One of the more welcomed seasons of the year, Spring is a time of transformations. Not only does the weather get warmer and the days longer, but time spent outdoors is complemented by blossoming scenes of photo-worthy florals. From Texas to China, the mesmerising explosions of colour at these global springtime spots are not to be missed.
Lisse, Netherlands
Keukenhof Gardens
A staple for any flowering spring garden, nothing signifies the arrival of Spring quite like a burgeoning bunch of tulips. Head to Lisse, a town south west of Amsterdam, to explore Keukenhof Gardens and admire the world-famous tapestry of the iconic spring blooms. Open to the public from 22 March through 13 May, the garden, whose name literally translates to kitchen garden, spans over 32 hectares and beckons visitors from around the world with striking scenes of more than 7 million blossoming tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
Texas, United States
Bluebonnet Trail
For just a few short weeks every year, the Texan countryside becomes awash with blue-hued splendour. Marking the arrival of spring and flourishing for just a few short weeks, the state flower Bluebonnet envelopes the hills and lines the state’s highways to make for striking driving terrain. The best spot to admire the flora is Ennis, a small town south of Dallas which has deservedly been dubbed the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas, and welcomes visitors every year with over 40 miles of mapped driving trails. Visit during April 1-30 to catch them at their best.
Brussels, Belgium
Hallerbos ‘The Blue Forest’
If you’re planning a trip to Belgium’s capital, consider taking a short trip out to the fairytale forest of Hallerbos. Aptly named ‘The Blue Forest’, springtime brings with it a blooming carpet of colourful bluebells that weave themselves in and around the towering trees. Blanketing the feet of the slender rising beeches, to witness the enchanting scene in its prime is unpredictable at the best of times. Like all spring flowers, the basis on which the flora will thrive depends heavily on the weather, but if last year was anything to go by we think the end of April is looking pretty promising.
Washington, United States
National Cherry Blossom Festival
A once modest festival rooted in history, Washington’s National Cherry Blossom Festival is now a three-week occasion and one of the nation’s biggest springtime events. Marking a lasting friendship between the US and Japan, the festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the Mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The celebrations today include fundraiser events, live music, daily performances, and parade complete with lavish floats and marching bands, but most notable (and picturesque) of all is the blooming cherry blossom trees that frame the Tidal Basin. Not quite Japan but just as impressive, experts are keeping a close eye on the blooms and weather before confirming 2018 festival dates.
Hitachinaka, Japan
Hitachi Seaside Park
When you’re done with the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Japan, jump in a car and head north for other-worldly scenes at Hitachi Seaside Park. The public park, which sits at the water’s edge of the Japanese coast, spans over 300 hectares and is home to eateries, a cycling course, amusement park, athletics field, and of course, scene after scene of floral grandeur. Boasting an all-year seasonal schedule of flowers in bloom, spring welcomes the arrival of gardens and grasslands blanketed with baby blue eyes, tulips, and daffodils.
California, United States
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
The best spot for viewing California poppies en masse, the Antelope Valley’s hillsides come alive for just a few short weeks every spring with vibrant bursts of colour. Open year-round the park, which is approximately 30-minutes by car from the city of Lancaster, and just over an hour drive from Los Angeles, is well worth the trip out of the city.
Luoping County, China
Rapeseed Fields
Every year, for a fleeting moment, this small county at the Eastern side of Yunnan province becomes awash with a golden sea of flowers. Stretching as far as the eye can see is blossoming rapeseeds (or canola flower). Originally just a thoroughfare to reach tourist attractions at different parts of the province, the largest rapeseed flower plantation in Southwest China now welcomes floods of people looking to bear witness to rural heaven.