Floriade 2022

By Nancy Luechtefeld

The Netherlands’ FLORIADE EXPO occurs only once every 10 years – and in 2022, visitors will have the rare opportunity to experience it in the city of Almere. Flowers, plants and trees of all kinds will be united to resemble a new beginning for this district with its theme: “Growing Green Cities.” As part of the International Horticultural Expo, Floriade runs from April 14 to October 9, 2022. Right outside Amsterdam, the flourishing city district of Almere will host the country’s largest public event and ultimately gain an everlasting legacy of a new green living area following the expo. This rare experience calls for its visitors to “explore, touch and change” as part of their journey into Floriade – which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls.

During the Expo, visitors can discover the latest innovations in the field of pollinating insects, and bees in particular, in the bee pavilion. Biodiversity, science and technology are combined here, with sustainable beekeeping as the basic principle. The pavilion will consist of a life-size beehive on stilts, located next to the ‘Oerbos’, a forest with native trees, on the Floriade site. The Expo’s boulevard is also home to bees, comprising a 3-kilometer “highway” with greenery such as roses and hydrangeas that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

It goes without saying that it takes a village for meaningful change to last. With over 175 countries invited to join the expo by the Government of the Netherlands, it will take the communities of the world working together to create a green future of sustainability. Floriade Expo 2022 ties urban living and nature together to set the groundwork for sustainable innovations that can be adapted into the everyday lifestyle. It also offers a glimpse of what a green future could like through workshops and attractions surrounding its sub-themes: “green, food, energy and health.” Encompassing 60 hectares of land, the Almere site will be divided into these four sub-themes, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience, discover ideas for home and community gardens and be inspired by the future of sustainable communities of inspiration for “My Paradise, a Global Garden”. The flower exhibition portrays the migration of flowers and plants. It also draws the visitors’ attention to the past and the present of Ghent; still a green, liveable and malleable city. It has become increasingly obvious that as caretakers of our planet, we must make changes that enhance the sustainability of our local neighborhoods as well as the earth as a whole. We are learning that no country is an island unto itself, but we must all work together to preserve the future for our children.

Nancy Luechtefeld is the owner of Unique Journeys, LLC, a boutique travel company specializing in small and custom vacations and luxury river cruises. She is currently working with garden clubs and other groups, as well as individuals, to facilitate river tours and land tours that include a day at Floriade as part of the itinerary. To find out more, contact Nancy by phone at 314/644-8691, email at nancy@uniquejourneys.com, or visit www.unique-journeys.com.

Tim Gamma – B.S. Horticulture Board Certi ed Master Arborist Tom Gamma ISA Certi ed Arborist

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