As the year winds down, Taipei is hosting two big-time flower shows, the Chiang Kai-shek Shilin Residence Chrysanthemum Show (士林官邸菊展) from Nov. 28 to Dec. 13 and the Taipei Flower Show (臺北花卉展), which will burst into bloom on Dec. 19. Consider these warm-ups for the humongous 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo, staged late next year. Come and smother yourself in sweet-smelling lands of dazzling colors, a“new world”being created in Taipei, which is self-consciously styling itself as a“city of gardens.”(花園城市)

Images of the Flora Expo – Sharing the Fragrance, Flourishing Chrysanthemums

With the breeze the chrysanthemums dance this way and that, falling to create a carpet of gold as an invitation to the annual chrysanthemum exhibition at CKS Shilin Residence. But things are a little different this year; the theme is“Images of the Flora Expo – Sharing the Fragrance, Flourishing Chrysanthemums”(印象花博—共香．盛菊), and the show is designed as a warm-up to the much-anticipated 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo on the way. Divided into nine large display areas, you'll be amidst a pastel universe of impressions, of delicate and coquettish flowery allure.

Here's a breakdown of the nine display areas. In the first, when you enter the grounds via Fulin Rd., on either side you'll find majestic topiary carvings of phoenixes, complemented all about with members of the chrysanthemum family arranged in luxurious mise-en-scenes. The grand entrance archway and concourse will be decorated with all types of potted landscaping and overhanging adornments using chrysanthemums. A third area, the main-theme garden area, has an auspicious chrysanthemum-and-cloud artistic design (福菊祥雲圖飾). In the grassy meadow area, the Chinese characters for the show,“2009士林官邸菊展”are written out in chrysanthemums, the display tilted at a 45-degree angle for optimal presentation. In a fifth area, inside the New Orchid Pavilion (新蘭亭), chrysanthemum breeds mostly from Japan are laid out in what is being called the“Chrysanthemum Grand Vista Garden.”(菊花大觀園) In the Chinese-style courtyard garden area, an ingenious design using chrysanthemums as building blocks has been meticulously laid out by skilled hand. Over in the horticulture exhibition hall deftly practical floriculture skills have been given full play in the creation of a dream-like magical secret garden. In the eighth area, the Octagon Pavilion (八角亭), is a lovely pressed-flower exhibit showing off the multi-sided beauties of the broad chrysanthemum family. Finally, when your feet need a rest, head over to the western-style courtyard area with its chrysanthemum archway, flowerbeds, and fountain. Sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee, savoring the sensory joy a very special breed of flower is bringing you.

The exhibition is held on weekends, and also offers you musical performances, lectures on gardening, and other draws. During your leisure time there's no better place to be than outside, and perhaps no sweeter place to be than in this inviting little corner of Taipei, this little universe of chrysanthemum.

Images of the Flora Expo – Dream 2010

This year, the annual Taipei Flower Show has its theme“Images of the Flora Expo – Dream 2010”(印象花博—夢想2010). It will be in bloom from Dec. 19 to Jan. 17 next year—30 days choc-a-bloc with flowery activities. The biggest difference from previous editions is that the various stages for the show—Daan Park, Taipei Water Park, and 12 selected parks in each of the city's administrative districts—are being transformed in anticipation of the even-larger-scale 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo that will burst onto the scene later next year. Thus, the set-up in Daan Forest Park, for example, will feature a miniaturized microcosm of the bigger event to come, with a“Dream Pavilion”(夢想館) exploring the hopes and visions harbored for the big international event,“Health Cultivation Pavilion”(養生館) exploring nutrition concepts,“Future Life Pavilion” (未來生活館) delving into the green living and wisdom that is to come,“Dancing Butterfly Pavilion”(舞蝶館) filled with butterfly-friendly flowers, plus a“Dream Nursery,”(夢幻花圃“Flora Expo Showcase(花博櫥窗), and more. Though it's of course best to come to both, at this year's Taipei Flower Show you can also enjoy a resplendent sneak preview of the 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo, one of the greatest (flower) shows on earth!

Besides at the Daan park it will be a microcosm of the coming Flora Expo, the Taipei Flower Show itself will expand with a flourish to encompass the Taipei Water Park as well, where the theme will be “Flourishing Water Source New World.”(繽紛水源新世界) A sumptuous feast of the sense is being prepared, with the colors of flowers in bewildering array accompanied by melodious musical concerts. At the same time, at selected community parks in the city's 12 administrative districts, you can enjoy flowery beauty and a line-up of activities. Whatever reasons bring you to Taipei during this period, why not get out there and find out the flora beauty for yourself?

【Discover Taipei2009年11月號】