Celebrate the arrival of spring - and the sun - with these colourful flower-themed festivals in the USA.
National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC
Delicate pale pink cherry blossoms burst into flower on the trees that surround some of the
USA Capital Region’s most iconic sites during this festival in late March, pictured right. You’ll find the highest concentration of cherry blossoms near the National Mall and along the Tidal Basin, but the pretty trees are in bloom all over the city. Visit by foot or by bike rented from Capital Bikeshare station to take it all in - or take water taxi or boat along the Potomac
river.
The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show, California
This colourful celebration of the exotic plant in sunny
California is one of the largest and oldest shows in the USA. Expect displays of blooming orchids and imaginative floral exhibits inspired by the current year’s theme.
Nantucket Daffodil Flower Show, Massachusetts
Visit this exquisite island in
Massachusetts during April and you’ll enjoy daffodil-themed art shows, tours and contests. Highlights of the annual Nantucket Daffodil Flower Show include the antique car parade, pictured left, a children’s parade and tailgate picnic.
The Bridge of Flowers, Massachusetts
More than 500 varieties of annuals and perennials create a spectacular display of flowers that covers a bridge in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, from April to the end of October. Built in 1908 as a trolley bridge, the bridge was abandoned in 1927 but turned into a flower bridge the next year. This glorious garden changes colour throughout the seasons.
Crested Butte Wildflower festival, Colorado
Hike to discover the wildflowers of
Colorado during this festival in the beautiful valley of Crested Butte, this year from 6-15 July. Expect than 200 activities including guided hikes and walks for all abilities, photography and art workshops, bird watching and butterfly spotting events, garden tours, cooking classes, and backcountry jeep tours.
85th Annual Alexandria Historic Homes & Garden Tour, Alexandria,
Virginia
A fantastic opportunity to get a snoop
round some of
most glamorous private gardens - and homes – in the
Capital Region this festival in
Alexandria is part of Virginia’s
Historic Garden Week. You’ll find glorious gardens in bloom and more than 2,000 flower arrangements on show inside five of the most beautiful properties in Old Town Alexandria during the annual eight-day event, the oldest and largest house and garden tour in the nation.
Rhododendron Festivals, New England
Discover thousands of rhododendrons in more than 100 varieties in late May, early June, at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich,
Massachusetts. It’s the largest public garden in
southern New England. It’s one of many celebrations of this majestic plant in New England, with festivals in Cape Cod, Boston and more.