Floriade is my city's celebration of Spring. It runs for thirty days,
starting in mid September, and is an explosion of colour and scent. It
is now in its twenty-eighth year.
It is held in the centre of the city, in Commonwealth Park by the lake. Sadly we are told that this will change, and there are suggestions that in future years it will be held in three or four different venues. I hope not. I like the ambience of the park beside the lake and think Floriade benefits from the extravagance of all the blooms in one place. We will see. It is an annual pilgrimage for us.
The festival is free to enter, though there are lots and lots and lots of ways to spend money while you are there. Restaurants, cafes, stalls selling jewellery, chutneys, nuts, kites, fudge, soap, pearls, silk... There are even some which sell things for the garden. There is music, and other entertainment. There are displays by florists and cooks. Perhaps not something for everyone, but certainly something for a lot of people.
It is held in the centre of the city, in Commonwealth Park by the lake. Sadly we are told that this will change, and there are suggestions that in future years it will be held in three or four different venues. I hope not. I like the ambience of the park beside the lake and think Floriade benefits from the extravagance of all the blooms in one place. We will see. It is an annual pilgrimage for us.
The festival is free to enter, though there are lots and lots and lots of ways to spend money while you are there. Restaurants, cafes, stalls selling jewellery, chutneys, nuts, kites, fudge, soap, pearls, silk... There are even some which sell things for the garden. There is music, and other entertainment. There are displays by florists and cooks. Perhaps not something for everyone, but certainly something for a lot of people.
It is early in the season, and quite a lot of blooms are not out yet. More coming each day though.
Even the walk to Floriade from our habitual parking spot is pretty. In
my usual restrained fashion rather a lot of photos follow...
 |
| Weekend games of chess here are quite common. |
This children's fort was new. The 'asphalt' was soft too. Mind you the chillun could still hurt themselves on the rocks which weren't soft at all.
The cormorants were totally unphased by the people.
These bird sculptures are a permanent feature, but I love them and always stop to look at them - and take yet another photo.
In years gone by, there were viewing platforms so that you could see the beds from above. Sadly, they no longer build them. If you want the big picture, the ferris wheel is your only option. And it isn't free.
We went up, but the view will be improved as more flowers come out and the patterns in the beds below become more distinct.
And down again.
This wattle bird also didn't care that there were people everywhere. Much more obliging than the ones at home.
That arch again.
This week we will go to Tulip Tops - which I think puts Floriade in the shade...
Enjoy your beautiful Spring, beautiful friend.
ReplyDeleteALOHA
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
Cloudia: I am. So very much. And this morning went to an even better flower festival. Bliss.
DeleteE.C., this sounds like a wonderful event. I wish my city did something like that. Love the photos. I can image how peaceful it would be to take a stroll through the park during this time. Wow
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: I like that park all year round, but the scents and colours of spring give it an extra lift.
DeleteSounds a bit like to me that something is being fixed that isn't broken. I hope they have one area that is the focus of the festival because if it was spread out when we visited, I am not sure we would have bothered.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I am not happy about the multi-venue suggestion either. I suspect we will choose one, and skip the others.
DeleteI love the Reflection sign, that's so clever. Wow so many excellent photos, it's hard to know what to comment on first. I loved the view from the Ferris wheel and all the planted out wheel barrows.
ReplyDeleteI envy you as Spring arrives, and we are moving towards Autumn.
LL Cool Joe: Floriade always has a theme, and this year it is Reflection. That board is a tribute to those lost in war, and we were encouraged to add a poppy to the display. I expect by the time Floriade is over, the board will be full.
DeleteIt seems neither the light nor the weather could have been better!
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: We were very, very lucky.
DeleteJust lovely. Makes me want to be a part of it all.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: I am so glad.
DeleteMust be so nice to stroll through such beauty
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: It was. And a reminder that we should wander through the park at other times of the year more often.
DeleteOhhh! That arch just takes my breath away. And it's so wonderful to know that as we enter the dark days, your light is just growing. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: As the months go by and we are mired in the sweaty season I am going to cool myself looking at your ice and snow. It is wonderful to have the benefits of both seasons via the blogosphere.
Deletewow! spring has definately arrived with you with the abundance of beautiful flowers, that gorgeous arch again, and I love the idea of pansies in the wheelbarrow. I have an old wheelbarrow, I must think what I can palant in it.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: They also had wheelbarrows planted out with vegetables, but the pansies looked soooo pretty.
DeleteI'm so enjoying your tour of Floriade. The sculptures, the archway and of cause the flowers... beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCountryMum: It is an annual treat.
DeleteI always forget that spring takes place in a different part of the year for you. Thanks for the beautiful reminder. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: I love having the benefits of two seasons simultaneously. I do love autumn, and can see its wonders on your side of the world while revelling in our Spring.
DeleteI suddenly feel like a stroll through the park.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots :O]
Author R. Mac Wheeler: It is a lovely park. Mind you, when I show you Tulip Tops I expect the colour will seduce you away from this park...
DeleteGreat view from the Ferris Wheel though!
ReplyDeleteStill wild to think you are going into spring even as well delve into fall.
A;ex J. Cavanaugh: Believe me, Spring has sprung.
DeleteBeautiful. Pity the platforms are no more. Can't see the great patterns as you say ... what a pity..
ReplyDeleteIf i was visiting don't think i would go to different venues to see all.
Lovely photos by the way..
Margaret - whiteangel: I don't think we will go to multi venues either. I suspect the traffic and the parking will be ugly, and it will be a pain. We will see.
DeleteThe platforms were great, but I suppose they needed building each year and took up space. I was sorry to lose them though.
what a beautiful place I could spend hours there.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: We did spend hours there. Very happy hours.
DeleteOh how beautiful. Love these pictures. Sounds like a fun affair. We had a street fair not too long ago. Everything has gotten far too expensive so I don't go anymore. I prefer a nice walk through the park.
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring to you and yours.
Mary
mxtodis: It is fun, and because entry is free it is much more accessible. If you bring food and drink with you, it is quite possible to have a very cheap and fun day. It is also possible to spend a mint - which I suspect the organisers rely on.
DeleteLove those blue wheelbarrows!! Everything is lovely, and such a pretty place to BE. Any money spent on parks like this is money well spent in my book. People need green spaces!
ReplyDeleteBookie: Lots and lots of green spaces. Which is one of the big pluses about my city. Nowhere in the city is more than half an hour away from green space. And some of them are beautiful.
DeleteI think Andrew had the right of it, sounds like they're trying to fix something that isn't broken.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely, to see everything up and blooming!
Jacquelineand...: My cynical self thinks they are looking at ways to get a bigger return from their investment. Which I think is greedy.
DeleteBeautiful pictures! I felt like I was right there. The photos from atop the Ferris wheel came out great too. I can see why you enjoy going each year. Awesome that it is free to enter, because I can see how money can be spent in lots of places. :) Happy spring to you!
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS: Some years back (ten?) they charged entry. The numbers attending fell dramatically, and the city's finances suffered. So they reverted to free enty. While it is free we at least have a choice about how much we spend. I suspect most people spend a LOT.
DeleteFabulous post, I wonder why they removed the platforms? But the view from the Ferris wheel was wonderful. A great place!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I suspect removing the platforms was both a money saver and a space saver. I was sorry to see them go though. It now means that some people cannot see the patterns in the beds. The Ferris Wheel is simply not an option for some.
DeleteI love to look at pictures of spring with their beautiful colors of yellow, pink and purple. We are going into our orange season now and although there are magnificent sights with them also, they are just the prelude to the white of winter. Enjoy your views. Good for you for getting on the Ferris wheel.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Spring is such a vibrant season, but I love autumn's rich palette too. And, perhaps because I don't see much of it, I am fond of winters monochromatic beauty.
DeleteOh how lovely, spring has sprung! A beautiful series of shots! I would love to have a game of chess on that board. Oh, and I would really LOVE one of those magnets!
ReplyDeleteKaren: How lovely. I will happily send you a magnet. Mind you, while I had your address I have misplaced it. Can you send it to me again? My email is in my profile.
DeleteIt's nice to see how you have the spring (when we have autumn), and millions of flowers are in bloom. The event is really great and it is nice when it gathers all in one place. There's definitely nice to walk many times.
ReplyDeleteYour photos tell a lot of this happening, they all are very lovely.
The view from the top is spectacular and figure 36 is particularly stunning.
I love fridge magnets.
Hugs
orvokki: Would you like a Floriade magnet? I would be very happy to send you one.
DeleteI would LOVE a fridge magnet to put beside the other one, which has pinky-orange tulips.
ReplyDeleteI like your first photo with the paths leading off in different directions. The children's fort is a great idea too.
I'm curious about that yellow flower which seems to be all stamens, no petals; what is that?
River: Oh good. I am more than happy to send you another magnet. Those paths always intrigue me.
DeleteThe yellow flower is a poppy which has been and gone. I thought it was still beautiful.
As we Californians pine for wet winter, it's encouraging to get a preview of what may ideally follow it. Thanks for the glimpse of the future! Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteGeo.: I really, really hope you get some moisture. Rather a lot of soaking life-giving moisture.
DeleteAnother wonderful virtual tour! I love the photos of your world. I still have a magnet from the last Floriade displayed in my studio. And I still owe you things I've been meaning to send for a while... I dare not ask... ;-)
ReplyDeleteEllen: You need not ask. I am happy to add a little more Canberra to your studio. And wait for the Tulip Tops post - next week some time. I am still blown away by the colour.
DeleteWas captivated to see that beautiful arch. Oh..it's really beautiful.
ReplyDeletedumcho wangdi: That arch is made up of hundreds of tiny lights shaped like flowers. It is special during the day - and would be incredible at night. The post before this one features rather a lot of photos of it.
DeleteHi EC - how lovely to be able to walk through and just enjoy the surroundings ... I love the bird sculpture - looks amazing. Lovely photos .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: It was a lovely walk and, since we went mid-week, not crowded either. That bird sculpture is a particular favourite of mine.
DeleteHow lovely to see all the signs of spring as we slide into cold and darkness here.
ReplyDeleteRelatively Retiring: I hope your cold and darkness are shorter, and less savage this year.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of some beautiful displays. I really enjoy the mix of art, wildlife, flowers and landscapes you include. Thank you for sharing your visit and breathing the scent of spring as we slowly move into Autumn and then Winter here in the UK.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: In the last week or two Spring has been rushing in. She has definitely sprung. And thank you. I am glad that you like the mixture.
DeleteAh I was nodding my head yes in agreement about free entry...but tons of ways to spend money once you're in. Isn't that the way? That's okay though, the free entry is still nice. :)
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Free entry is a bonus. And you don't HAVE to spend money - though I suspect most do. We got out lightly. Parking and a few magnets.
DeleteLovely pics, as always. I envy you coming into spring; we're heading for colder weather here and I can't say I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeletemshatch: When we are sweltering in summer, I will get a lot of relief looking at pictures of your world. And I love the autumnal colour I am seeing now...
DeleteWow, even the walk from the parking lot is beautiful! Love the giant chess board and the children's fort... which I'd play on in a heartbeat. :)
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: How do I know that the asphalt in that fort is soft? I had to walk around it. It has a slide too - which I didn't go on. The main parking lot is strictly utilitarian - so we park a bit further away and enjoy the meander. Until we are leaving when my legs bitch and moan. And are treated with ignore.
DeleteI feel like I've joined you on a springtime outing EC, thank you, it was delightful.
ReplyDeleteKim: We always do the Floriade/Tulip Tops pilgrimage - and they are delightful. Really delightful.
DeleteThank you for sharing, I feel as if I got another vacation out of you. You should charge! Its gray and bleak around these parts.
ReplyDeleteSonya Ann: MUCH more colour to come. You might need sunnies to view one of next week's posts...
DeleteAnother great walk, beautiful flowers, but I'm not sure I could do the Ferris wheel. Heights aren't my thing any more. Thanks for the journey, love walking with you!
ReplyDeleteYolanda Renee: It is enclosed/crowded spaces I have troubles with now. Heights are not usually a problem. If the Ferris Wheel cages had been more enclosed they would have been.
DeleteI can't imagine anything that could put Floriade in the shade ... I will look forward to those pictures. These pictures of Floriade are sumptuous ... everywhere you look there is beauty, even the accommodating Wattle Bird adds his version of beauty. Lovely post EC ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Andrea Priebe: We did Tulip Tops yesterday. I am still smiling. Not only did it put Floriade in the shade, it basically pissed on it from a great height (forgive my crassness).
DeleteI appreciate you sharing this with us. It just looks like it would be so much fun and quite the stress reducer.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Being outside almost always soothes my jangled mind. And it was fun.
DeleteWhat a perfect blue sky day for it too.
ReplyDeleteNicely done floral patterned beds.
And, I love the drinking kangaroo sculpture by the water, he's gorgeous.
The poppy wall of reflection is just beautiful, and touches the heart. What a wonderful sentiment.
And, that arch... sigh.
Fantastic Floriade virtual visit, thank you EC.
Vicki: The drinking kangaroo sculpture is another permanent fixture. I often see children patting it - and smile. Broadly.
DeleteBeautiful your tour EC, the Cormorant is a superb being, and the Ferris Wheel, you can't me up there, I am scared. Love the lot, thasnks.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I am scared of lots of things - but not heights.
DeleteI like everything everything. Everything. I especially like those wheel-barrows with flowers.
ReplyDeleteDid you buy anything?
neena maiya (aka guyana gyal): I bought fridge magnets - and resisted everything else. There were things I would have liked, but they were waaay out of my price range.
DeleteI enjoyed this tour, especially the birds and the flowers. I've always loved things about Australia and I plan to follow your blog to learn more. Found you on Vagabonde's site.
ReplyDeleteGlenda C. Beall: Welcome and thank you. I am obsessed with the garden and birds so you will definitely see more of both here. And some of my other obsessions too.
DeleteThis was a fun and festive visit. I can't wait for the tulips now.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: Oh there will be tulips. Lots and lots and lots of tulips.
DeleteReally really lovely. I'm interested in the tulips.... does it get HOT fast, and then the tulips won't last long? That's what happens here in my corner of Canada. Spring is lovely but never lasts long enough.
ReplyDeleteShammickite: My patch of Oz is one of the cooler areas. Spring is always a joy. Our tulips rarely get cut down by heat, though summer is coming to the party earlier and earlier.
DeleteThis really makes me want to go waaay south for our winter which won't be long now.
ReplyDeleteJono: When our summer hits I yearn to go North - or South to Antarctica. I don't do the sweaty season well.
DeleteI hope your winter is gentler than some have been in recent years.
Really interesting and the photos are really great. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteBlogoratti: Thank you. It is a pretty place, and a pretty time of year.
DeleteItls too bad they're planning to change the location. It seems perfect in this park. But glad you enjoyed the splendor this year. I think it's spectacular and your pictures make me want to visit Australia someday.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Australia is such a varied country, and this is one tiny corner of it. Commnwealth Park is perfect for Floriade though, I hope they change their mind about relocating it.
DeleteLovely photos, as always, EC. When I embiggen them (thank you for that phrase) the close-ups especially are breathtaking. I see you caught a critter with your camera lens in the white tulip, and the cormorant has such a beautiful pattern on its wings. I am happy to see the wide, flat paths through the park. My late father who was confined to a wheelchair and loved gardens would have enjoyed an outing like this. Looking forward to the tulip photos!
ReplyDeleteAnd do you still have a magnet left? I waited until the bulk of the comments seemed to be in, to give others a chance. But if you have one to spare, I would love to receive one.
jenny_o: Embiggen is a wonderful word isn't it? Both Floriade and Tulip Tops have lovely wide pathways. Which is wonderful.
DeleteI do indeed have a magnet or two left, and will happily post it to you towards the end of next week.
It all looks lovely, your spring looks warmer than ours.
ReplyDeleteMerle.........
Merlesworld: That day was almost unseasonably warm, but we have been reminded since then that winter has not quite relinquished its hold. Towards the end of this week we started each day in the minuses and struggled to reach double figures. Bright and sunny though.
DeleteI'm running late in catching up with your on your walk, EC. I'm sorry I've been lagging behind...but I've caught up now. :)
ReplyDeleteI rested for a brief while to have cold drink. :)
Lee: Never too late. I hope you are suitably refreshed now.
DeleteFirst off, so beautiful. However I totally forgot you're on the other side of the world. I'm sitting here like "Spring in September?" and then I remembered that I'm pretty sure you noted you are in Australia or at least in that area.
ReplyDeleteRobert Bennett: Oz it is. And spring it is.
DeleteThanks once again for sharing such beauty.
ReplyDeleteThe arch......just what covers it? Is it a plant or artificial? Phil wondered...wisteria?
If Tulip Top is even better, can't wait to see it.
Mimsie: The post before this showed the arch in more detail. It was a lighting display. Strings of lights, all shaped like miniature flowers. I only saw it in daylight - and it was spectacular.
DeleteI love the idea of a celebration like that. Do want!!
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: It is a delightful celebration. And a magnet will be yours.
Delete