Pretty posies in a row

In spring, plant-lovers around the globe head out to revel in flower and garden shows. From London to Santa Barbara, the displays can inspire you to rethink your own green space or simply enjoy the transformative beauty of the petal. Here are four worth sampling.

Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show, March 9-11, celebrates collectors and commercial growers who display species rarely seen in the U.S. from Taiwan, Malaysia, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Brazil. Local growers will open their greenhouses to visitors on what’s called the Orchid Trail. Cost, info: sborchidshow.com.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne claims the title of the largest flower and garden show in the Southern Hemisphere. The five-day show, March 21-25, is a great place to observe the Aussie outdoor lifestyle. New this year is a Welcome Garden where visitors can kick back before touring flower arrangements and landscapes that fill the 19th century Royal Exhibition Building. Cost, info: Tickets cost $23. Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show; melbflowershow.com.au.

Portland, Ore.

Roses are revered in Portland with a months-long festival organized around the city’s Spring Rose Show, which takes place June 7 and 8. Festivities start with a competitive Rose City SingOff (April 7), followed by a fireworks show (May 25) and a Grand Floral Parade (June 9). Cost, info: Fee for some events. Spring Rose Show, www.rosefestival.org.

London

Green spaces will be infused with the power to heal at the massive Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place May 22-26. Ten avant-garde show gardens will include a Feel Good Garden, based on the belief that spending time amid greenery promotes well-being and health. Add to that floral displays by more than 90 nurseries. Cost, info: Tickets cost $51 to $90. Chelsea Flower Show, London; lat.ms/chelseaflow ershow.