Bloementapijt

In mid-August, the Grand Place in Brussels is transformed into a bloementapijt or flower carpet about as long as a football field.

The plan begins often a year in advance when a theme is chosen - like the commemoration of a great event.

Officially, the first flower carpet was created in 1971 by a landscape architect looking for a way to promote his beloved begonias.

The begonia is the main component chosen for its beauty, vivid colors, and durability. Did you know that Belgium is recognized as the world's largest producer of begonias? Eighty percent of the total production of begonias, cultivated almost exclusively in Gent since 1860, is exported, with the U.S. being one of the best customers.

Unfortunately, I was unaware of the Gent Flower Show held every 5 years in April and 2010 was the year and we missed it! Here's a picture I found online of the previous one. It does look like quite a show.

Fortunately I did know about the Bloementapijt in Brussels!

I found this next photo online and figured it might be the best one I'd get since I didn't figure we'd be able to get so close.

We were actually able to walk right up to it and even went up in the City Hall to get a bird's eye view.

These two photos are of the flower carpet we got to see.

The 2010 theme is in honor of the European Union presidency. In addition to saints, emblems, and Gothic architecture, you can see the EU logo beside the fountain in the center.

I'm glad we got to see it and no doubt a lot of work went into making it.