From floating gardens in France to immersive floral exhibits in the USA, we highlight some of the best horticultural events around the world with our pick of the top ten garden festivals and flower shows to visit
COMPILED BY ROSANNA MORRIS
International Garden Festival, Chaumont-sur-Loire
An annual contemporary garden and landscape festival where a range of professionals, from garden designers to artists, create show gardens that are open to visitors from April to November. Each year the festival has a different focus, and themes in previous years have included Resilient Gardens, Paradise Gardens and Return to Mother Earth. Set in the grounds of the incredible Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a visit to the International Garden Festival also provides the opportunity to take in the impressive château and its historic grounds. domaine-chaumont.fr
Radicepura Garden Festival, Sicily, Italy
This biennial event takes place against the backdrop of the smoking dome of Mount Etna, and is dedicated to Mediterranean garden design. Each festival is built around a different theme, and asks one established designer to create a show garden that remains on the site – in 2023 it was Paolo Pejrone (below), and previously Andy Sturgeon and James Basson. Students of landscape architecture, architecture, art and other related disciplines from all around the world are also invited to design temporary, concept-driven schemes, which are then constructed by young landscapers. The festival grounds are also home to a new botanic garden and several art installations. The show is the brainchild of the family that runs the Piante Faro nursery on the island. The next festival takes place in 2025 and runs from May to December. radicepura.it\en
Singapore Garden Festival
This biennial garden show, previously held at the stunning Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, features show gardens by local and international designers as well as floral art, demonstrations and plant exhibits. Previous festivals have featured work by UK garden designers such as Tony Woods, Kate Gould and Tom Massey. “Designers from all over the world come together to exhibit, and experimental designs, materials and plant choices are encouraged,” explains Tom. “Singapore is known as the ‘Garden City’ so around and outside of the show there is plenty of inspiring landscape and garden design to see.” 3-11 August 2024. sgf.nparks.gov.sg
Melbourne International Garden Show, Australia
