From D.C. to Kyoto, signs of spring are all around. Cities and towns across the world are ushering in the fairest of the seasons with flower festivals, shows, and parades. There are cherry blossoms in both the U.S. and Japan, colorful tulip fields in Holland, fragrant rose gardens in Oregon, lilacs on picturesque Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, and delicate apple blossoms in the Shenandoah Valley. You don’t have to be a horticulturist to partake in the festivities—just show up and smell the roses. You might even get some landscaping ideas for your own home.
Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C.
The cherry blossoms have already reached peak bloom, but you might still be able to see the pink petals on the gorgeous trees surrounding the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument. Plus, the city will be celebrating through April 17. The famed sakura trees were a gift from Japan in 1912, symbolizing friendship between that nation and the United States. nationalcherryblossomfestivalrg
Keukenhof, Holland
Just an hour outside Amsterdam, Keukenhof is one of the most beautiful gardens in the Netherlands—and perhaps all of Europe. The enormous site, comprising more than 7 million bulbs and over 800 varieties of tulips, was designed in 1857 by the landscape architects who later created Amsterdam’s Vondelpark. The park is open only until May 16, so hurry to catch the bloom. For this year’s theme, the Golden Age, a huge flower mosaic forms a Delft blue tile depicting the trade routes and canal houses of Amsterdam. keukenhol
Sakura Matsuri, Kyoto, Japan
Cherry blossom fans should consider making a pilgrimage to Kyoto, where the ubiquitous trees transform the urban landscape into a magical pink wonderland. The tricky part is knowing when to go, as peak bloom depends on the weather and lasts only a few days. This year’s sakura trees are predicted to bloom between April 4 and April 10. kyotoravel
Portland Rose Festival
The City of Roses is living up to its name and will be celebrating the fragrant flowers all spring and summer long with a variety of events. Starting with a sing-off on April 16, the festivities will culminate with an annual parade on June 11, which will feature 14 floral floats, 17 marching bands, 19 equestrian units, vintage cars, and dancers in colorful costumes. rosefestivalrg
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, Winchester, Virginia
Each spring the town of Winchester, Virginia, hosts the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, celebrating the pink-and-white-budding orchards of the Shenandoah Valley. From April 22 to May 1, visitors can enjoy more than 30 events, including a parade, dances, luncheons, a carnival, and more. thebloomom
Chelsea Flower Show in London
England’s Royal Horticultural Society puts on the Chelsea Flower Show every year, making over the grounds of London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea into a floral paradise. This year’s event will have exhibits ranging from a field of poppies to the Harrods British Eccentrics Garden, inspired by kinetic sculpture, in which mechanized garden gadgets will put on a show every 15 minutes. The flower show will run May 24 to 28. rhrg.uk
Genzano Infiorata, Genzano di Roma, Italy
Every year since 1778, Genzano di Roma, about 20 miles southeast of Rome, hosts a massive flower festival. An elaborate blooming carpet arranged in detailed designs covers Via Italo Belardi in the center of the town, drawing thousands of spectators. This year’s festival will take place May 28 to 30. comune.genzanodiromaoma.it
Lilac Festival, Mackinac Island, Michigan
In summer, quaint Mackinac Island in Lake Huron comes alive with thousands of lilacs, many of the varieties brought to the area during the Colonial era. The island’s ten-day celebration includes concerts, horse-drawn-carriage tours, boat cruises, and a parade. This year, the 68th annual festival will occur June 3 to 12. mackinacislandrg
