Issue No. 06, Fall 2008:Flower Park and Mosaiculture
Giant fountain near the entrance
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Hamamatsu’s elaborate and spacious Flower Park has long been one of the city’s pride and joy – and next year it gets a real chance to show off. After having successfully hosting the "Pacific Flora" in 2004, Hamamatsu's next challenge will be the Mosaiculture 2009, a world class international event that is sure to draw visitors from all over the world.
The term “Mosaiculture” was coined in the late 1860’s by a French gardener in order to describe the art of creating simple geometric shapes through floral decoration and tapestry.
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Mosaiculture Bird in Flower Park
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After the Universal Exhibit in 1878, emblems and animal designs became popular throughout Europe until the end of the 19th century. At the end of the 20th century, Mosaiculture was revived in Montreal, Canada, and proved to be a great success in both Montreal and Shanghai. By combining the art style of mosaics with floral tapestry, this is an event where cities from around the world can present their culture and attractions through majestic floral sculptures.
Flower pool in Crystal Palace
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Even without the numerous horticultural sculptures that will be scattered around the area come September 2009, Hamamatsu's Flower Park already has many beautiful and innovative exhibits. These include animal shaped shrubbery, various themed gardens, and a large fountain in the center surrounded by geometric flower beds (and these are just the sights visible from the entrance gate). A bit further into park is a giant glass house known as the "Crystal Palace" that contains rooms with various types of flowers and vegetation. During the month of October, there was even a Halloween exhibit with giant pumpkins and a few costumes for anyone who wants to dress up and take a seasonal picture. Directly outside of the Crystal Palace, there is also a pool with giant lily pads that can carry the weight of small children. Other exhibits around the park include artificial waterfalls, numerous ponds, large grass areas, and a Japanese Iris garden.
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Mexican garden in Crystal Palace
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During Mosaiculture 2009, the Flower Park will host an International and Domestic Competition under the theme "The Symphony of People and Nature." This theme compliments Hamamatsu's status as a "city of music," and aims to create an event similar to a musical masterpiece where various elements can be bound together to produce an artistic expression of the relationship between man and nature.
The famous Hamamatsu
Unagi-inu
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Although the event is about a year away, there are already some signs of Mosaiculture sprouting up around the city. Recently, a sculpture has been built in front of City Hall, as well as an even bigger display in front of the north exit of Hamamatsu Station. Of course, there are also a few completed structures at the Flower Park, including a sculpture of Hamamatsu's signature character, the Unagi-inu (Eel-dog) at the front entrance.
Event: Hamamatsu International Mosaiculture 2009 (MIH2009)
Period: September 19th to November 23rd (66 days)
Venue: Hamamatsu Flower Park
