Spring has sprung with the arrival of the colours and scents galore. Here is a selection of where to pick and enjoy the season’s blooms in Florence and Tuscany.
Where to pick spring blooms in Tuscany
Wander and Pick
Wander And Pick gives the chance to take a turn amongst the tulips in via dei Molino in Calenzano. Talks, recipes and music make the occasion even more memorable. Scandicci and Lastra a Signa also boast their own fields of blooms.
Tenuta Schifanoia
There are even more tulips at Tenuta Schifanoia in San Piero a Sieve, just 30 minutes north of Florence, as the farmstay opens up its bloom-filled field on March 29 for people to pick their own flowers.
Flower shows + garden openings
Firenze Flower Show
The Firenze Flower Show at the Corsini Gardens will be held from April 6 to 7, bringing together rare plants in the ultimate spring market exhibition. Open from 9am to 8pm, adults and children can engage in gardening courses, creative demonstrations and educational workshops.
Plant + Flower Market Exhibition
Celebrating 170 years of the Tuscan Horticultural Society, the popular Plant and Flower Market Exhibition sees 75 specialist exhibitors fill Giardino dell’Orticoltura from April 15 to May 1, while numerous free activities for all ages include botanical illustration workshops, book presentations and artistic performances.
Iris Garden
The annual opening of the Iris Garden tucked beneath piazzale Michelangelo is always a favourite. Reopening to the public from April 25 until May 20, the park will be open for free (donations welcome) every day from 10am to 6pm.
Bardini Gardens
Head up the hill to the beautiful Bardini Gardens for some “wisteria hysteria” at the end of April. The gardens are open daily from 10am to 6pm. Free to Florence residents with ID of proof of address.
SlowFlowers
Enjoy a drive out to Pratovecchio, near Stia, for SlowFlowers at the Palagio Fiorentino from April 27 to 28, prompting reflection on the sustainability of flower cultivation, with workshops like flower composition techniques and cultivation practices, with poetry, music, a market and more.
Pruneti Iris Day
Head for the Chianti Classico hills on April 28 for Pruneti Iris Day. Marvel at the strength and fragility of the spring bloom while tucking into a scrumptious picnic. Bookings to +39 353 4054209.
