Over the past six months, more than eight million people have learned about the importance of plants and gardens at the AIPH-approved 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo in the Republic of Korea.
The Expo’s theme, ‘Living In The Garden,’ was embodied in the pavilions and gardens created by national and international participants. Their hard work was celebrated in an Awards Ceremony during the AIPH 75th Annual Congress on 18 September.
All participants were judged twice, at the beginning and end of the Expo, by members of the AIPH Expos Committee and the Korean Association for the Advancement of Flora Culture, KAFC.
Congratulating the participants, the Chairman of the International Honorary Jury and Secretary General of AIPH, Tim Briercliffe, said: “As cities tackle the impacts of climate change and because of your contributions to this Expo, so many more people can appreciate why greening our cities makes the difference between surviving and truly living.
The jury was very impressed by the outdoor and indoor gardens we assessed. The plant and maintenance quality are very high, and for the gardens to look as good as this at the end of an Expo is an outstanding achievement. All those who designed and built these gardens can be very proud.”
The garden created by Ha Ju-ryeong won the Grand AIPH Prize with a garden titled Haemunuiwon (A Sun-Patterned Garden). Her garden was positioned to watch the sun rise and set over Suncheon Bay – symbolising the ever-changing cycle of life. Her planting scheme created a tranquil garden that provided solace and rejuvenation to the weariest souls, with the interplay of light and shadow, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the calming scent of the sea are all part of this mesmerising experience, which awakens the senses and restores the spirit.
AIPH President Mr Leonardo Capitanio commended all the participants and the Expo organisers, “AIPH is ‘the world’s champion for the power of plants’; so we are particularly pleased to see that the theme of this Expo has become a legacy for the city of Suncheon, in addition to the amazing Expo park and garden. The truth is that your Expo has given millions joy since it opened in April and will continue to give pleasure and inspiration for years and generations to come.”
The 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo officially closes on 31 October.
