If you love the tulips and bulbs in Holland then Canberra's Floriade is for you. Floriade is the largest flower festival in the southern hemisphere with more than one million bulbs and annuals in bloom. Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin with Parliament House, the National Gallery, the High Court and the National Library and the beautiful Brindabella Mountains providing an unforgettable backdrop, the gardens of Floriade are awash with a myriad of colours and creative designs.

Floriade is now in its 20th year. Each year the gardens are created around a theme. Floriade 2007 is set to celebrate Aussie culture as it has never been celebrated before. Visitors will be able to stroll around flowerbeds inspired by the "Aussie icons, myths and legends' theme and enjoy good old Aussie entertainment, food and much more. This year's theme is illustrated in the 2007 symbol of the event - a playful version of the Australian coat of arms with the kangaroo wearing board shorts and cooking sausages and the emu dressed in a cork hat and thongs.

The Floriade flowerbeds will showcase Australian inventions and brands (yes, Vegemite is included), famous Australians, great Aussie landscapes, Australian sporting culture, history and much more.

Rolling waves, golden sand and a burning sun will be brought to life by blooming flowers to celebrate Australian beach culture, while bright blossoms of red, ochre and yellow will refelct our sunburnt country.

Many of the world's best inventions were developed in Australia and our much-loved icons of the Hills Hoist and the Victa lawnmower will be celebrated. You can reflect on these icons whilst "in" a stereotypical Aussie backyard, complete with an outdoor dunny with a redback spider lurking on the toilet seat, plus a ute, a swimming pool and a backyard deck.

Australia has always been famous for its fine tucker and Floriade celebrates our culinary delights in the Aussie Tucker garden bed where Aussie beer and meat pies meet fine wine and cheese. A large pavlova and Aussie Iced Vo Vo biscuits can also be found in the Ingenuity flower bed.

This month-long festival from September 15 to October 14 has somethng for everyone. While the flowers are no doubt the highlight of Floriade visitors can enjoy great music at the concerts and roving entertainers will delight adults and children alike. The Children's Village will provide children with games and fun and music daily from 10am - 4pm. No one is bored at Floriade and best of all, entry to Floriade is free.

If you miss Spring in Canberra and Floriade this year then there is always next year so start planning now!

Written by  vernamack.

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