Southeast Asia’s largest horticultural exposition is returning to Chiang Mai, for 99 whole days, to celebrate the 84th birthday of HM King Bhumibol, HM the Queen’s 80th birthday and the Crown Prince’s 60th birthday next year. This year’s theme is greentitude, and the expo will feature new horticultural technology helping to reduce global warming and improve quality of life. The 470-rai space of Ratchapruek Park will be overgrown, so to speak, with mini gardens by more than 50 nations and organizations. Three new highlights this year are the Imagination Light Garden, where solar-cell plants will power interactive lights and sounds at night; Giant Flora Wheel, which offers aerial views of the entire garden and Kid’s Eco Park, designed to create awareness about nature among the young generations. A one-day ticket is B200 (50% off till Nov 8) at Thaiticketmajor.

More information and updates at www.royalflora2011.com.

UPDATE: The Royal Flora Ratchapruek is postponed until Dec 14.