Floriade 2012

Written by Viator, January 2012

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Nature & Wildlife, Nature & Wildlife, Popular with Locals, Popular with Locals, Walking/Hiking, Walking/Hiking, Festival, Festival

They say that gardeners are a patient lot and they must be because one of the world’s peak horticultural events is held only every ten years. This year, the sixth Floriade will be held in The Netherlands town of Venlo, close to the border with Germany, from April 5th to October 7th.

The theme of 2012 Venlo Floriade is “Be part of the theatre in nature; get closer to the quality of life.” Five linking areas explore this:

- Relax & Heal: All about the senses, these Oriental-inspired exhibits will explore health and healing. Teas, herbs, a barefoot path, a Feel Good garden, and another which is all about color and harmony.

- Environment: Indoors and Outdoors, the City and the Countryside, our environment sustains us, supports us, inspires us and affects our well-being and mood, so some famous landscape architects have designed gardens for Floriade with ideas to take home to your everyday life.

- Green Engine: Nature and Industry working together for a vibrant and sustainable economy. The Villa Flora is a centerpiece here with its huge indoor flower show. This is where the history of Holland as a trader of tulip bulbs can really be appreciated.

- Education and Innovation: With a focus on the future and our need for innovation and sustainability, here you’ll be inspired by new ideas, can taste different fruits and vegetables or learn to combine them in taste sensations. There’s even a Bee Pavilion to appreciate this small insect’s importance to our growing world.

- World Show Stage: Given the international nature of Floriade’s exhibits, it’s important to also explore world food, arts and culture.

The site is a massive 163 acres (66 ha), 100 acres of which will be used for the six months of Floriade displays. There is a 3,600 foot (1100 m) long cable car ride to help you negotiate your way around and give great views. After Floriade closes in October much of the site will become Venlo Green Park, a huge new green business park built around the two Floriade buildings: Villa Flora and InnovaToren.

You can visit Floriade for a day, a week or get a season pass for the whole six months. Or combine it with a visit to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, that other Dutch garden splendor.

Latest Replies All Floriade 2012 Reviews »

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Reply by A D S, May 2012

Doing what: Floriade 2012 World Horticultural Exhibition: Day Trip from Amsterdam

Weather was perfect, great trip, excellent tour guide

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Reply by Roger J. F, May 2012

Doing what: Floriade 2012 World Horticultural Exhibition: Day Trip from Amsterdam

We had a wonderful guide and the trip to the Floriade frin Amsterdam was excellent. This was a very good way to attend this wonderful event from Amsterdam.