Carnival of Flowers in Queensland, Australia
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers takes place September 20 through 29, 2019, in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
Keep in mind that September is the start of spring Down Under.
Mass floral displays are planted in Toowoomba city parks and gardens: each year more than 150,000 seeds, 180,000 bulbs and seedlings are planted at key times to ensure the display each Spring. In addition,a program of a record 77 events and experiences are planned, including tours of private gardens, musical performances, and “some of the best food and wine to be found in Queensland”.
The two major feature displays of bulbs and flowering annuals are located at the Botanic Gardens, Queens Park (corner of Lindsay and Campbell Streets, Toowoomba), and Laurel Bank Park (50 Hill Street, Toowoomba). Additional plantings occur around the Central Business District (Ruthven and Margaret Streets), Picnic Point lookout, and Spring Bluff Station.
“The 70th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will begin on what we call ‘Floral Friday’ (September 20) with the launch of the Festival of Food & Wine in Queens Park together with the opening of more than 80 gardens in a Garden Competition, four exhibition gardens and the commencement of entertainment and tour programs across our extraordinary public parks and spaces throughout the city,” reported Geoff McDonald.
“The Power of the Flower” is the theme for the Floral Parade, taking place September 21, 2019. Starting point is the corner of Herries and Hume Streets, Toowoomba.
The carnival was conceived in 1940 by Essex Tait and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, as a way for the city to use its “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the hardships of World War II. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers began October 20, 1950, with a street procession that stretched three miles in length.
There’s also a show by the Toowoomba Clivia Society (September 20 through 25, 2019) and the Native Orchid Society of Toowoomba (Sepbember 20 through 23, 2019).
(Photos courtesy of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers)
