The 56th International Bouquet Competition - ‘Flowers in Motion’

With an ever-expanding conference programme, an increasing number of international participants, and new street events in the Principality, Monaco's eagerly awaited annual celebration of floral design continues to amaze a growing audience eager to learn more about this creative art form.

Cecilia Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Garden Club de Monaco, and organiser of the International Bouquet Competition is enthusiastically fulfilling the wishes of the Club's President, H.S.H. the Princess of Hanover, to continue popularising floral design while expanding the Garden Club de Monaco's reach by embracing broader themes that are vital for our future: environmental conservation, biodiversity and reaping nature’s incredible gifts responsibly, making it a club that is blossoming like the flowers of spring!

The Garden Club de Monaco Conferences - Each year, as part of its International Bouquet Competition, the Garden Club de Monaco hosts a series of mini-conferences and a floral design demonstration, free of charge and open to the public, in the prestigious setting of the Yacht Club de Monaco, to be held this year on Sunday 11 May 2025.

From 11am - 1pm

• ‘Orange blossom water’ by Murielle Iris, from Les Sauvages, is a mini-conference that takes attendees on an incredible journey encompassing:

-              Bitter orange trees and orange blossom: a brief history of citrus fruits on the eastern French Riviera (from Nice to Menton).

-              From locally grown orange trees to harvesting orange blossom water and essential oil.

-              From ancient times to the present day: the genealogy of citrus fruits, practices and medicinal benefits.

• ‘The Jardin Exotique: a botanical garden’ by Diane Ortolani, Director of the Jardin Exotique.

Botanical gardens date back to the 16th century. The Jardin Exotique is proud to be a part of this history. Diane Ortolani will present the story of these gardens, their purpose, and the future of the Jardin Exotique de Monaco.

• ‘Around the Olive’ by Armando Spajani.

From olive trees to olive oil, expert Armando Spajani will take us on a journey through time, from the origins of this fascinating tree to its adaptation, from the natural heritage it represents to its precious fruit.

From 3pm to 4.30pm:

• A flower arranging demonstration by Kévin Billard, from Maison Fiori in Nice and former florist and decorator at the Prince's Palace.

'Monaco in Bloom' window display competition - For the 56th annual competition, the Garden Club de Monaco is delighted to unveil a new event combining nature, creativity and a chance for everyone to get involved: the 'Monaco in Bloom' window display competition will bring an extra splash of colour to the Principality's shops between 5 and 11 May!

During this special week in May, the streets of the Principality will be transformed into a multicoloured floral paradise. The shops and businesses participating in this event will take inspiration from the beauty of flowers to design window displays that create a welcoming, spring-like atmosphere throughout the city.

Inspired by National Gardening Week in the United Kingdom, ‘Monaco in Bloom’ complements the Garden Club de Monaco's renowned floral design competition with a wider-ranging, more visible event designed to involve members of the business community and recognise the contributions of those who, through their efforts, help to enhance the beauty of our urban environment.

The most skilfully arranged and creative displays will be selected by judges from the Garden Club de Monaco and awarded prizes by H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover at the awards ceremony for the 56th International Bouquet Competition on 10 May.

Monaco in Bloom is open to all - residents, shopkeepers and visitors alike, bringing everyone together in the spirit of friendship and harmony to rediscover the joys of nature from the heart of the city.

The56thInternational Bouquet Competition - Under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and presided over by H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, the theme of this year's 56th edition of the International Bouquet Competition is 'Flowers in Motion'.

The categories for this theme are all 'free' and open to everybody (amateurs or professionals, designers or teachers, with the exception of the 'youth' category, which is reserved for children aged 6 to 14):

1. Multicoloured fireworks: large
2. A rose ball: table decoration
3. Pastel whirlwinds: on a pedestal
4. Monochrome swirls: alcove
5. A gust of wind sweeping through the garden: alcove
6. A wreath of flowers and leaves: wall decoration
7. A medley of flowers, fruit and vegetables: "youth" category 

Entries to the competition are open until 30 April 2025. Only a few places are remaining!

The competition rules are available on the Garden Club de Monaco website: https://www.gardenclubmonaco.com/monaco-concours-bouquets

The 'Special Panel' of judges presided over by H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover comprises leading figures from the world of arts and literature who will be awarding the Special Prizes.

The 'Official Panel’, comprised of judges, teachers, international authors and floral art specialists, will award the Gold, Silver and Bronze Insignia and the General Grand Prize, in addition to the Princess Grace of Monaco Prize.

Admission is free and open to all. Visitors can browse the displays on Saturday, 10 May, from 6pm to 7.30pm and on Sunday, 11 May, from 9.30am to 6pm.

For further information and to register, please contact:

The Garden Club de Monaco

Tel.: +377 93 30 02 04 / +377 (0)6 43 91 09 60

Email: gardenclub@monaco.mc

Website: www.gardenclubmonaco.com