We all know Chiang Mai is the best winter destination, where we chill out in the mild breeze, admire the blue sky and inhale the fragrance of beautiful blooms. This year, it will be even more tempting, as the "Rose of Lanna" is putting on the International Horticultural Exposition: Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 from November 9 to February 15.
The International Horticulture returns to Chiang Mai following the initial, successful version in 2006. This three-month-long exposition, with remarkable gardens and landscape showcases from 30 countries, promises to leave its mark on Thailand's agricultural industry.
The theme of Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011, according to the organiser, is "Green Attitude". Two million trees are being planted in the Expo. And 300 strange plants add a "wow factor" to the horticultural show.
The highlights, of course, are the international gardens - where representatives of 30 countries will show off the unique art of garden decoration.
Sudan's garden, for example, will create true African beauty with giant arabicum socotranum flowers and a safari landscape. Pakistan, with its long history of Mughal Empire, will show off a garden inspired by Islamic philosophy and Mughal history. The Spanish, under national yellow and red tones, will make a small Mediterranean garden for the spectators and weekenders alike.
The Expo is likely to draw the crowds to Chiang Mai to admire African native and desert plants, among them Zebra Grass from South Africa, Spain's Dragon Tree and date palm from Qatar.
"There are 10 exhibitions. You can turn up at any, and enjoy the show," says director of Horticulture Research Institute, Dr Suwit Chaikittiyos.
Besides the world show of garden, the International Horticulture Expo aims to inspire the visitors with its green and eco-friendly innovations such as growing crops on the roof or indoor "hobby farms". Out of the question, someone may think. But as spectators will see in Chiang Mai in November, it's possible to grow tomatoes on a small balcony. Find out all about horticulture innovation and how you can live green.
At the Herbal for Future Pavilion, spectators can also taste, smell and see how nature influences their health, wellbeing and mood. Healing herbs, cooking garden and walking path offers a great opportunity to balance with nature in an Oriental setting.
Visitors can take a trip to "Hor Kham Luang" Pavilion. Elegant and beautiful, the pavilion is the centrepiece of Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011. Here you can learn all about His Majesty the King's greatest contributions to Thailand's horticulture, from turning the opium fields in Thailand's North to a healthy farming industry to His Majesty's new "agriculture theory".
Every day during Chiang Mai's International Horticulture Expo, there will be exciting programmes for young and old alike, with cultural shows, music and light shows. The Giant Flora Wheel and Kid Eco Park are ideal for the family while the "Light Garden" show with colourful lasers will take participants into a world beyond their imagination.
The International Horticulture Expo takes place in Mae Hia on Chiang Mai City's outskirts. The activities keep changing during the Expo. For exhibitions and show times, visit www.RoyalFlora2011.com.
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