Thousands of visitors are expected

Hanoi played host this weekend to Vietnam’s annual Spring Flower Festival, with thousands descending on the city to celebrate the nation’s flora.

The festival, which draws visitors from all over the world, held special significance this year as the Lotus was officially named Vietnam’s national flower following a public vote. In taking the honour the Lotus beat off competition from the Orchid and Peach Blossom.

Although the festival plays host to a bewildering array of plants and flowers, the Vietnamese felt it was the Lotus which most embodied the country’s cultural and spiritual identity – of more than 35,000 voters, 81 percent chose the Lotus.

As well as the sea of flowers on display, the festival also featured a photographic exhibition by Ho Chi Minh City photographer Tran Bich. Appropriately, Bich’s exhibition centred around the Lotus, studying the life cycle of the flower and its shapes and forms.

Not everything has gone exactly to plan though – although they selected a national flower they were unable to agree on a national dress.

Hanoi Flower Festival

“The ao dai is already the national costume for women, but it’s difficult to choose the national costume for men,” said Vi Kien Thanh, Head of the Vietnamese Ministry of Art, Photography and Exhibitions.

Despite celebrating what is quintessentially Vietnamese, the festival also seeks to involve and promote ties with other countries; the Netherlands presented 22,000 tulips and a giant pair of wooden clogs to last year’s festival.

A sister celebration is also taking place in Ho Chi Minh City until 1st February to honour the nation’s estimated 12,000 varieties of plants and flowers. Last year’s event attracted more than 500,000 visitors and it is hoped that this years’ visitor total will meet or exceed this figure.

As an indication of the quality of British florists, we have won three of the 14 Interflora World Cups that have been held to date – most recently with former world champion florist David Denyer, who took the crown in 2004. In fact, there are so many big name florists working in the UK who are deserving of recognition it almost seems unfair to pick out just a few, but we will anyway:

Jane Packer

Jane Packer

With over 20 years experience in floral design and several books under her belt, Jane Packer is one of the most respected florists in the world. Jane made her name with arrangements that reflect nature, displaying an informal, organic style.

As well as running florists in London, Tokyo and New York, she operates floral design schools and works with high profile brands such as Armani, Givenchy and Vogue.

Neil Whittaker

Neil Whittaker, who runs The Design Element in Irlam, Manchester, is one of the hottest florists around. Not only did he place in top ten at this year’s World Cup in Shanghai, he has also been named BFA Florist of the Year, Interflora Florist of the Year and was the inaugural RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year!

Felicity Morgan

Felicity Morgan

Felicity specialises in providing organically-grown flower arrangements, often using flowers she has grown herself at her Shropshire cutting patch. Wherever possible, she prefers to use seasonal flowers rather than importing blooms, and is known for supplying roses certified by the Soil Association for events.

A decorated and experienced florist, Morgan was recently named by the Independent as one of the top florists in the UK and by the Guardian as the UK’s most ethical florist.

Judith Blacklock

Judith is a prolific author on floral design and has taught floristry all around the world. A medal winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, she has created arrangements for the royal family, the Prime Minister and numerous celebrities.

As well as editing The Flower Arranger magazine, Judith runs the only private floristry and flower arranging school in the country which holds accreditation from the British Accreditation Council.