Bologna in Fiore

“Bologna in Bloom” is a biannual event that takes place in the city’s Centro Storico … in the spring and again in the fall.

I don’t know if it’s always held in Piazza Minghetti, but the fact that the 3-day spring event is essentially around the corner from where we live was an added incentive for us to check it out today.

We went first thing this morning to avoid the crowds that we expect will descend on Minghetti, and the attached Piazza Francia, later in the day and over the weekend.

The entire square was filled with colorful blooms — roses, perennials, ground covers, climbers — as well as herbs and aromatics; cacti and bonsai; kumquat and lemon and strawberry plants; and more. It was a warm and welcoming scene … with novelties adding interest. The participating flower growers — all direct producers, I had read — were more than willing to offer advice and answer questions.

We looked and photographed, but didn’t buy. You see, not only do we not have outdoor space at the apartment, our plans call for being away for weeks at a time … with no one to care for our plants in our absence.

An enchanting event … living up to its description of being a “… garden of wonders. …”Læs mere