature so much more than that! If you love flower markets, this will be just the thicket — a botanical Shangri-La, featuring a unique collection of flowers, trees and plants, whilst presenting creative solutions for bringing urban spaces closer to nature, making them more eco-friendly, and preserving biodiversity.
Almere, a modern “garden city” near Amsterdam that was built on land reclaimed from the sea, will take centre stage from 14 April to 9 October 2022 as host of the next Floriade. When this event ends, a spacious new suburban district named Hortus will grow in its place, with a green and ecological outlook.
The only recurring horticultural expo in Europe will boast a vibrant arts and culture programme in an environment designed by award-winning Dutch architect Winy Maas. It will spotlight themed pavilions bursting with the scent and colour of flowers, vegetation and fruit, plus an amazing greenhouse complex.
Covering 148 acres of land, the living lab that is Floriade 2022 can also be enjoyed from up high! Touted as a trip to the future, visitors can have a bird’s eye view of the festival grounds on a cable car ride. All the better to take in the stunning landscape and capture it in picture-perfect moments!
Other highlights also include an extensive arboretum that will serve as an immersive encyclopaedia of shrubs and trees you can literally walk through, an intriguing art installation of floating Dutch Elms called “Bobbing Forest” on lake Weerwater, circular walkways thanks to two new green bridges, live music, a food forum and shopping outlets.
With so much on offer, both young and old will have a blooming great time at Floriade 2022.
This garden escape is also very well-placed to make your holiday even more memorable, situated as it is so close to many other attractions, such as the Hague, Het Loo Palace, and the iconic canals of Amsterdam, along with its numerous museums and art galleries.
Get in touch to discover the best cruises for a holiday as bright and bold as the blossoms of spring.
