One of my students told me about the National Flower Festival, so being the little flower lover that I am, I decided to venture forth and enjoy what Argentina has to offer from a floral perspective!!
Firstly, the show was out in the province in the city of Belen de Escobar, which is situated 60km north of the Federal Capital. As we don't have a car of our own I had to find a way to get there. Thank god this country has a public transport system that is efficient and affordable. From our apartment I caught the subte to Plaza Italia and then caught the bus (no 60 -semi rapido). It cost 6 peso 50 cents, (about R13) and the journey took just over an hour.
The area around Escobar has very fertile soil and is the garden capital of the province. In 1924, a Japanese citizen called Gashu, discovered the goodness of the zone for the production of flowers. Along with a group of Japanese immigrant workers he started the first large cultivations. Just five years later producers of Portuguese, Italian, Belgian and Dutch origins were emulating him. Nowadays, with almost 400 floral establishments, this city is the main producer of flowers in the province. The numerous nurseries, with a huge offer in plants and flowers, have become a permanent attraction, especially during weekends.
Of course the highlight of the year is the Fiesta de la Flor which takes place between the last week of September and the first fortnight of October; besides the floral exhibition, there are car parades and the election of the National Flower Festival Queen. Year after year nurseries and growers showcase their plants and flowers.
After mastering the bus drive and getting off at the correct spot (all in my "spanish"), I walked through the town and headed towards the show grounds. Wow! truly fantastic. It is definitely a case of photos say so much more than words............ The Japanese influence in the plant trade is very evident, Azaleas, Orchids, Conifers and Bonsai and Lillies definitely dominated the show. The showgrounds themselves have a large man made lake with some big colourful khoi. Iris, and cherry blossoms hug the banks of the lake, giving it a very 'oriental' feel. The show is very well supported. It is a great place to take the family and picnic on the lawn under the pine trees. There were also many garden groups and other interest groups who arrived in coaches to enjoy the festival. The main exhibits are displayed over 2 enormous pavilions, huge big domes, rather spectacular really. They were filled with displays of flowers, brilliant colours - a bit like a kaleidoscope really! Then there were two pavilions selling garden related stuff, such as bulbs, fertilisers and pots. There was also 2 retail areas were the growing nurseries could sell their stock - a plant buyers dream, the selection and the prices, just fantastic! It was good to see the hardy South African plants making a show - the brightly coloured Gazania and the faithful and hardy 'vygie'!
My comments : a well organised show, brilliant colourful floral displays, amazing showgrounds that are brilliantly maintained. A definite must for anyone interested in flowers, plants and gardens! and a BIG thank to Claudio (my student) for telling me about it .
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