Celebrate spring with a visit to a flower festival or plant fair in Belgium

Seasonal plant fairs and floral extravaganzas offer a bounty of springtime blooms. The dazzling events also provide seasonal inspiration for keen gardeners looking for a range of flowers, plants, bulbs and sought-after specimens. Most of these horticultural celebrations are also sited in gorgeous historic grounds, which are perfect for inspirational spring walks.

Hasselt Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival  Until 13 April

Every spring, the Japanese Garden in Hasselt transforms into a vision of pink petals. The ephemeral display is thanks to some 225 different varieties of cherry trees. A programme of activities every weekend is accompanied by Japanese street food and traditional drinks. On 13 April, the hanami season ends in style with the show Sakura, a fusion of traditional Japanese music and dance. Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 15

Floralia Groot-Bijgaarden  4 April to 2 May 

The 22nd edition of this floral extravaganza (pictured, main image) on the outskirts of the capital promises millions of seasonal bulbs with staggered blossoming periods. They brighten up the 14-hectare grounds of this atmospheric red brick castle. Pride of place goes to tulips, hyacinths and daffodils, while visitors can also admire a 1,000m2 greenhouse, several gardens, a flower labyrinth and an indoor flower exhibition that changes weekly. Additional attractions include Maya the Bee days with family entertainment on 5 & 6, 12 & 13 and 19 to 21 April, as well as a Venetian Parade (date yet to be confirmed). Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5 (Flemish Brabant)

Enghien  Foire de Jardin   11-13 April 

As one of the country’s largest garden fairs, some 250 horticulturalists, architects and garden designers show off their specialities and wares in an idyllic and tranquil setting. Explore the four-hectare 17th-century park and pick up new skills in numerous workshops and talks. There’s also stands dedicated to outdoor furniture, pools and spas. As well as gourmet food, artisan stands, castle visits and a kids’ playground are among the attractions. Parc du Château d’Enghien (Hainaut)

Aywailles, Liège Tous au Jardin   11-13 April 

The third edition of this garden fair is an opportunity to meet horticultural professionals and suppliers of garden tools and materials, while snapping up seasonal plants. Hosted by the Brasserie Elfique on the banks of the Amblève river, visitors can enjoy visits of the brasserie, gourmet walks and a food market selling regional produce. Discover the entries by horticultural students competing in the best young gardener 2025 competition. The opening day of the event is reserved for professionals. Raborive 2 (Liège)

Château de Beloeil Concours Amaryllis   12-21 April 

The annual competition devoted to the amaryllis bloom includes exhibition in the ground floor of the castle dedicated to floral displays designed for weddings. In total, some 6,000 amaryllis decorate the stylish interior with 21 professional and amateur florists competing in the 12th edition of the event. The Hainaut castle is set in 17th-century French-style landscaped gardens. Rue du Château 11 (Hainaut)

Laeken, Brussels Royal Greenhouses   18 April to 11 May 

As these splendid greenhouses are only open to the public for a few weeks a year, you need to book in advance to ensure entry. In a tradition dating back a century, thousands of varieties of plants and trees, including rare species from the collection of King Leopold II, are on display. This was the monarch who commissioned the classical-style greenhouses and winter garden designed by illustrious Belgian architect Alphonse Balat in 1873. Explore the site via long and short walking routes around the park of the royal residence. Avenue du Parc Royal 61 (Laeken)

La Feuillerie, Celles  Fête des Plantes   19-20 April 

Rare and collectors’ plants are the star of the show at this spring fair in the beautiful, landscaped 1.5-hectare park in Celles, near Tournai. It is followed by three other themed events during the year, including flowering rhododendrons and azaleas on 11 May, hortensias on 13 July and autumn plants on 20 & 21 September. Expect a bounty of rare specialist plants, trees, shrubs and bulbs. Rue de la Feuillerie 1 (Hainaut)

Namur Festival du Jardin du Château de Beez  26-27 April 

This 19th-century chateau and family estate hosts the 5th edition of this garden festival, conveniently located near the E411 motorway on the outskirts of Namur. Around 70 exhibitors fill the space, with visitors invited to enjoy walks around the grounds, which include an English-landscaped park complete with rare trees. Entrance €7. Avenue du Château de Beez (Namur)

Lasne  Les Jardins d’Aywiers  2-4 May 

Set in the enchanting seven-hectare English park of a Cistercian abbey, Aywiers is a popular event in gardeners’ calendars. Some 200 professional nurseries, landscape gardeners and other experts are on hand to advise you with your garden for this 33rd edition. There are also visits of the abbey, a variety of workshops and talks and kids’ activities. Rue de l’Abbaye 14 (Walloon Brabant)

Ghent Beervelde Park   9-11 May 

Beervelde Garden Days is a biannual garden fair with some 240 horticulturalists from Belgium and abroad taking part. This year, the banner for the garden festival is Green Paradise, evoking lush vegetation and a green environment epitomised by this family estate. It also promotes a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy culinary delights, artisan crafts, music and children’s activities. Toleindestraat 25 (East Flanders)