SZ's first flower show brings a riot of color

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area 2019 Shenzhen Flower Show, the city's first international flower show, opens Friday at the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden in Luohu District and will run through March 31.

More than 30 flower companies, including 10 internationally renowned companies, will present over 1,100 types of flowers at the show.

The exhibition extends across nearly 60,000 square meters, scattered among over 40 tourist sites in the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. The violet, which is a symbol of eternal love and beauty, was selected as the theme for the show.

One of the highlights of the show is an exhibition of five international gardens created by five top garden designers from four countries, namely the United Kingdom, France, Japan and the Philippines.

The designers not only used exotic items but also infused their works with Chinese characteristics.

Urbana Silvam, designed by French couple James and Helen Basson, is a celebration of Shenzhen’s past and present. It demonstrates the vibrancy and color of a megacity. The ground plane takes its inspiration from the pattern of the rice paddy fields that used to be prevalent in Shenzhen.

The vertical columns represent the economic growth of the city, both in terms of high-rise buildings and the colors of the large port that is central to Shenzhen’s history. The garden is designed to look like a city from certain perspectives, while from others it appears to be a green forest due to the plantings on one of the walls and the roof.

“The inspiration is the city of Shenzhen from our perspectives. We want to create a work that not only reflects the present city but also its history,” Helen told the Shenzhen Daily. “We also used vibrant colors on the containers standing vertically to show the city’s vigorousness.”

This is the first time that the couple has visited Shenzhen. “We really like the city and we definitely want to come back,” they said.

Christopher Edward Eulloran, a designer from the Philippines, carved his ancient language on the floor tiles of his garden named Journey to Southeast Asia.

“The language means body and soul. I want Chinese people to experience our spirit and lifestyle through the design,” said Eulloran.

Additionally, residents can enjoy 12 elite gardens with different themes, which were created by the city’s park management center, 10 districts and new area, and Qianhai, and participate in an array of colorful activities in the garden.

Residents with a ticket to the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden can enter the show without paying an extra fee.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Venue: Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, 160 Xianhu Road, Luohu District (罗湖区仙湖路160号仙湖植物园)

Metro: Line 2 or 5, Huangbeiling Station (黄贝岭站), Exit C and then take a taxi