RIVER EVENTS 2022
All the worlds’
A STAGE This year, there’s a hat-trick of reasons to take a cruise on the Rhine or Danube as Europe’s most popular waterways are the gateway to three spectacular events. Jeannine Williamson explains all
FLORIADE EXPO 2022
What is it? The springtime delights of the Dutch bulbfields have long been a delight for garden enthusiasts, and there’s an extra special reason for green-fingered visitors to head to Holland in 2022. The Floriade Expo, held in the city of Almere outside Amsterdam, takes place only every 10 years. Spread over 150 acres, the global horticultural event showcases gardening expertise, innovation and inspiring ideas with input from the world’s leading horticultural experts. The theme of this year’s event is ‘growing green cities’, and after the six-month show finishes there are plans to turn the site into an eco-friendly residential neighbourhood. Pavilions, ornamental gardens, a vast greenhouse and an arboretum will be filled with more than 3,000 trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, vegetables and fruit, and an aerial cable car will give visitors a bird’seye view of the dazzling displays. From vertical sustainable gardens to tasting sessions, 108
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Floriade is a feast for all the senses. A packed programme of arts and culture events will run alongside the displays and include talks inspired by the idea of bringing the country into the city. River cruise lines are offering themed sailings to coincide with the unique exhibition, and some will be hosted by gardening gurus who will lead the trip to Floriade and share tips during onboard talks and Q&A sessions. They include Arena River Cruises, which has sailings accompanied by Christine Walkden, who has appeared on Gardeners’ World, and Helen Yemm, author of Gardening in Pyjamas. Saga passengers will be joined by horticulturist, writer and broadcaster Anne Swithinbank. Who sails there? Arena River Cruises’ Floriade and The Delightful Dutch Waterways cruise, departing May 21 and 25 (arenarivercruises.co.uk); Saga’s Flowers of Floriade and Keukenhof cruise, departing April 20 (travel.saga.co.uk); Scenic’s Dutch Sights and Belgian Delights cruise, departing May through October (scenic.co.uk).
PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK/ANTON IVANOV
When is it? April 14 to October 9
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