As we prepare to launch our inaugural 2025 show, Fleurs de Villes LUNAIRE, in celebration of the Lunar New Year, at Westfield Valley Fair, let’s explore this iconic California destination.

Settled in 1777 as California’s first city, San Jose quickly rose in population and prosperity, boasting a culturally diverse population of which 40% is Hispanic (San Jose was, in fact, briefly part of Mexico). The city was immortalized in popular culture by Dionne Warwick’s iconic Grammy-winning song, “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” While the nostalgic 1968 song is about a starlet returning home after failing to make it in Hollywood, there are plenty of reasons to seek out this vibrant city with a rich horticultural history. Amidst its bustling tech industry (it’s nestled in Silicon Valley), San Jose boasts a plethora of gardens and parks (it even has a rose garden district) that provide serene escapes.

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MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN

One of the crown jewels of San Jose is the Municipal Rose Garden, a historic landmark considered by some to be the best rose garden in the United States. Established in 1927 in a former prune orchard, this 5.5-acre garden is a paradise for flower enthusiasts, featuring over 3,500 shrubs representing nearly 200 varieties of roses, 75% of which are hybrid-tea roses. The garden’s symmetrical layout, punctuated by a stunning central fountain, makes it a favourite spot for weddings and photoshoots. Visitors are greeted with a spectacular show of colours and fragrances, especially in spring and early summer when the roses are in full bloom. 

GUADALUPE RIVER PARK AND GARDENS

This unique park combines natural landscapes and trails with urban design, featuring the largest collection of heritage roses in the Western Hemisphere. With over 3,600 antique and modern rose varieties spanning an area the size of a city block, the Heritage Rose Garden, which will celebrate 30 years in spring of 2025,  is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving horticultural history. The collection was carefully curated, scouring old houses and cemeteries for rare or unidentified roses and painstakingly documenting them. These cuttings were supplemented with species from both American collectors and famous rose collections around the world, some tracing back to the 16th century.

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JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

San Jose’s Japanese Friendship Garden is another gem, inspired by Korakuen Garden in Okayama, Japan. This tranquil retreat showcases traditional Japanese landscaping, koi ponds, and cherry blossoms that bloom in a delicate spectacle each spring. The garden symbolizes the bond between San Jose and its sister city Okayama, reflecting cultural harmony through its meticulously designed pathways and serene ambiance.

Beyond public gardens, San Jose celebrates its agricultural roots through events like the Spring Garden Fair and Market, put on by the University of California Master Gardeners. Local hobbyists and horticulturalists gather to share their expertise and swap gardening tips. These events often feature heirloom plants, rare seeds, and gardening workshops, fostering a community that values sustainable practices and biodiversity.

San Jose’s floral allure extends to private gardens and community spaces, where plants like California poppies, lavender, and jasmine thrive. These blooms not only add to the city’s aesthetic appeal but also hold cultural and historical significance. For instance, the California poppy, the state’s official flower, symbolizes resilience and beauty – qualities that mirror the spirit of San Jose itself.

FLEURS DE VILLES COMES TO SAN JOSE

This January brings the premiere of Fleurs de Villes LUNAIRE – a fresh floral celebration of Lunar New Year. From January 29 - February 2, Westfield Valley Fair will host over 15 incredible fresh floral installations, including Fleurs de Villes’ iconic mannequins. Each floral display will honour Lunar New Year traditions and the spirit of the Year of the Snake, offering a breathtaking fusion of culture and floral artistry created by the Bay Area’s talented floral artists. Extend the LUNAIRE experience by visiting another incredible floral mannequin on display at the Hotel Valencia Santana Row. Grab a bite to eat in the gorgeous courtyard of their restaurant Oveja Negra and take in the Mediteranean-inspired architecture and landscaping.

We know the way to San Jose – we'll see you there!