My Thoughts on Floriade – Canberra’s Spring Event

Flowers Galore

And if you have hayfever… you might want to keep away.

Introduction to Floriade

Floriade – Canberra’s peak spring event that comes to life every year at Commonwealth Park, drawing both locals and travelers alike. It’s all about people battling for a parking spot and flocking in to catch a glimpse of those prestigious flower arrangements—ones that we all wish we could have in our own backyard, front yard, or even our tiny apartment balcony.

First held in 1988, Floriade has grown into an iconic symbol for Canberra, officially ushering in spring. But let me make one thing clear: this is from the perspective of a local who has been to Floriade more times than they can count—not a wide-eyed first-timer. And honestly, I think we could do a bit better.

A Local Perspective on Floriade

Flowers aren’t the only thing that takes center stage at Floriade. You’ve got live music, gardening workshops, art displays, rides, and enough food stalls to make you question your finances. But even with all this, I can’t help but feel that the event could use a fresh spark.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic event. But it might be time to spice things up a little.

Appreciating the Little Things

First things first—Floriade is free. Yep, free. That’s pretty incredible considering the amount of effort and hours put in by the organizers to pull off this spectacular event every year. And to that, I tip my hat. I couldn’t do it; my thumbs are anything but green.

In a time when it feels like every event comes with a hefty ticket price, free entry is genuinely something to be grateful for. And for what it’s worth, the hardworking people behind this event deserve a big round of applause. I mean, could I manage flowers like that? Absolutely not. The only thing thriving in my garden right now are weeds, and even those are questionable.

Is It Time for a Change?

Look, I love Commonwealth Park as much as the next Canberran, but year after year, it starts to feel a little repetitive. I think there’s potential for a fresh location or at least an expansion of the current setup.

For instance, Glebe Park (despite its slightly “seedy” reputation) could add something new to the mix. Expanding there or using a different part of the city might give Floriade that fresh energy it needs. Let’s make it feel like an adventure instead of a routine.

Also, I’d love to see a bigger focus on environmental awareness. Maybe we could get BoM (Bureau of Meteorology) or Questacon involved with some interactive activities. Imagine having something where kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) could learn about climate change and how it’s affecting our landscapes in a fun way. It could be both educational and engaging—and it just makes sense for an event celebrating nature.

Floriade Food Experience: Bring Your Own Lunch… Unless You’re Loaded

Now, let’s talk about the food. Seeing more local food vendors at Floriade has definitely been a welcome change. But, there’s a catch—the prices. I’m genuinely curious about how much vendors need to pay for a spot because it seems like the pricing has been affecting not just the cost to us, the consumers, but also the portion sizes and quality.

I mean, some vendors are great, but I’ve heard a few too many complaints about people shelling out good money for underwhelming meals. Honestly, with how things are going in the 2024 economy, your best bet is probably to pack a picnic. Make a day of it with some sandwiches, fruit, and maybe a sneaky bottle of wine if that’s your thing. Enjoy the flowers while munching on something that doesn’t empty your wallet.

Floriade: Family-Friendly Vibes

One thing I do love about Floriade is how incredibly family-friendly it is. It’s easily one of the best events for families in Canberra. If you’ve got kids, it’s a no-brainer. And if your kids are a bit older, the NightFest is where it’s at.

NightFest is essentially Floriade after dark—the entire park lights up with stunning displays and entertainment that feels almost magical. It’s perfect for creating some unforgettable family memories, even if it makes capturing those Instagram-worthy flower shots a bit of a challenge in the dark.

Suggestions for the Future of Floriade

I love Floriade, but if we’re honest, some changes could make it even better. I’d love to see new locations, more interactive activities, and a bigger focus on educating people about the environment. There’s so much potential that’s yet to be tapped, and if we keep things fresh, Floriade could be an even bigger hit for years to come.

Plus, wouldn’t it be amazing if they introduced something like a “best backyard garden” competition? It could be a cool way to get the community more involved and make us all feel a little less intimidated by the stunning flower displays.

My Garden vs. Floriade’s Garden

And finally, there’s the sad reality of coming home after visiting Floriade. You take one look at your own garden, and… well, let’s just say my tulips don’t look like theirs. At all. But hey, at least my weeds have some character—kind of. It’s a good reminder that gardening is hard work, and what they achieve at Floriade each year is truly impressive.

#SendHelp (or better yet, send some gardening skills my way!)

Conclusion

Overall, Floriade is an event that holds a special place in my heart, and I appreciate what it brings to Canberra every year. It’s a reminder of community, nature, and a celebration of spring. That said, a little bit of change could take it from great to truly amazing. Here’s hoping for some fresh ideas and a new twist in the coming years!

So until next year, I’ll just keep tending to my patchy yard and hoping my weeds decide to bloom into something a little more exciting.