10 things not to miss at Floriade 2017

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Spring is finally in the air and the silhouette of the Floriade ferris wheel is alight with promise.
The promise of one million bulbs, arranged in 20 designed garden beds not enough? Floriade isn’t just about the flowers. No matter if you’re trailing the kids or just a big kid at heart, we have the scoop on what you shouldn’t miss at Floriade 2017—it all kicks off this Saturday 16 September!
Stardust and Symphony

Nightfest 2016. Credit: Martin Ollman
For the first time, the opening weekend of Floriade will be highlighted with a grand opening Twilight Concert this Friday 15 September. Get along to see the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) perform, as well as David Bowie tribute act The Ziggy Band. Plus, you’ll enjoy exclusive entry to the park on the night before the Floriade gates officially open.
Get your tickets here.
Get terra-torial

Moxom and Whitney
Those keen to visit Floriade on its opening weekend have the chance to experience an exclusive Terrarium Masterclass at the Moxom + Whitney Workshop.
These wisecracking, creative florists have perfected the process of teaching the art of building terrariums and now you have the chance to design yours surrounded by Floriade’s lush blooms.
Book your tickets here.
Sculptural surprises around every corner
Try to find and count all the hidden sculptures inside Floriade’s iconic floral patches. Tucked into the greenery will be a mixture of masterpieces by both local and national talent. The sculptures have been completed with a variety of materials; from natural stone to repurposed plastic, and you will never know what to expect around the next corner.
Speaking of, a beautifully camouflaged and decorated boat will be waiting for you to take a ride across the lake. On your way, make sure you snap a photo of the cute kangaroo couple created by Jimmy Rix.
See more details here
Cooking with everyone’s crush
Everyone’s cooking show crush, Paul West, will be coming to town to impart some culinary wisdom during this exclusive hands-on class. You’ll work with Paul to create three courses of beautiful sustainably-sourced produce, and then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour (and local wines) with him and and a group of guests.
All proceeds from tickets for the dinner only will go to the charity GIVIT, which works to connect people with specific needs to those who can provide help.
You can book your tickets here.
Forage at Floriade
Forage at Floriade with Diego Bonetto from Wild Foods. Diego is an edible weeds advocate based in Sydney, most famous for his offering of urban foraging workshops. Building on the knowledge acquired while growing up on a farm in Italy, Diego introduce people to the ever-present food and medicine plants that surround us. You see weed, Diego sees food.
His foraging tours will open your eyes to the culinary and medicinal bounty of Floriade and will be held from 3.45pm to 4.45pm on Saturday 23, Sunday 24 andMonday 25 September.
Buy your tickets from Ticketek.
An edible (garden) experience
Join Australia’s leading small space gardener Indira Naidoo as she shares her secrets to creating an edible garden in your home. Be inspired as she shows you examples of rooftop gardens in the heart of the city to veggie patches on balconies. You’ll learn that you can grow fresh delicious produce no matter how small your space is—or how inexperienced a gardener you are. In her garden workshop, Indira will explain what vegetables and herbs to grow, what soils and containers to use and how to control pests.
The 60-minute sessions run at 10am and 12pm on Sunday 1 October in The Floral Emporium.
Free.
Crowning glory

Image: facebook.com/LadyLarissaFlowers
Larissa from Lady Larissa Flowers + Styling will be conducting masterclasses on how to create a handcrafted fresh floral headpiece over a light morning tea. She will also be hosting a number of free demonstrations where you will learn tips and tricks on general purchasing, flower care, through to how to create your own floral masterpieces at home.
There will be a variety of demonstrations on Tuesday 19 and Thursday 21 September in The Floral Emporium such as: spring posy making, designing unique vase arrangements as well as styling flowers and food for celebrations.
Book your tickets here
Hands-on Handmade
Attention to all brownie cookies lovers, this Floriade is highlighted for you with an exclusive offer to team up with Will Cowie, the creator of Hungry Brown Cows for making his famous delicious handmade brownie biscuits! This workshop attracts adults and children, offers a lot of fun and plenty of delicious treats!
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 20 September, week one, and Thursday 11 October, week four.
Book your tickets here
Check more information on the website
Dogs Day Out
On Saturday 14 October, Floriade welcomes dogs, big and small, to Commonwealth Park for its Dog Day Out. Pose with your pup in our free photo booth, chow down on delicious delicacies at the Pooch Café or soak up some sunshine as you explore Floriade together.
Remember to keep an eye out for doggie delights dotted around the park. Pick up a present for your pooch at the Dogs’ Day Out Market or enter our competition for the best dressed pup to win some goodies. There will be lots of four-legged fun to be had with activities and demonstrations on offer throughout the day.
Kid stuff!
There’s a lot more fun to be have for the little people this year, with an increase in kids’ activities dotted around the park this year—not just in the one space. There’s cooking, gardening, craft, dance and more! Plus, discover pop-up workshops, roving artists and a new community stage at Regatta Point Hill.
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