The killjoy that is COVID-19 has yet again ruined Canberra’s usual month-long celebration of spring that blooms in Commonwealth Park during September and October most years.
As in 2020, the pandemic has once again forced the cancellation of the annual Floriade and Nightfest festivals, and the ACT Government is discouraging any large-scale gatherings during the current outbreak.
Nevertheless, Canberrans are innovative by nature and Floriade will live on to celebrate its 34th year – just not in the usual fashion but COVID-safe.
Floriade: Reimagined was launched last year and included a new highlight of the festival – Floriade Community, which saw a colourful tulip trail planted by over 80 community groups across Canberra’s suburbs.
The overwhelmingly positive response saw the community plantings of bulbs and annuals return this year, and it’s likely they will become a regular feature on Canberra’s spring calendar, regardless of a pandemic.
This year, 300,000 bulbs and annuals have already been planted by over 100 community groups, schools, and organisations for local residents to admire during lockdown.
In addition, pockets of spring flowers usually destined for Commonwealth Park are being scattered across the community in over 400 planter boxes and pots.
An ACT Government spokesperson said although there will be bulbs in bloom in Commonwealth Park throughout spring, the government is discouraging large-scale gatherings at this time and access to the park will depend on the carefully managed public health directions of the time.
Events ACT and the ACT Chief Health Officer will be working together to determine the safe level of access to the site that may be available to the public later in spring, based on the public health directions.
‘Floriade in the Suburbs’ can be found at local town centres, hospitals, testing and vaccination sites, and Canberra’s national attractions.
People are permitted to visit the flower plantings that are within their local community, only while following all ACT Health directions. At this point (9 September) that includes mandatory mask wearing, groups of five people maximum, staying within the allotted two hours of outdoor exercise or recreation, and maintaining social distancing.
Later in the month there will be virtual tours, podcasts and images of the blooms available on the Floriade website so people can still appreciate the beauty of the event, albeit via a screen.
You can check out the interactive map on the Floriade website to find plantings in your area.
