Begonia Carpet in Brussels’ Grand Place

Every other year, a magnificent carpet of begonia blossoms is created in front of city hall in Brussels. This stunning tradition started in the early '70s to promote the cultivation of begonias. This year's show started on August 14th and will last for 5 days.

Brussels pays tribute to the vibrant colours of Africa with stunning carpet of 600,000 begonias on Grand Place

By Daily Mail Reporter

Its merchant palaces already dripping with centuries-old gold leaf, the Grand Place in Brussels has now been decked out with 600,000 stunning begonias in a giant tribute to Africa.

The flowers have been painstakingly woven into a 1,800sqm carpet inspired by the tapestries of Ethiopia, Congo, Nigeria, Botswana and Cameroon.

Basking in fittingly balmy temperatures, the display has taken over what is already one of Belgium's biggest visitor attractions and is expected to be viewed by 100,000 people over the weekend.

The begonias, chosen for their qualities of robustness, resistance to bad weather and strong colours, were cultivated in the Gent area of the country

The first Floral Carpet in its present-day form was created in 1971 on the Grand Place by the landscape architect E. Stautemans and has been hugely popular ever since.

Here are some images of begonia carpets from previous years. To see more images, click here

Gentian!

photo: Joni Shimabukuro

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Pomanders and Other Fun Ideas for Flower Girls

photo: Jamie Bosworth

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Flower (or Texture) Pillows for the Ring Bearer

photo: Jamie Bosworth

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Summer Bouquets

photo: Rebekah Johnson

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Botanical Shoes Embellished with Orchids

These botanical shoes decorated the dessert table for last weekend's wedding.

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Hands-on Class is the Studio: Woodland Arrangements

Come join us for this hands-on class and be inspired by the botanical treasures of the Pacific Northwest! Begin this textural arrangement with lichen-covered branches and moss. Mix in seedpods and berries, miniature fruits and vegies, lush foliage, succulents, fragrant herbs and seasonal flowers. Gather ideas to express your creativity and learn to work with natural materials found in your own garden. You will take your creation home!

Monday, August 6 6:30 – 9:00pm $75

Call to reserve your space @ 503-236-5829

https://francoiseweeks.com/classes

The hands-on classes are limited to 8 students per class and are conducted at Françoise’s Studio – 2754 SE 33^rd Place. Prices include flowers, supplies, use of tools, and best of all, your creation goes home with you! Receipt of your check (or payment with Paypal) for the full tuition secures your place in the class.

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Article in the Seattle Times!

A resounding Thank you! to Valerie easton for writing this article in the Seattle Times!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2018663424_pacificpgardener22.html

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Selection of Botanical Shoes

A fun idea for centerpieces : a selection of stiletto and wire shoes decorated with botanical materials. Or you could wear them for a special occasion!