The new season means a reawakening, not only for travellers but also for nature. That also signals an opportunity to consider a flower-powered trip to see the best spring flowers and plant displays. Luckily, there are many to witness.
Japan, Sakura Blossom
Probably one of the most anticipated is the Sakura Bloom, a pink cherry blossom that blooms from late March through early May. The blossom begins in the south and lasts for two weeks before the petals fall. For tourists, the Japan Meteorological Corporation releases a cherry blossom forecast so you can meticulously plan your trip.
US, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
In California, the Antelope Valley is a vast landscape covered in iconic orange and purple poppies. Every spring, the flowers erupt from the ground. It is always a major draw for visitors.
Morocco, Valley of Roses
Through April and May, the Valley of the Roses, located southeast of Marrakech, bloom. Sited in the town of Kelaat M’gouna on the Asif M’Goun River are 54 public gardens and many wild roses growing throughout the valley. Locals utilise them for essential oils to perfume, but visitors can wander around and admire them. There is also a festival in May to mark the roses.
France, Monet’s Gardens
The gardens of Monet are among the most loved and visited in France. You can stroll around and recapture his painting scenes, including his water lily pond.
UK, Bluebell Woods
Spring in the UK can be a delightful time, and no more so than strolling through a bluebell wood. There are iconic woods across the UK, but Hardcastle Crags in West Yorkshire is one of them. But then, there are many in the rural areas of the UK that enable you to get away from the crowds and traffic around Easter.
Seattle, Chihuly Garden
The surroundings of Chihuly Garden and Glass will have you enraptured and many images later on your camera or smartphone. Nature weaves its way around the area and offers an opportunity to discover more about famous glass artist Dale Chihuly and his pioneering processes.
Singapore, Gardens by the Bay
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay offers a kaleidoscope of color. There are vertical gardens that collect rainwater and solar energy and come alive at night with a musical light show. The world’s tallest indoor waterfall provides a cooling mist as you admire tropical mountain plants in the Cloud Forest Conservatory. It is, indeed, an artistic masterpiece of nature.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist based in Turkey. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
