Showcasing Canberra’s Brilliant Possibilities

Meets - Kaet - August 13, 2018

The Canberra Convention Bureau is making Canberra a year-round events destination, from Floriade in Spring to truffle hunting in winter.

There is much to offer business visitors to Canberra who may be here for a conference, convention or major event. The Canberra Convention Bureau showcases to local and interstate conference organisers these unique Canberra experiences, hotels and restaurants.

The Canberra Convention Bureau hosts networking events, bringing together the Business Events sector. The events foster collaboration, a benefit of being a small and entrepreneurial destination. Cross pollination of ideas and building stronger relationships, encouraged by excellent Canberra food and drinks always makes for a memorable evening.

‘A Bureau is a seat at the table for industry to benefit from the far reaching sales networks that we continue to develop, nationally and internationally. Our events attract those most eager to grow their networks and have their products and services known to meeting planners, Bureau staff and industry.’ said Michael Matthews CEO of Canberra Convention Bureau.

Man wearing suit holds a microphone and talks to a group of people. The sign behind him reads Canberra Convention Bureau.

CEO of Canberra Convention Bureau Michael Matthews

In 2017, Canberra saw 2.75 million domestic travellers stay overnight in the city, an increase of 10% from the previous year. The visitors are great for the Canberra economy, supporting 16,800 tourism jobs in the region*.

‘We want to give them something they would not expect.’

The Canberra Convention Bureau aims to bring more conferences and meetings to the Canberra region, increasing this segment of the tourism market. The Bureau team recently hosted a contingent of professional conference organisers (PCO’s) from Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart to showcase what Canberra has to offer and adding that ‘surprise element’ to a visit to Canberra.

Hosting around 180 conferences a year the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) is a pivotal location for the visiting contingent.

General Manager of the NCCC, Stephen Wood said his team was going to surprise the group with a 4-course truffle degustation served in their main kitchen, ‘We want to give them something they would not expect.’

Truffle Dinner at the National Convention Centre Canberra

Of the conferences the NCCC hosts, around 50% are for national events. Canberra being the central point for political journalists, this attracts national organisations, providing them access to the national media. Stephen explained that Canberra is ideally located for national events, with transport into and around the city being easy to manoeuver guests around.

The travelling contingent was shown a range of hospitality options and attractions on offer, including a unique Canberra experience – truffle hunting at the Truffle Farm.

Claire Ridley from Ci Events enjoyed the experience, saying ‘Truffles are something that everyone loves. It is a great way to understand the process.’

Group of people listening to a man speaking. A dog sits next to the man.

Truffle Hunting at the Truffle Farm

Director of The Boat House, James Souter said the iconic location of their venue on Lake Burley Griffin, looking out to the Kingston Foreshore is continuing to evolve, adding more event options. With the addition of Schmicnics picnics and hampers, it enables the venue to utilise the green-space around the lake, with patrons being able to picnic outdoors.

Executive Chef at the Boat House, John Leverink said they like to add an element of surprise for diners with the food they serve at events,

‘A clever combination you would never think of, we try to think outside of the box, and deliver something that is exciting but approachable at the same time.’

Function space at Pialligo Estate

It is not just about large conventions and events being bought into the city for the Canberra Convention Bureau. Canberra is the home to four universities, research institutions and national cultural institutions. Local event organisers turn to the Canberra Convention Bureau to help them learn more about their city. A representative from the Australian National University said the benefit of the Bureau was they re-introduced locals to the precincts of Canberra. So if you are hosting an event at a venue, the Bureau can assist you to have a deeper understanding of an area, identifying the hotels, restaurants and facilities in the area.

Canberra is a meeting place that offers a diversity of experiences for the business tourist, and the Canberra Convention Bureau is ready to help plan itineraries that will surprise visitors to Canberra, extending beyond the event location.

Images courtesy: Canberra Convention Bureau and Avon Dissanayake

*Visit Canberra: 2017 Visitor Numbers

‘BACK TO THE LAB’: Coffee table book documents Hip Hop Home Studios

Lifestyle, Meets - Sophia - December 12, 2017

Back in 2005, if you were a Hip Hop music devotee, then Behind The Beat was your ultimate coffee table book. It captured producers in their living spaces and included the iconic black & white photo of J Dilla before he died, sitting in a stark, clean living room – just him at a table with a sampler.

Independent producers and DJs have been busy creating world-class music in bedrooms, kitchens and garages for years. Meanwhile, photographer Raph Rashid has travelled the globe, gaining access to these inner sanctums, one by one.

The tremendous variety of set-ups and layouts used by in-home producers is artfully documented in the pages of his new book Back to the Lab. Intimate photos of the creators amongst their instruments, gear, record collections and ephemera offer unprecedented access.

Raph includes notes about the producers, their environment and “essential” releases to round out this love-letter to the underground. Featuring Flying Lotus, Just Blaze, El-P, Ant, DJ Babu, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lord Finesse, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Dabrye, Waajeed, Oddisee, Alchemist, Harry Love, Oh No, Diamond D, Khalil, DJ Vadim, Kenny Dope, Jake One, Rhettmatic, Format, Young RJ, Plutonic Lab and more.

Run The Jewels. Photo: Raph Rashid.

Flying Lotus. Photo: Raph Rashid.

The official book launch, which included a Q&A session with Hau (triple j Hip Hop Show), was recently held at the Canberra Theatre Centre. I got the opportunity to chat with the irrepressible and energetic Raph who started his lifelong passion for the music industry at a young age – rapping on stage since he was thirteen-years-old. A man of many talents, Raph’s career highlights have seen him launch a clothing company celebrating youth subculture (Blank Clothing), which opened up a world of travel and taking photos. Through his travels, he met a lot of people in the Hip Hop industry, and, out of those, he was always drawn to the producers.

All the photos in both books are a culmination of the connections Raph has made over the last twenty years and represent an organic, natural environment. They are usually not scheduled and represent the relationships and friendships he has formed, like the time he was visiting and taking photos of Kenny Dope, when Kenny suggested they go visit his friend who lives near DJ Jazzy Jeff! Upon arrival at the house, DJ Jazzy Jeff insisted on sharing his love of cooking with the group and served up his famous Fried Chicken and Waffles. Raph said, “These are the sort of intimacies I share in the book. Not staged, definitely no manager or PR people involved, just the humility of the artists.”

To purchase the book click here.

FASHFEST 2017 Designer Feature: Karen Lee

Meets - Kaet - September 25, 2017

It’s FASHFEST week! Are you ready for 3 nights of fashion and fun?

Canberra designer Karen Lee is gearing up for her 5th year at FASHFEST. As one of the original designers to show at FASHFEST, she says the backstage vibe is a highlight of FASHFEST. We talked to Karen about being a designer in Canberra.

How has being involved with FASHFEST changed the way you design?

This is my fifth year at FASHFEST. I’ve been with the event since the beginning. The evolution of the event has changed what I put on the FASHFEST catwalk. In the beginning the shows were more promotional, partly because they were in Winter. With the show moving to September, and aligning with the international fashion calendar, I can launch my spring collections at FASHFEST.

Model wearing white shirt with big black buttons.

Model wearing Assemblage Project
PhotoAngusCampbell

What has inspired your 2017 Fashfest collection and can you give us any hints on what we might see on the catwalk?

This year inspiration has come from a local land mark—a building built in the late 1950s which reflects its surroundings and modernism of the time. Guests will see sculptured silhouettes contrasted with soft draped silhouettes on the catwalk.

Canberra offers so much inspiration

What inspired your career in the fashion industry and what would your advice be for a designer looking to get into the industry?

I wanted a career change and wanted to do something creative. For me that was fashion.

My advise is to work for someone else in the industry first to make sure it’s what you want to do. Many don’t realise it, but fashion is a lot of hard work and it’s time consuming. I’d also advise young designers entering the industry to be honest with customers and always aspire to create something beautiful and unique.

Karen Lee – designer walk.
Image: Shann Brown

How does living in Canberra inspire your work and business?

I’m inspired by how living in Canberra is so easy. There’s no traffic, so I’m in my shop space in Assemblage Project, in Braddon, within 15 minutes. I’m also inspired by the weather, especially when it’s freezing cold outside but the sun is shining. It makes you happy. And I love how Canberra offers so much inspiration and love living where so much is changing for the better.

Do you have a Fashfest highlight or memory you would like to share?

Getting phone calls the week of FASHFEST from persons very much involved in the event saying ‘I need something to wear that matches … (no names!)’

Another highlight is the backstage vibe before a show. It’s exhilarating.

Model wears black dress with red neck lace and bracelet.

On the catwalk with Karen Lee
Image: FASHFEST

Karen Lee will be showing her Spring collection on the closing night of FASHFEST at the 9:00pm show.

If you want the full pre-show backstage experience, we recommend getting the VIP Experience Package for FASHFEST 2017 – front row seats and a pre-show backstage tour.

FASHFEST will be held from 28 to 30 September, with two shows each night at the National Convention Centre, Canberra. See the FASHFEST website for the full program and ticket information.

FASHFEST 2017 Designer feature: Zilpah tart

Meets - Kaet - September 19, 2017

From making clothes for her toy trolls to dressing models for the runway, we talked to Zilpah tart designer Yumi Morrisey about FASHFEST 2017 and adding her touch of Canberra to the catwalk.

What has inspired your 2017 FASHFEST collection?

My Spring-Summer 2017 collection, titled ‘Garden Paradise’, was designed using photographs from Floriade I’ve taken over the years. I’ve created three new fabric prints that are very bright and capture the colour and energy of Floriade. They’ll look amazing on the FASHFEST catwalk.

The collection is very feminine, taking on a garden nymph vibe, with some new styles of garments including culottes and a jumpsuit. I’m also designing two show pieces to start and finish the show at FASHFEST which will be show stoppers.

Two females looking at camera. A rack of clothes is in front of them.

Canberra designer Yumi Morrisey Photo: Avon Dissanayake

You have been involved with FASHFEST for a few years – has this changed the way you design?

When designing a collection that I’m going to show at FASHFEST, I have to think about how the garments will look on the runway. People watching the show need to be entertained, so it’s important to think about that aspect and the total look, including hair and makeup and accessories. It pushes me to think outside the square a little more. This is my fourth year at FASHFEST and I’ve learned every year.

Do you have a FASHFEST highlight?

My second year at Fashfest was a highlight. It was my first collection featuring Canberra prints, including the Parliament Kaleidoscope print which has been worn by politicians and customers overseas. The response from the catwalk show was fantastic. This really paved the way for my business direction as it is now.

All of my fabric prints are designed from Canberra photos.

How has living in Canberra inspired your designs?

All of my fabric prints are designed from Canberra photos. This is a big part of my business. Canberra is a beautiful place, and there’s so much that I can use to show this through my prints.

I think Canberrans are proud to be here, and they love the Nation’s Capital, so they love the idea of being able to wear that pride and beauty in the form of a garment. This includes prints featuring many of our cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Australia, the National Sound and Film Archives and Questacon, and prints celebrating our major tourism attractions like the Balloon Festival.

Twelve models on the catwalk. A large screen is behind the catwalk.

On the catwalk Photo: FASHFEST

What inspired your career in the fashion?

I decided when I was seven years of age that I wanted to be a fashion designer, and I never changed my mind. I used to make outfits for my troll dolls as a child.

Do you have any tips for a young designer looking at entering the industry?

It’s important to know your customer and find out what they want and need on many levels. It’s not just about how the clothes look, it’s about how they’re made and how they’re cared for. Busy women don’t have time for delicate washing instructions or ironing. My customers love originality but also versatility.

Obviously, as a designer, I have to have a strong point of difference. It has to be clear what I offer that others don’t. Something strong that makes customers choose my designs over someone else’s? It’s what makes you stand out as a designer.

Female model with her hands on her hips.

Canberra by design

Zilpah tart’s collection will be hitting the runway on the final night of FASHFEST. Follow Yumi’s FASHFEST adventure on Instagram @zilpahtart.

FASHFEST 2017 is on 28 to 30 September, with two shows each night at the National Convention Centre. Tickets start at $49 for silver tickets or the full VIP package includes a backstage tour – visit the FASHFEST website for program and ticket information.

Images provided by FASHFEST

Urban Providore Australia: Curry Traders

Meets - Sophia - August 31, 2017

Located in Fyshwick, Urban Providore Australia is a locally owned business selling regional Australian produce. From gourmet fudge to award winning olive oil, the store and website is a foodie’s paradise.

Each month, Urban Providore Australia hosts a tasting panel (which So Frank is a part of) giving members the opportunity to not only taste one of the product lines but also meet the producers.

Next month, it is all about Curry Traders; an Australian family owned business that lovingly hand packs all their pre-packaged curry kits.

All spices are pre-measured

Curry Traders ethos is straightforward – make it simple to cook curry by including all the spices you need, in the correct measures, along with step-by-step instructions on exactly how to cook it in pre-packaged curry kits.

In preparation for the upcoming tasting panel meeting, Urban Providore Australia challenged us to put Curry Traders to the test by cooking with one of their curry kits. So dutifully, with our kit selected – Goan Fish Curry, we shopped for the fresh ingredients listed in the instructions and headed home to cook!

The start of a beautiful Goan Fish Curry

True to their word, after an hour of grinding spices, chopping onions, mixing and simmering a bubbling pot, we had a delicious Goan Fish Curry for dinner. We next have our sights set on their award winning Lamb Madras.

*The So Frank team were gifted a packet of Curry Traders to test.

Urban Providore Tasting Panel: La Tortilleria

Meets - Sophia - August 29, 2017

Earlier this year, the So Frank team joined Urban Providore Australia as part of their tasting panel and ever since we have been exposed to the wonderful and varied artisan crafted produce that they sell.

Located in Fyshwick, Urban Providore Australia is a locally owned business promoting gorgeous regional Australian produce. From gourmet fudge to award winning olive oil, the store and website is a foodie’s treasure trove.

Each month, the Urban Providore Australia tasting panel has had an opportunity to not only taste one of the product lines but also meet the producers.

TASTING MUSHROOM QUESADILLA WITH GOATS CHEESE

This month, we met the makers of La Tortilleria; a producer that is all about authentic Mexican, made locally! Their mantra is simple, create the most authentic corn tortillas (because in Mexico tacos are served using corn tortillas not flour tortillas) in the country using only top notch Australian ingredients. They did that by sourcing a stone mill and tortilla ovens from Mexico and finding Aussie farmers to grow corn, to their high standards.

After a truly delicious and fun night hearing about the story of La Tortilleria, we were inspired to try to recreate the flavours of Mexico at home. Armed with a packet of La Tortilleria tortillas and totopos (corn chips) and recipes from the La Tortilleria website we feasted on Pico De Gallo (a simple fresh tomato salsa), Tacos De Carne Asada (Grilled Beef Tacos) and a rustic Guacamole.

Totopos (corn chips) and our rustic Guacamole.

*The So Frank team were gifted the range of La Tortilleria to test and can’t wait to get back to Urban Providore Australia to purchase more.

The So Frank team is always keen to discover all that Canberra region has to offer so get in touch and let us know about any local events, amazing food, coffee or wine by sending an email to sophia@sofrank.com.au

Meet Fiona Keary – in house stylist at The Canberra Centre & founder Style Liberation

Meets - Kaet - May 8, 2017

Hands up if you are also guilty of opening your wardrobe and feeling like you have nothing suitable to wear or anything that feels ‘quite right’?

As the textures and colours of the Winter 17 ranges begin to appear in stores, we asked Fiona Keary, in-house stylist at the Canberra Centre and founder of Style Liberation for her tips on creating a versatile and personalised wardrobe.

Fiona’s style philosophy is simple – start with the basics, investing in a capsule wardrobe of clothes that suit your body type and colour tones. This will not only save you time and money; it gives you the confidence to develop your own personal style and tailor looks that work for you.

“Your style personality is a way of expressing yourself – it is your personal business card”

Fiona Keary and Sarah Kelly at the Canberra Centre style sessions.

You lived in London for a few years, what did you learn about dressing for cold weather?

I actually think Canberra is colder as you have such a variation between night and day temperatures. The key is to layer wisely as you may go from freezing outside to a balmy 21 degrees inside. A great versatile coat is a must.

How do you know which pieces of clothing to invest in – what will last for a number of seasons and suit our personal style – without going out of style?

It’s about being current rather than being on trend. It’s about creating your own signature style rather than being a slave to fashion. If you start with great base pieces (i.e. dresses, suits, pants, skirts, jeans, coats and jackets) that flatter your colouring, style and body shape, then you’re already on the right track. Then you’ll find that you can update every season with some key trend pieces that match your style personality.

A clothes rack with an assortment of clothes and a brown bag.

Winter 2017 at the Canberra Centre

Are there wardrobe essentials you think should be updated each season?

Replace those base pieces once they are starting to see better days. Canberra Centre has great retailers that offer good quality base pieces that you can then layer to create your unique style.

Cold and warm colours – what do we need to know and how do we adapt colours to our own style?

Cool colours are blue based, and warm colours are yellow based. However, while many people are one or the other, many are neutral, so the temperature of the colour is not as important as say the depth or intensity of the colour. I would recommend working within a colour palette that works for you. Firstly because everything in your wardrobe will mix and match, and secondly you’ll look great.

No matter your style personality, there will be colours in your palette that will work all year round and be appropriate for your style.

Do the same cold and warm colour palettes apply to men?

It’s exactly the same principles for men.

A set of eight cards each have a different range of clothes with a text heading. The titles include 'Dramatic Personality Style', 'Creative Style Personality'.

Your style personality is your personal business card.

How have you seen the Canberra fashion scene change over the last few years?

It’s fantastic to see local designers showcased. There is so much talent here. I also love that Canberrans are experimenting and embracing both international and local brands located at the Canberra Centre.

Do you have any your favourite Canberra designers?

Braddon Tailors, Rockstars and Royalty, and Pure Pod

Change it up a bit.

The Canberra Centre has a wide range of fashion retailers – do you have a tip on breaking the routine of shopping at the same spots?

Working out your style personality is key. When you understand your style, it’s much easier to work out which stores are right for you. Saying that never discount any store, as you never know what you’re going to find. You may be a classic, but you may be able to pick up a gem at Sass & Bide. I would recommend looking in three or four stores that you usually wouldn’t go to every season. Change it up a bit.

Before becoming a stylist, you worked in an office – what is your tip for taking the ‘corporate look’ to after work events?

It’s about accessorising, change the shoes, bag, perhaps the shirt or blouse and add some statement jewellery.

Do you have an ‘on trend’ must have for Winter 17?

No, buy pieces that you love and make you feel fabulous. If you want to wear sparkles and sequins during the day – wear them!

_____

A row of clear chairs with white gift bags on them. The bags say Canberra Centre.

Gift bags at the Canberra Centre lifestyle workshops.

Thanks to the Canberra Centre for inviting the So Frank team to attend Fiona’s Style Masterclass – we will be looking at clothes shopping in a new way.

The Canberra Centre offers personal styling sessions, with Fiona, where you can learn more about developing your style personality.

You can also download Fiona’s ‘35+ Where to Shop’ guide, providing tips on which stores to visit to explore looks for your style (and it is not just for the over 35’s).

The team at Cataldo’s Salon

Meets - Sophia - April 14, 2016

Sitting in the salon chair, listening, oh ok, fine, eavesdropping, to the conversations around me, I couldn’t help but feel part of the Cataldo’s family. There was a warm buzz and atmosphere as staff caught up with clients on their news since their last visit.

The business started over 50 years ago in 1965 by Giuseppe Cataldo, as a barber shop, Cataldo’s Hairdressing. It now has two bustling salons – one in Woden run by business partner and 30 year Cataldo’s veteran Karen Spradau and one in Civic run by Giuseppe’s sons Emilio, Angelo and Aldo Cataldo. Once, they were young boys who helped out their father by sweeping the floors or opening doors for clients. Now, under their helm, Cataldo’s is a multi-award winning hair salon which is visionary in its approach and attitude. Its dedication to challenge, technique and design has forged the salon’s reputation internationally through an extensive portfolio of magazine covers and editorials. Cataldo’s has also won national and international awards including ACT Salon of the Year 18 years in a row!

Cataldo’s Team with their competition trophies

With 50 years behind them, the next 50 look just as exciting! Their Civic salon on Northbourne Avenue is moving to new premises in Ainslie Place, and their focus is the ultimate customer experience. Which, in my opinion, they have already achieved.

“We’ve trained over 350 apprentices and stylists. Our team are very much part of our family. Some of the hairdressers we’ve trained are now educating others around the world,” said Angelo Cataldo. Emilio adds, “Education is very important to us. Not just skill with hair, but life skills, interpersonal skills they can transfer to everyday life. Our father imparted a sense of genuine customer service, which we now impart on our stylists.”

Cataldo’s Team celebrating 50 years

That warmth is felt as soon as you step inside the salon! On my very first visit to the Civic salon, I was greeted immediately and sat down comfortably in my chair with a coffee and a stack of magazines at the ready for me to read. Coincidentally both my colourist and hairdresser on the day were both Cataldo’s (Giuseppe’s grandchildren). Creative Director Claudia Cataldo was super patient with my lack of hair knowledge as we discussed the new season’s looks and how to find my signature style. She pulled out her iPad full of suitable haircuts and once we talked through a colour concept and cut she and colourist Michael went straight to work. As Creative Director her role is to drive the creative direction of the salon. She was also named finalist for Australian New Creative Force 2015. She has an innate sense of style and her knowledge of what works for different face shapes and colourings amazed me!

I left the salon not only with shiny salon fresh hair and a bounce in my step that comes with a great new haircut, but also with a warm, fuzzy feeling because I could just see all the love and care that Cataldo’s treats their customers with. I can’t wait to book my next cut and colour!

15 years ago, Cataldo’s Salon offered their clients free dial up internet and TV screens for entertainment, which helped them win the Australian Best New Salon Design award. Today, the Cataldo’s feel there’s too much digital and not enough genuine human interaction, so I can’t wait to see what the new salon will offer. It will be opening it’s doors in the next few months.

For more information on Cataldo’s Salon, visit www.cataldos.com.au or find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/CataldosSalon

*Sophia enjoyed her haircut and colour as a guest of Cataldo’s Salon and she can’t wait to book in as a regular customer when they open the new salon.

Enigma Fine Chocolates: Hand made in Canberra

Meets - Sophia - October 24, 2015

When presented with an opportunity to meet a local Canberra chocolatier that specialises in unique handmade truffles, bars and all things cocoa; the So Frank team eagerly agreed.

Truffles: Hand made in Canberra

We met Stuart Strutt-Shotton in his home in Lyneham where he lovingly hand makes his outstanding Enigma Fine Chocolates.

His passion is infectious as he talks about the ingredients he uses. Stuart creates single origin chocolates and treats his offerings much like coffee roasters and purveyors do using different strengths from 50% cocoa, right up to 100% from either Madagascar, Dominican Republic and Grenada.

Chocolate taste testing

The emphasis for Stuart when creating flavours is emphasising the taste of the chocolate itself – so he mainly uses a water-based ganache rather than adding cream or butter. This makes the flavours more refreshing and avoids fatty residue on the palate.

A trained chef, Stuart has worked for many years in upmarket London, Melbourne and Canberra bakeries and restaurants. Most recently, he has worked in Autolyse in Braddon and is currently at The Glasshouse Café in Civic. He works the café by day and works on his passion, chocolates by night.

He currently creates a rotating range of truffles and chocolate bars; experimenting with different flavours, his creations include ‘Lamington Truffle’ (vanilla sponge ganache and Valrhona 65% Kallingo single origin from Grenada finished in desiccated coconut) and “Peanut Butter and Jam on Toast Truffle” (raspberry puree reduction and peanut butter ganache made from all natural peanuts and sea salt, then layered in a truffle shell and coated in 40% cacao).

Lamington Truffle: Hand made in Canberra

The Chocolate bars are either ‘clean’ bars to highlight the chocolate itself, or flavoured varieties including Butterscotch Popcorn (milk chocolate) and Chai Spice (white chocolate).

What you need to know:

Stuart will be selling his delicious chocolate creations for the last time this year at the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sunday the 25th of October. So get in quick and try either a Chocolate bar for $5 or some Truffles – 1 for $2 , 3 for $5 or 6 for $10.

Or for special orders visit https://www.facebook.com/enigma.chocolates

Mr Floriade

Featured, Meets - Kaet - September 19, 2015

His friends like to refer to him as ‘Mr Floriade’, and since as head gardener, Andrew Forster has worked on every single Floriade event, the title is justified.

Yes, that means that for 28 years, Andrew has been tending the garden beds of Commonwealth Park – the last 18 years as head gardener. By the twinkle in Andrew’s eye as he describes the garden beds and the cycle of flowers blooming over the month long floral festival; you sense he is as enthusiastic today as the day he started.

Floriade garden beds bloom with Tulips

Floriade marks the start of spring; when Canberra removes its winter coat and spoils us with blue skies and colourful flower beds.

This year’s theme ‘Reflections’, marks the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and provides the inspiration for the designs of the flower beds. Among them, you will find the Southern Cross, a wattle sprig and the Last Post.

Andrew knows Commonwealth Park like the back of his hand. We took an early morning walk with him around Floriade to learn about his favourite spots, and some behind the scenes secrets.

Floral garden bed with a pond in the back ground.

Reflections on Nerang Pool

The ‘Colour Patches’ garden beds, near Nerang Pool; were the first beds planted, as the trees protect the flower beds from the frost.

Everything changes

The smell of hyacinths rises from the gardens, and Andrew tells us the hyacinths don’t last long. The planting of the bulbs has to be arranged to ensure there is a full month of floral colour. “Everything changes” Andrew said, and that is why you should plan to visit more than once in the month, to see the gardens evolve.

Andrew’s favourite designs this year, includes ‘Love Letters’. Sitting just underneath the Ferris wheel, the yellow and white garden beds, reflect the memories of the letters soldiers sent home from war to their loved ones. Andrew suggests taking in the view from the top of the wheel to get the full visual impact.

Garden bed with flowers set out like a sun, Sign in front reads 'Rising Sun'.

The raised garden bed, ‘Rising Sun’ is one of Andrew’s favourite.

He also likes the raised garden bed of ‘The Rising Sun’. Sitting in front of Inspiration Hub, Andrew tells us the red and orange flowers planted will come into full bloom over the month. Walking up the centre path will let you see the full view of ‘The Rising Sun’.

Andrew’s other tips include picking up the children’s activity sheet at the entrance; each garden bed has a clue to be solved. He also tells us there are a lot of secret spots in the park to have a picnic and escape the crowds – “just have a look around and you will find them” he tells us.

Close up of a open tulip with a Ferris wheel in the background.

Photography: Kaet & Fran – So Frank

What you need to know:

open daily until 11 October: 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5.30 pm on weekends
free entry to the park
see the Floriade website for the full activities calendar, transport options and a park map
tag your Instagram photos with #Floriade & #SoFrankSocial and share them with everyone.

Older Posts

Sharing a unique perspective on the modern, urban & rural life in Canberra and the surrounds.

So Frank Meets ...