Overview
Melbourne's normally buzzy CBD has turned all but silent through the pandemic, as work-from-home orders emptied office buildings and hospitality venues closed their doors. But now, with newly eased restrictions kicking life back into gear, we're about to see a suite of efforts aimed at returning the city to its former glorious self. And one of these initiatives involves a healthy dose of flower power, as a series of large-scale, all-local floral installations injects central Melbourne with some much-needed life and vibrancy.
Urban Blooms will see 18 giant floral works installed in laneways, streets and public spaces across the city, where they'll feature boldly for two weeks, starting from Saturday, November 14. The project's been born of the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund, as a collaboration between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
Botanics of Melbourne by Parker Blain
Local florists from the likes of Cecilia Fox, Botanics of Melbourne, Casa Verde and Fitzroy's Flowers Vasette have been commissioned to design these blooming works of art, creating a living gallery trail through the city. Prominent spots including Hosier Lane, Degraves Street, the Arts Centre and Flinders Street Station will play host to the flower bombs, each installation crafted using locally grown plants, and displaying information about the work and the designer.
There'll even be a code to scan suggesting nearby cafes and stores to visit. Of course, these are COVID-19 times, so social distancing markers will also be a feature, along with marshals to monitor visitor numbers.
After the installation program wraps up on Friday, November 27, the displays will score a second life, reworked into small bouquets for local community groups.
The Urban Blooms project will feature at sites across the City of Melbourne, from November 14–27. Check out the map of locations and plan your visit over at the website.