The Fifth Annual International floral exhibit, entitled “Flowers Around the World” was again held in the magnificent 102' tall Nave of Washington National Cathedral.  Washington Embassies, their Ambassadors and their floral designers contribute to the creation of gorgeous displays in the Bays that run the length of the Great Hall. The floral designs highlight each country’s natural and floral heritage as well as its topography, national colors, flags and symbols.

• Many of these countries are returning from previous years and their talents produce stunning visual effects against the backdrop of the impressive Gothic structure. Open both days—Free Admission. 
  
  Some of the Embassies participating in 2010 are:  Embassy of Royal Netherlands.  This Embassy has decided to create a large lily arrangement to call attention to their participation in "Lilytopia" at Longwood Gardens later in May.  http://www.longwoodgardens.org/lilytopia.html  The designer will be Marita Westra,  who designed last year's charming bicycle of flowers; Of course, Ukraine, our honored country this year with designer - Motria Sloniewsky, who will create the country's flag from flowers (last year's entry from Ukraine is second picture on right); Australia - returns with designer, Nova de la Cruz;  United Kingdom - last year's honored country -  Head Gardener, John Sonnier; Hong Kong Special Administrative Region- always a dramatic display - Greenworks Florist, designer; India -  designer to be named; Japan - Tomoko Mikamo is coming from Japan to create this year's entry, which an arrangement of "Tatehana" style of Jisho-ji (Silver Pavilion Ginkakuji) which is the original form of Japanese traditional Ikebana;  New Zealand - Designer, Michael Macklin;  Republic of Korea - Display designer is Angie Ahn (last year's display is last picture to right); Republic of the Phillipines - designer is Francis Falguera; Spain - designer is Don Shurm of Johnson's Florist and Garden Center; Switzerland - designer to be named and USA - Designed by members of the Cathedral's Flower Guild.   This listing will be updated as embassies sign up to come to Flower Mart.  To view more displays or to download pictures, go to the Flowers Around the World section of the Flower Mart photos in Photo Gallery. 
  
  Out on the grounds, many more wonderful events and booths  featured a great variety of flowers and plants for sale.
•  Self-guided tours of the medieval Bishop’s Garden, Olmsted Woods and Amphitheater were available to the public.
•   For the Rose lover - The Arlington Rose Foundation's experts offered free boothside chats both days of the Mart.  Subjects about roses will include: "Different types of roses for special effects" - understand which roses will suite your garden needs; "Give your roses a good home" - learn how to plant your rose bushes for optimal growth; "Balanced meals for roses" - gain insights on fertilizing your roses to produce magnificent bouquets.
  

A Preview Reception was held Thursday, May 6th to formally open the “Flowers Around The World” display. If you would like to be included in this Benefit, click here »