UPDATE: A plaque honoring the late Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine, the visionary behind Canberra’s iconic Floriade, was unveiled in Commonwealth Park today, marking a significant tribute to his lasting legacy. The ceremony, attended by family and representatives from the Netherlands Embassy, commemorates the man whose idea transformed the city into a floral wonderland.
Just over a year after his passing on August 27, 2022, at the age of 83, Christiaan’s contributions to Canberra were recognized with a plaque placed on a bench overlooking the serene Nerang Pool. Very few of the hundreds of thousands who flock to the annual event know his name, but his impact on the city is undeniable.
Christiaan emigrated from the Netherlands in 1964 to study forestry in Australia. He later became a landscape architect for City Parks, where he proposed Floriade as a centerpiece for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. Working alongside horticultural manager Peter Sutton, he brought the first Floriade to life, which has since evolved into Canberra’s largest tourist attraction.
During the unveiling, Doris Verbraak from the Netherlands Embassy praised Christiaan’s dedication. “He and Peter worked tirelessly to create the first Floriade. The tulips had to be imported and underwent a quarantine period, underscoring the meticulous preparation that went into this breathtaking display,” she stated.
Attendees included family members, such as his wife Barbara and their children, who expressed gratitude for the recognition. Barbara suggested an information board detailing Christiaan’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of sharing his story with Floriade visitors.
As Floriade 2025 kicks off in Commonwealth Park, open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM until October 12, the event continues to draw crowds eager to experience the vibrant tulip displays that Christiaan helped establish.
In a conversation about potential future tributes, Hans van de Zandt, author of Tulips in the Capital, proposed a commemorative garden bed planted with tulips, paired with an informative sign to celebrate both Christiaan and Peter Sutton. “This would allow visitors to appreciate the beauty while learning about the remarkable individuals behind Floriade,” he suggested.
As Floriade thrives, the legacy of Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine lives on, reminding all of the power of one person’s vision to transform a community. Share this tribute to honor a man who turned a floral dream into a reality for Canberra!
