See the spring snow! Dutch elm trees create a blanket of petals in April, drawing visitors to Amsterdam
From clever ideas and amazing architecture to nature at its most beautiful, we’re loving all things Dutch right now (see My City on page 74 and our garden feature on page 110 of April's The Simple Things). Along with the famous tulip fields that are in full bloom this month, another wonderful spring display is the ‘spring snow’ in Amsterdam. From around 21 April the city’s 75,000 elm trees scatter their seeds, creating a shower of fragrant elm confetti.
There’s an 8km walking and cycling ‘Elm route’ through the city, from the elm arboretum to the city’s botanical garden and special art installations around the city inspired by the spring snow.
Want more seasonal blooms? Try the violet festival, taking place every March since 1952 in Tourettes-sur-loup in the south of France. After a violet procession, take part in the town's annual petal battle. The month before, mimosa is celebrated in Mandelieu-La Napoule, where 12 tonnes of flowers are used to decorate the town over eight days of festivities.
Japan celebrates its 'sakura' (blossom) season with picnics, parties, and a national blossom forecast. In this country, head to Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire, for a shower of cherry blossoms. From 11 April 2015.
And May sees the annual Rochester lilac festival, New York. Taking place in the Highland Park, over 1200 lilac bushes bloom alongside a festival of art, music and food.
Words: Lottie Storey
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