A recent plaque unveiling in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park has paid tribute to the late Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine, the visionary behind the Floriade festival, which has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape. Born in the Netherlands, Slotemaker de Bruine moved to Australia in 1964 to pursue his studies in forestry. His journey led him to a significant role as a landscape architect, where his ideas would eventually bloom into one of Canberra’s most popular attractions.
The inaugural Floriade was launched in 1988 as part of the Australian Bicentenary celebrations. Slotemaker de Bruine proposed the event to showcase horticulture and celebrate the connection between Australia and the Netherlands, inspired by the famous Keukenhof gardens in his homeland. He collaborated closely with horticultural manager Peter Sutton to design and organize the first festival, which featured thousands of tulips and other flowers, attracting visitors from near and far.
The recent ceremony to honor Slotemaker de Bruine included family members, including his wife, Barbara de Bruine, and their children. The plaque, which has been placed on a bench overlooking Nerang Pool, serves as a humble acknowledgment of his lasting impact on Canberra’s tourism and community spirit.
Barbara de Bruine shared her reflections on her late husband, noting that he was not only a talented landscape architect but also a gifted artist. The couple raised two sons in Canberra, where they built a life filled with creativity and community involvement.
During the unveiling, Hans van de Zandt, author of “Tulips in the Capital,” spoke about the dedication Slotemaker de Bruine and Sutton demonstrated in bringing Floriade to life. He emphasized the extensive preparations required, including importing tulips from the Netherlands, which were subject to quarantine before they could be planted. This meticulous effort underscores the commitment to creating a breathtaking festival that has captivated audiences for over three decades.
Discussions at the event included various ideas for further honoring Slotemaker de Bruine’s legacy. While some suggested a statue, Barbara and van de Zandt expressed a preference for a more informative tribute, such as a commemorative garden bed filled with tulips accompanied by an educational information board. This would allow visitors to appreciate the beauty of the flowers while learning about the remarkable individuals who contributed to Floriade’s success.
Floriade 2025 is currently underway in Commonwealth Park, welcoming guests daily from 09:30 to 17:30 until October 12. As visitors explore the vibrant displays, they can also reflect on the enduring legacy of Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine, whose vision continues to inspire and beautify the Canberra landscape. The festival not only highlights horticultural excellence but also serves as a reminder of the contributions made by early migrants like Slotemaker de Bruine, who have helped shape Australia’s cultural identity.
